The Jayaparvati Vrat, also known as Vijaya Vrat, is primarily observed in Gujarat. This fast is mainly followed by married women and young girls. During this vrat,( fast) the worship of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva takes place. This challenging fast lasts for 5 days. Married women observe this vrat for the well-being of their married life, while young girls observe it with complete devotion in the hope of finding a suitable spouse.
Story of Jaya paravti vrat: Once upon a time, there was a Brahmin family consisting of a husband and wife. They were both religious and virtuous. They had everything they needed except for a child. The Brahmin couple continuously prayed to Lord Shiva for a child. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before them one day and said, "In the nearby forest, there is a statue of mine that no one worships. Go there and perform its puja." The Brahmin went to the forest as instructed by Lord Shiva and found the statue. He went in search of water and flowers to clean and adorn the statue. On the way, he was bitten by a snake and became unconscious. As a considerable amount of time passed, the Brahmin's wife started worrying. She searched for him and reached the forest, where she began to perform penance in front of the same statue of Lord Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva restored the Brahmin's health and sent him back safely. After some time, both of them were blessed with a precious gem of a son, and they started living a happy life. According to this story, anyone who observes this vrat (fast) is blessed with a fulfilled married life, and their children's lives remain joyful.
The Jaya Parvati Vrat, also known as Ashadhi Vrat, begins on the 13th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashadha (July) and concludes on the third day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). This vrat is observed for 5 days, starting from July 1st and ending on July 6th, which falls on a Tuesday. This vrat is observed continuously for 5, 7, 9, 11, or 20 years.
Jaya Parvati Vrat Start Date: July 1st Jaya Parvati Vrat End Date: July 6th Puja Muhurat: 19:12 to 21:18 (local time)
The importance of Jaya Parvati Vrat –Married women observe this vrat according to their wishes for a period of 5-20 years. During this time, they invite other women to their homes and offer them food. They apply kumkum and turmeric to each other and bless each other for a blissful married life. Unmarried girls who observe this vrat find their marriage happening soon and also receive the blessings of a prosperous and complete family.
On the first day of the vrat, place barley (wheat sprouts) in a deep vessel. You can set it up at home or in a temple. Make a thread or garland using cotton wool, which is called "Nagla". Now, every morning after taking a bath, pour water into the vessel containing barley for the next five days. Offer vermilion, flowers, and akshat (unbroken rice) and then offer the cotton wool garland,
Jaya Parvati Vrat Jagran – On the night before the completion of the vrat, a jagran (vigil) is observed throughout the night, with bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs) being sung. This is called Jaya Parvati Jagran. Even women and girls who observe the vrat consider it essential to stay awake on this night before the vrat concludes. During this time, dancing and singing also take place.
Jaya Parvati Vrat - What to do?
On the days of the vrat, wake up early and take a bath. Clean the house one day in advance. Prepare an idol of Lord Shiva and Parvati in a clay, gold, or silver vessel and place it in your home or temple. Do not bathe the idol with milk, curd, water, or honey. Apply kumkum (vermilion) and turmeric, offer coconut, prasad (religious offering), fruits, and flowers. Engage in the worship of Goddess Parvati. Follow this routine for five consecutive days and then break the fast by having a meal. On the last day, after the jagran (vigil), take a bath. Perform the worship of Shiva-Parvati and the vessel containing jowar (wheat) water. Then immerse it in a river. After the puja, the vrat is concluded, and you can eat everything.
Jaya parvati vrat food : During this vrat, you should avoid eating any items made with salt or wheat flour. All kinds of vegetables should be avoided as well. You can consume fruits, yogurt, milk, juices, and sweets made from milk during the vrat. On the last day of the vrat, after the temple puja, the vrat is broken by consuming roti, puri, and vegetables made with salt and wheat flour.
In Gujarat, this vrat is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This 5-day vrat is like a form of penance, which is challenging but highly rewarding. In Gujarat, girls start observing this vrat from a young age. During this time, the Gauri vrat is also observed in Gujarat, which lasts for 3 days and follows a similar worship ritual as this vrat. Married women should observe this vrat for a blissful life.