Karva Chauth 2023: Traditional tales behind this ancient festival
Married women in India today are celebrating Karva Chauth, a tradition that calls for observing a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the good health and safety of their husbands. It's an age-old tradition that is celebrated every year on the fourth day after Poornima (full moon) in the month of Kartik. Let's recall some popular tales behind this loving practice.
The story of Queen Veeravati
Queen Veeravati had seven brothers and spent her first Karva Chauth at her parents' house. She eagerly waited for the moonrise to break her fast. Seeing her suffering in hunger and thirst, her brothers placed a mirror and light behind a peepal tree, which she mistook for the Moon and broke her fast. As she did that, she learned about her husband's sudden demise.
Yama appeared and restored the king's life
Seeing the queen crying through the night, Yama, the god of death, appeared and told her how she was tricked by her brothers, which led to the king's death. Upon his advice, she repeated the fast and her husband came back to life.
The legend of Mahabharata
It is believed that Draupadi had also observed Karva Chauth when Arjuna went to the Nilgiris for penance with his Pandva brothers. However, on the way, they faced many grave challenges. Draupadi then remembered Lord Krishna for help, who told her to observe the fast, just like Goddess Parvati did to seek Lord Shiva's guidance. She followed the instructions and observed a fast.
The tale of Satyavan and Savitri
When Yama arrived to claim her husband Satyavan's soul, Savitri implored him to spare his life. Yama initially refused, but Savitri, displaying unwavering determination, commenced a fast and followed the god of death. Impressed by her resolve, Yama granted her a boon, for children. However, she cleverly questioned how she could have children if her husband died. Yama was compelled to restore Satyavan's life.
The legend of Karva
A woman named Karva was in deep love with her husband, so much so that she acquired spiritual power for her love and dedication. One day, when her husband was bathing in a river, he was killed by a crocodile. Anguished, she asked Yama to send the crocodile to hell for killing her husband, however, he refused. Karva threatened to curse him.
The fear of being cursed had Yama change his decision
As Yama became afraid of Karva since she was a spiritually gifted woman, he changed his decision by sending the crocodile to hell and blessed Karva's husband with a long life. Together, the duo enjoyed many blissful years of love and togetherness.
