Gauri fast Gujarat

Gauri Vrat is a significant observance celebrated in Gujarat and other eastern regions. This five-day vrat begins on Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha and concludes on the day of Guru Purnima. During this vrat, Goddess Parvati is worshipped. Gauri Vrat is primarily observed by unmarried girls to find a desired life partner. Girls who observe this vrat with devotion receive the blessings of Goddess Parvati, ensuring a suitable match and overcoming obstacles in marriage. For girls facing delays in marriage, observing Gauri Vrat is highly recommended. It is not necessary that only unmarried girls can perform this vrat; married women can also observe it to pray for their husband’s longevity and for a happy married life.

Worship method of fasting

On the day of Gauri Vrat, wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes before taking the vow to observe the fast. On the first day, begin the vrat by setting up an idol or picture of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on a sacred platform. Beside the platform, create an elephant out of sand or clay, and plant some wheat or barley seeds in a clay pot or vessel, placing it at the worship area. Offer water, rice grains, flowers, roli (red powder), and a nagla (a type of garland made from cotton, decorated with kumkum) to the vessel where the seeds are planted. Offer flowers, fruits, rice grains, dhatura (a sacred plant), kumkum, milk, yogurt, panchamrit (a mixture of five ingredients), and other offerings to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and also to the elephant. Pray sincerely, offer food to the deities, perform the aarti, and pray for your happiness and prosperity. Fast throughout the day, and in the evening, after performing the aarti, you may eat fruits or other allowed foods. Repeat this worship process daily during the vrat.

On the concluding day, after the worship, if possible, stay awake at night singing hymns and performing kirtan (devotional songs). The next day, immerse the sand elephant and wheat plants in a holy river or water body, as it provides food to aquatic life, earning you merit. Finally, feed poor children and donate items they need according to your capacity, as doing so pleases Goddess Parvati and brings her special blessings.

Rules of fasting

The Gauri Vrat, which begins on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha and concludes on the day of Guru Purnima, is as rewarding as it is rigorous. During this period, the rituals must be performed with full devotion and adherence to the prescribed guidelines. Additionally, it is important to avoid bad company and refrain from any wrongdoing while observing the vrat. As much as possible, chant the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra during the fast. When taking the vow of the vrat, keep in mind that the consumption of grains and salt is strictly prohibited throughout the duration of the vrat.

Significance of Gauri Vrat

Unmarried girls who observe the Gauri Vrat with discipline and devotion receive the blessings of Goddess Parvati, leading to the attainment of a suitable life partner or the fulfillment of their desires for which they undertake the fast. Similarly, when married women observe this vrat, they are blessed with marital bliss and unbroken good fortune. Those who observe the vrat with full devotion and strictly follow its rigorous rules receive the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, resulting in the birth of healthy and virtuous children. Additionally, it helps in overcoming conflicts and obstacles within the household.

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