Uma Maheshwar Vrat is the festival ascribed to the worship of Bhagwan Shiv and Sri Parvathi Devi. This Vrat is observed on the Paurnami day of Bhadra Padha month. It also marks the commencement of pithru paksh period which will last till Mahalaya Amavasya.
Uma Maheshwar Vrat occurs on Wednesday, 18th September 2024. The exact duration of Paurnami Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional Calendars.
As per the legend, once Sage Durvasa had visited Vaikunt after having the darshan of Bhagwan Shiv at Mount Kailash. When he reached Vaikunt, he had offered the Vilva Mala given by Bhagwan Shiv to Sri Vishnu. Sri Vishnu had taken it and playfully put it around the neck of Garuda.
Sage Dhurva was incensed and cursed that Sri Vishnu be deprived of all including His Lakshmi. Sri Vishnu told Dhurvasa not to get angry over a small thing. Anyway, as the curse could not be taken back, He had asked the Muni to show the way to alleviate the curse.
Sage Dhurvasa had suggested to Sri Vishnu to observe Uma Maheshwara Vrat by doing Puja to Sri Shiv and Sri Parvathy. Sri Vishnu had done the puja thereby showing to the universe as to how to alleviate ill effects of mistakes.
As for procedure, devotees rise early in the morning; the puja place is decked up with flowers; the picture / vigraha of Bhagwan Shiv and Sri Parvathi Devi is kept; the Deities are adorned with Chandan, haldi and Kumkum; archana is done to the Deities with vilva leaves and flowers; simple sattvic food is offered as Neivedyam; after Aarthi, the Neivedyam is offered to others and partaken.
Giving donations to the poor and needy on this day is considered auspicious.
Women observe this Vrat for the health and welfare of their family members and for unity in the family.
It may be noted that Uma Maheshwar Vrat is also observed on Karthika Paurnami in some regions. In some places, it is observed on the Shukla Paksha Trithiya of Margashira month.
Om Nama Shivaya!!!
