Jaya Parvati Vrat falls on the twelfth day of the bright half of Ashada in
North Indian Hindu Calendar.
The legend behind the origin of this vrat is that there was a Brahmin couple who had no children. They worshiped Lord Shiva in the temple and the lord was pleased with them. The revelation of the Lord told them that there is a Shiva Linga at a certain place in the forest, lost and revered by none. It added that the linga should be found out and to be worshipped in order to fulfill the wishes. The couples found the linga and the Brahmin went in search for flowers to perform puja where he was bitten by a snake and fell into an unconscious state. The wife prayed for her husband’s life. The Lord was pleased in her devotion and brought back her husband to consciousness. Later the couples prayed at the linga and they were blessed with a son.
Jaya Parvati Vrat lasts for five to seven days. On this period, one has to avoid the usage of salt, wheat products and vegetables. The women invite other women to their house for meal. Uma Maheshwari Puja is also performed. This vrat is significant in bringing happiness to a family and a good husband to the woman.
[Source all india (80) 21-Apr-05]
