Eternal Marital Bliss and Love

Every year, on the fourth day—Chaturthi—of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) in the Kartik month, married women observe a strict fast, not even drinking water. They pray to Ma Karwa for happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and their spouse's long life. This auspicious occasion is Karva Chauth.

'Karwa' refers to an earthen water pot (Kalash), used for the Karwa Chauth Puja. After the completion of rituals, this Karwa is donated with prayers for the family's well-being and prosperity. Karwa Chauth has been observed since the time of the Mahabharat.

The Pandavas were going through a difficult phase. After Arjuna left for   the Nilgiri mountains for intense penance, the other Pandavas (his brothers)  encountered life-threatening challenges. Worried for their safety, Draupadi sought Lord Krishna's guidance.

Sri Krishna reminded her that in ancient times, Ma Parvati had also sought Lord Shiva's guidance in a similar manner. Mahadev had advised her to observe the Karwa Chauth Vrat. Following Sri Krishna's advice, Draupadi performed the fast, observing all rituals with devotion. As a result, the Pandavas overcame all challenges and emerged victorious.

On Karwa Chauth, women listen to the Vrat Katha with devotion and then complete their fast. Karwa Chauth, also known as Karak Chaturthi, has several associated legends, one of the most popular being the tale of Veeravati.

In Shukraprasthapur (present-day Delhi), a learned Brahmin named Ved Sharma lived with his wife, Lilavati. They had seven courageous sons and a beautiful daughter called Veeravati. The brothers deeply loved their sister. On reaching marriageable age, Veeravati was married to a scholarly Brahmin.

After marriage, in the Kartik month, Veeravati observed the Karwa Chauth fast along with her sisters-in-law (her brother's wives). She bathed in the evening and devoutly drew the image of a banyan tree (Vatvriksha) depicting Lord Shiv, Sri  Ganesh, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Gauri beneath it. With reverence, she performed the puja and listened to the Vrat Katha. Then, she waited for moonrise to offer Arghya (water offering).

Meanwhile, due to hunger and thirst, Veeravati fainted. Worried, one of her brothers climbed a banyan tree nearby and created the illusion of the moon by placing a burning lamp behind a sieve (chalni). It seemed as if the moon had risen. Believing it to be true, Veeravati completed her rituals and broke her fast.

However, since the fast was broken before the actual moonrise, her husband soon died. Filled with grief and remorse, Veeravati prayed to Lord Shiva with deep devotion and observed a year-long fast. The following year, she sincerely performed the Karwa Chauth fast again, following all rituals.

That day, accompanied by Apsaras (celestial maidens), Indrani herself descended from heaven to observe the Karak Chaturthi Vrat with Veeravati. 

Veeravati told Indrani, "I observed the Karwa Chauth Vrat faithfully, yet my husband died. I don't know which action brought about such a fate. O Divine Mother, since you have appeared here out of grace, please help me by reviving my husband."

Indrani explained how the previous year, Veeravati had offered Arghya before the actual moonrise. Therefore, her husband's death was inevitable. However, she assured that if Veeravati observed the fast as per proper Vidhi (procedure), her husband would come back to life. Veeravati followed all rituals, and pleased with her devotion, Indrani revived her husband.

As a result of her unwavering faith  Veeravati's husband was blessed with a long life, wealth, and prosperity.

On Karwa Chauth, devotees worship Devi Gauri (Ma Parvati), Lord Shiv, and Sri Ganesh. Ma Parvati is regarded as the symbol of eternal marital bliss, as she got united with Lord Shiv in every incarnation. Therefore, on Karwa Chauth, married women seek Ma Parvati's blessings—through the moon— for the same marital bliss.

The Chaturthi moon, blessed by Lord Ganesha, brings healing and long life to worshippers.

Apart from its religious and spiritual significance, Karwa Chauth also strengthens social bonding among women. It provides married women an opportunity to gather, support one another, and celebrate together in devotion and joy.

Apart from its religious and spiritual significance, Karwa Chauth also strengthens social bonds among women. It provides married women an opportunity to gather, support one another, and celebrate festivals with devotion and joy.

In some parts of India, the giving of Sargi holds great significance. Sargi is a pre-dawn meal prepared and lovingly offered by the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law as a symbol of her affection and blessings. It provides the necessary energy to sustain the day-long fast and is consumed (by the one fasting) after taking an early morning bath. This beautiful tradition represents the relationship of mutual love, care, and respect between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.