History of deepavali

Kedhara Gowri vradham familiarly known as Deepavali (Diwali) is celebrated throughout India in a grand manner. Without Caste creed, rich - poor differences people obeserve this festival. Infact very few people know that it is one of the important Saivite vratas. Brungi rishi is a great Shiva bhaktha. When he prays to Lord, he prays only to Lord Shiva and ignores Shakti. Angered by his act Shakti devi removed the energy from his body. He was not able to stand. He prayed to Lord Shiva. God gave him a stick to support his body. Shakti wanted to become part of Lord's body. She observed the Kedhara vrata, one of Gods favorite vratas. Pleased by Her austerities God gave the left part of His body to shakti and became Ardhanaareeshwara(1). The vrata is then called Kedhara Gauri vrata since Gowri observed it.

When observed

This kedhara vrata is observed for twenty one days starting from Shukla paksha ashtami (Eighth moonday in its growing phase) in the month of Āśvina / Purattaachi (mid Sep to mid Oct). The final day (Deepavali) also should be observed in great devotion.

How to observe this vratam

Mantras to perform this Puja (Puja vidhaanam)

Install Lord Kedhaareeshvaraswami in a filled pot (kalasham). Make a roof (Mantapa) above the kalasham. Make vrata threads - 21 fibers having 21 knots. The 16 courtesy worship has to be done for 21 days starting from the Āśvina (Purattasi) Shukla paksha dasami to  Amarapaksha  (Deepavali) Amaavaasya. On the culmination day (21st) in a clean decorated area devotionally install the kalasham over the grains spread in a banana leaf and offer various food and fruits to the Lord as offering and donate to others.

The Glory of the Kedāra-vrata

(From the Śrīkaṇṭha Purāṇa — Upadeśa Kāṇḍa)

Then the venerable sage Sūta Mahāmuni spoke to the assembly of sages headed by Śaunaka and said:

“O venerable sages!
Now I shall reveal to you the sacred greatness of the Kedāra-vrata, the vow that is the very cause of all auspiciousness (sarva-kalyāṇa-kāraṇa).

Observance of the Vrata

This holy observance, known as the Kedāra-vrata, is to be commenced on the eighth lunar day (aṣṭamī) of the bright fortnight (śukla pakṣa) in the month of Puratāsi (Āśvina).
It is to be observed with due devotion and prescribed discipline for a period of twenty-one days.

On the concluding day, one must perform the sacred rites with full observance of purity, and partake of food only in accordance with the established injunctions.

The Fruits of the Vow

Whoever undertakes this vow, which grants the fulfilment of all cherished desires (sarvābhīṣṭa-siddhi), shall enjoy every form of happiness and prosperity in this world, and ultimately attain liberation (mokṣa) at the end of life.

Examples from the Ancient Times

In ancient times, Śrī Gaurī Devī performed this very vrata, and by the merit of her austerities obtained half of Lord Śiva’s form, thus becoming the inseparable half of the Supreme Lord — Ardhanārīśvara.

Likewise, Lord Viṣṇu, by the power of this vow, became the ruler of Vaikuṇṭha; and Lord Brahmā attained the celestial swan (haṁsa) as his vehicle.

The Aṣṭadikpālakas, the eight guardians of the directions, also performed this sacred vow and were instantly freed from a curse once pronounced upon them by Lord Brahmā.

Blessings Bestowed upon Devotees

Two pious and virtuous women named Bhāgyavatī and Puṇyavatī observed this vrata and, through its grace, were endowed with immeasurable prosperity and divine happiness.

A noble and righteous brāhmaṇa, devoted to Lord Umāpati, performed this vow and was blessed with a hundred incomparable sons.
He caused his sons also to undertake this sacred observance; and, after long life and abundant enjoyment of worldly blessings, he ascended to Śivaloka and attained eternal liberation.

Conclusion

In this way, countless devotees have observed this Kedāra-vrata, so dear to Lord Gaurīnātha, and have attained supreme liberation.

Therefore, whoever reads or listens to this sacred account of the Kedāra-vrata Mahimā shall, after enjoying every form of happiness in this world, finally attain the incomparable state of eternal liberation (mokṣa).

See Also:
1. கேதார விரத மகிமை
2. Kedhara vradha Puja - in Tamil
3. Puja procedure for Kedharagauri vratam
4. Ardhanaarishvara
5. Kedharam padhikam - Sambandhar
6. Kedharam padhikam - Sundarar