We would strive to ignore all of the mythology and glitz that have been added to Karwa Chauth rites, primarily through movies and television shows. However, we acknowledge and credit film with popularising Karwa Chauth not just in India but also among all Indians around the world.
Dharamasindhu, Nirnayasindhu, and Vratraj, among other holy texts, refer to Karwa Chauth as Karak Chaturthi. Karak and Karwa both allude to a miniature pitcher used during Puja and presented as charity or Dan for the family’s well-being. Only women have the privilege to fast on Karwa Chauth, according to the scriptures. Fasting on Karwa Chauth is done not just for the husband’s health and long life, but also for the family’s sons, grandsons, wealth, and eternal prosperity.
Karwa Chauth falls on the same day as Sankashti Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha’s fasting day. Lord Shiva and His family, including Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya, are worshipped on Karwa Chauth. During the Puja, Goddess Parvati, as Akhand Saubhagyavati, is worshipped first, followed by Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya, and Lord Ganesha. On the day of Karwa Chauth, women also adore Goddess Gaura and Chauth Mata, who represent Goddess Parvati herself.
Karwa Chauth Sankalp
On the day of fasting, women should take the Sankalp commitment to keep the fast for the sake of their spouse and family after taking a morning bath. During Sankalp, it is also said that the fasting would be without food or water and that the fast will be broken when the moon is seen. While accepting the vow, say the following mantra:
मम सुखसौभाग्य पुत्रपौत्रादि सुस्थिर श्री प्राप्तये करक चतुर्थी व्रतमहं करिष्ये।
Meaning – It means “I would observe the fasting of Karak Chaturthi for the wellbeing of the husband, sons, and grandsons and to gain fixed wealth”.
Karwa Chauth Puja
The finest time to perform Karwa Chauth Puja, according to Vratraj, is during Sandhya time, which begins after sunset. As a result, after you’ve picked the location for your city, make a note of the Karwa Chauth Puja timings in your city.
The purpose of the Karwa Chauth Puja is to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati. To worship Mata Parvati, women can draw Goddess Gaura and Chauth Mata on the wall or utilise the Chauth Mata image on the printed Karwa Chauth Puja Calendar. Goddess Parvati is represented by Goddess Gaura and Chauth Mata. During Parvati Puja, the following mantra should be recited:
नमः शिवायै शर्वाण्यै सौभाग्यं संतति शुभाम्। प्रयच्छ भक्तियुक्तानां नारीणां हरवल्लभे॥
Meaning – It means “O beloved consort of Lord Shiva, please bestow long life of the husband and beautiful sons to your women devotees”. After Goddess Gaura, Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha are worshipped.
The Story of Karwa Chauth Mahatamya, also known as the epic of Karwa Chauth fasting, is usually narrated by ladies performing Puja in a group.
Karwa should be offered as charity to a Brahmin or an eligible woman after Puja. Water or milk should be poured into the Karwa or Karak, and precious stones or coins should be placed inside. Karwa should be given to a Suhagan or Brahmin woman. While donating Karwa, repeat the following mantra:
करकं क्षीरसम्पूर्णा तोयपूर्णमथापि वा। ददामि रत्नसंयुक्तं चिरञ्जीवतु मे पतिः॥
Meaning – It means “O milk filled Karwe with precious stones; I donate you so that my husband is long-lived”.
Worship Chandra
Women should wait for the moon to rise after Puja. Women should worship God Chandra and break their fast after giving an offering to him.
