In North India, married women observe the Karva Chauth fast for the health, prosperity, and long life of their husbands. It is a nirjala vrat — a fast kept without food or water — observed from sunrise until moonrise. After sighting the moon at night, women break their fast and pray for their husband’s well-being. During the evening puja, they listen to the sacred Karva Chauth stories, which hold deep spiritual and cultural significance.
There are four popular legends linked with this festival, and listening to them is considered highly auspicious. Here’s a brief look at each one:
1. The Tale of Karva Devi
This legend tells the story of Karva Devi, a courageous woman deeply devoted to her husband. One day, while her husband was bathing in a river, he was attacked by a crocodile. Karva bravely tied the crocodile with cotton thread and prayed to Lord Yama, the god of death, to spare her husband’s life. Touched by her love and devotion, Yama granted her husband a long life. Since then, it is believed that women who observe the Karva Chauth fast in Karva Devi’s name are blessed with the same protection and longevity for their husbands.
2. The Story of Queen Veeravati
Once, there lived a beautiful and devoted queen named Veeravati, who was the only sister of seven affectionate brothers. On her first Karva Chauth after marriage, she observed the nirjala vrat for her husband’s long life. As the day went on, she became weak and fainted. Unable to bear her suffering, her brothers created a false moon using a mirror and lamplight, tricking her into believing that the moon had risen. Veeravati broke her fast — but this act brought tragedy, as her husband soon died.
Heartbroken, she prayed with full devotion, and Goddess Indrani, wife of Lord Indra, appeared before her. The goddess advised her to keep the Karva Chauth fast every month. With time, her deep faith and penance moved Lord Yama, who restored her husband’s life.
3. Karva Chauth in the Mahabharata
The Mahabharata also refers to the observance of Karva Chauth. When Arjuna went to meditate in the Nilgiri mountains, Draupadi grew anxious for his safety. She turned to Lord Krishna for guidance. Krishna told her that Goddess Parvati once kept a similar fast for Lord Shiva’s safety and advised Draupadi to do the same. She followed his instructions with full faith, and her prayers not only protected Arjuna but also brought success to the Pandavas in their battle against the Kauravas.
4. The War Between Gods and Demons
In ancient times, a terrible war broke out between the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons). The gods were repeatedly defeated, causing great distress. Their worried wives approached Lord Brahma for help. Brahma advised them to observe a strict fast on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik to pray for their husbands’ victory and safety.
The divine consorts observed the fast with deep devotion, and as a result, the gods triumphed over the demons.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
