Jaya Parvati Vrat

Jaya Parvati Vrat is a ritual observed by married women, particularly in Gujarat and other western parts of India, with much pomp and fanfare. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the vrat begins on the 13th day in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashada, that is, in July. The fast is observed for five or seven consecutive days. The main idea behind performing this ritual is for the well being of the family and for a happy, peaceful and prosperous conjugal life ahead. Read through the following lines to learn more about Jayaparvati Vrat and how it is observed.

How To Observe Jayaparvati Vrat
It is believed that a Brahmin couple was a true devotee of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They were well-satisfied with their life, with the exception of a child. They worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati every day in the temple. Amused by the couple's dedication, Lord Shiva appeared in their dream and asked them to visit a nearby dense forest and worship the unknown Shivling present there. The Brahmin couple set out in the forest in search of the Shivling. On finding it, they cleaned it thoroughly for worshipping. However, when the husband went out to get flowers or the puja, he was bitten by a snake on the way and fell unconscious.

Worried, the wife started praying for her husband's life at the Shivling. The true loyalty and faithfulness of the Brahmin woman melted Shiva and Parvati. Thus, they brought back her husband to consciousness. Hence, the couple continued praying and eventually, was blessed with a healthy son. Since then, Jaya Parvati Vrat is observed by all married women for a long married life and healthy children. While observing the fast, salt, wheat products and vegetables are completely restricted. Pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, such as Uma Maheshwar puja, are performed during this entire fasting period.

On the first day of the Jaya Parvati Vrat, javera (wheat seeds) are sown in a small bowl or pot and kept boy the temple in the house. A 'nagla' or a necklace made from cotton wool and decorated with kanku spots is placed around the edge of the pot to encircle the javera. Every morning, the married women bath and perform puja around the javera while watering it. In the course of five days, the javera seeds will sprout and grow. On the fifth day, a full night jagran, or vigil, is arranged by all those observing the Jaya Parvati Fast. This all night awakening is called Jayaparvati Jagran. The fast is broken by consuming wheat and salt on the final day of the vrat.