Vishveshvar Vrat is ascribed to the worship of Bhagwan Shiv. It occurs on the third day of Bhishma Panchak. It invariably falls on the Pradosham day preceding Kartika Purnima.
The ensuing Vishveshvar Vrat occurs on Thursday, 14th November 2024. The exact occurrence and the duration of the Vrat has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
It is believed that the Vrat has its origins at the place named Yeluru in Karnataka. As per the legend, the place was ruled by the King Kunda of Kuthar Dynasty. He once had invited Sage Bhargav to his kingdom.
However, the Sage had refused to come. When the King pleaded with him, the Sage said that he could not come to the place due to the absence of Bhagwan Shiv temple in the vicinity and that he had to perform puja to Sri Vishveshvar during Bhishma Panchak.
King Kunda then did a sincere penance on Bhagwan Shiv and when He appeared, he asked Him to be present in his Kingdom. Bhagwan had consented.
Meanwhile, the King had ascertained that there was a Swayambu Shiv Ling in the place. As per the belief, a tribal woman had lost her child and was searching for it in the forest. She was searching through the branches of a tree and was cutting the wood to clear her path. Suddenly she saw blood oozing out from the tree and she thought that her child was hidden there and mistakenly she had injured her son.
Seeing her heartfelt cry, Bhagwan Shiv had appeared before her and assured her of the Child’s safety. He remained there in the form of Shiv Ling with the wound mark caused by the tribal woman’s axe.
The kid’s name was Yela and hence the place was called as Yeluru. King Kunda came to know about this place and built Sri Vishveshvar temple there.
The devotees rise early in the morning and take holy bath. They worship Bhagwan Shiv by way of Abhishek, Archana and puja with Bilva leaves. The Slokams invoking Bhagwan Shiv are chanted.
Some devotees even observe fasting for the whole day.
Observation of this Vrat is believed to alleviate negativity in the household and fulfillment of the ardent wishes, health, wealth and prosperity.
Conducting Rudrabbhishekam to Bhagwan Shiv on this day is considered auspicious.
