Gandhinagar: Jaya Parvati Vrat, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, starts today in Gujarat. This year, the vrat begins on 19th July and will end on 24th July, lasting for five days. Unmarried girls observe the Jaya Parvati Vrat to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati and God Shiv to find a virtuous husband. Married women observe this Vrat for the good fortune and health of their husband and children. 

The fast begins on the Ashadh Sud Teras (13th day) and ends on the Ashadh Vad Trij (3rd day). During the Vrat, devotees abstain from salty foods and grains. Each day, devotees visit the Mandir to worship Shiv-Parvati. The ritual includes daily Puja offering milk, water, and Prasad to the Shiv-Parvati. Devotees also offer a cotton wool necklace with kumkum to Goddess Parvati. 

Some devotees sow wheat seeds on the puja altar, worship it for five days, and immerse grown wheatgrass in the river on the sixth day. On the fifth day, an all-night Jagaran is observed with bhajans and aartis, symbolizing spiritual awakening and devotion. 

Unmarried girls and married women observe this fast for at least five years, with some extending it up to twenty years. According to the Puranas, this Vrat grants the boon of being “Akhand Saubhagyavati” and improves children’s health. Goddess Parvati first performed this Vrat to get God Shiv as her husband. Later, Goddess Sita worshipped Goddess Parvati, who blessed her with her desired groom. DeshGujarat