Kedhaara gowri vratham start 2026

Kedara Gowri Vratham Begins: 21 Days of Shiva-Parvati Worship

The Kedara Gowri Vratham begins on Ashwayuja Shukla Dashami, the day of Vijayadashami. For twenty-one days devotees worship Lord Kedareswara and Goddess Gowri, and they conclude the vratam on Ashwayuja Amavasya, the day of Deepavali. In Telugu homes it is known as Kedareswara Vratam or the Kedarala Nomu.

Background

The vrata katha says that Goddess Parvati, wishing to become one half of Shiva, observed this vratam for twenty-one days on the advice of the sage Gautama, and Shiva became Ardhanarishwara as a result. The name is linked to Lord Kedaranatha of the Himalayas. Beginning with the victory of Dasara and ending with the lights of Deepavali, the vratam celebrates the union of Shiva and Shakti.

What to Do on the First Day

• Bathe on Vijayadashami morning, clean the puja room and take the vrata sankalpam.
• Place an image of Kedareswara or a Shiva Lingam with Goddess Gowri on the altar and decorate with turmeric, kumkum and flowers.
• Prepare a thread of 21 strands for the thoram; many families add one knot each day.
• Each day light a lamp, chant the Shiva Ashtottaram or Panchakshari and offer simple naivedyam.
• On Deepavali, the final day, perform the main puja with 21 kinds of fruits and sweets and tie the thoram.

Vratam Rules

During the vratam, satvik food, cleanliness and avoiding non-vegetarian food and alcohol are important. Some take only one meal a day. Many Telugu families observe the Kedareswara Vratam only on Deepavali day rather than for 21 days. Whichever form you follow, devotion and discipline matter most, so check your family custom with elders.

Blessings

The vratam is believed to bring affection between couples, blessings for children, family unity and prosperity. Elders say that anything begun on Vijayadashami is crowned with success.

By the grace of Shiva and Parvati, may this vratam fill every home with peace and happiness.