Karwa Chauth is a significant festival celebrated by women in India with great enthusiasm. It is a fast observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Let’s look at the Scriptural aspects of this festival.
According to the Narada Purana Purva Bhaag Chaturth paad chapter no 113, Kartik Krishna Chaturthi is known as ‘Karkachaturthi’ (Karva Chauth). This sacred fast is exclusively for women. The ritual involves women taking a bath, adorning themselves with clothes and jewelry, and worshipping Bhagwan Ganesh. They place ten earthen pots filled with sweets in front of the deity and offer them with a pure heart, praying for Bhagwan Ganesh’s blessings. After this, they distribute the pots to married women. At night, after moonrise, they offer water to the moon and then break their fast with sweets. This fast is traditionally observed for sixteen or twelve years, after which it can be concluded, or women may continue it for lifelong marital bliss.
As per Vrata utsava Chandrika 8.1 (Bharat Dharma Press), Karva Chauth is connected with the story of Mahabharat. It narrates a story where Draupadi, troubled by various obstacles in the absence of Arjuna, prayed to Bhagwan Krishna for a solution. Krishna Ji advised her to observe the Karva Chauth fast, as Parvati had once done on Mahadev’s advice to overcome all obstacles.
In another story, a Brahmin named Vedasharma lived in Indraprastha with his wife Leelavati and their seven sons and a daughter named Veeravati. Veeravati observed the Karva Chauth fast but broke it prematurely due to hunger, leading to her husband’s death. She then observed a strict fast for a year, and on the next Karva Chauth, with the help of Indrani, she revived her husband. This story emphasizes the importance of completing the fast properly for marital bliss.
Sage Suta narrated that when Draupadi observed this fast, the Pandavas emerged victorious over the Kauravas. Therefore, women seeking prosperity and marital happiness should observe this fast.
Karwa Chauth is a fast that is exclusively observed by women. In our Sanatan Dharma, women hold a special place. As stated in the Manusmriti (3.56):
“Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devatah. Yatraitaastu na pujyante sarvaastatraaphalaah kriyaah.”
This means: “Gods reside where women are worshipped, and where they are not revered, all actions become fruitless.” Therefore, it is essential to always ensure that women are respected and honored.
This verse highlights the importance of women in our traditions and the divine blessings that come from honoring them. It reminds us to always be mindful of respecting women’s power and dignity.