Kedhaara gowri vratham end 2026

Kedara Gowri Vratham Ends: Kedareswara Puja on Deepavali

The Kedara Gowri Vratham concludes on Ashwayuja Bahula Amavasya, the day of Deepavali. Devotees who began the 21-day observance on Ashwayuja Shukla Dashami complete it with a special puja to Lord Kedareswara and Goddess Gowri. In Telugu homes it is also called Kedareswara Vratam or the Kedarala Nomu.

The Vrata Katha

The vrata story tells that the sage Bhringi worshipped only Lord Shiva and ignored Goddess Parvati. Hurt, Parvati resolved to become one half of Shiva. On the advice of the sage Gautama she performed the Kedara Vratam with devotion for twenty-one days. Pleased, Shiva gave her half of his body and became Ardhanarishwara. The vratam is therefore seen as a blessing for married harmony and family unity.

Puja on the Final Day

• Take an early oil bath on Deepavali morning, decorate the puja area and set up a kalasham.
• Invoke Kedareswara and Gowri on the kalasham or in the form of a Shiva Lingam.
• Worship a sacred thread of 21 strands with 21 knots (thoram) and tie it on the right wrist.
• Offer 21 kinds of fruits and sweets such as ariselu, along with betel leaves and nuts.
• Read the vrata katha, offer mangala harathi and give vayanam to married women.

Vratam Rules

During the vratam days many families eat simple satvik food and fast on the final day until the puja is complete. Some families observe the vratam only on Deepavali day instead of all 21 days. In many homes this nomu passes down the generations and, once begun, is kept every year, so follow your family's custom as guided by elders.

Blessings

The vratam is believed to bring affection between husband and wife, peace and prosperity at home. Coming together with Deepavali Lakshmi Puja, it is said to double the auspiciousness of the day.

May Lord Kedareswara and Mother Gowri bless every family with harmony and joy.