Uma Maheshvara Vrata is one of the Ashta Maha Vratas mentioned in Skanda Purana. The Vrata is observed on the fool moon day when the sun is shining on the Vruchchika (Scorpio sign) Rashi in the month of Kartika (mid November to mid December). This Vrata is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is observed for matrimonial harmony.
Myths of Uma-Maheshvara Vrata
According to the legends, a blind sage named Dhiranabindhu observed this Vrata to obtain beautiful eyes. The Vrata is so glorious that a lady observing this Vrata was able to revive her dead husband and they gave birth to a child and reached Shivaloka (Kailasa). Vishnu following this Vrata got many children. Brahma got married to Gayatri and Savitri. Indra got the son Jayantan. Vashishtha received Kamadhenu for doing this Vrata. Gautama got his son Sadananta Maharishi by the glory of this Vrata. Janaka got the daughter Sita. A dumb person called Sudharman who was mocked by the people about his foolishness, observed this Vrata with dedication. By the Lord`s blessing he got the blessings of goddess Saraswati and he became a pundit. The king Sindhusenan was chased away by the enemies. He observed this Vrata as per the recommendation of sage Agastya. On the Lord`s order kubera won back the kingdom for him and handed over to him. This Vrata gets to the observer the wealth and takes to the path of deliverance.
Rituals of Uma-Maheshvara Vrata
There is certain way of observing the Vrata. The devotee gets up early on that particular full moon day and finishes her daily duties first. Then the person worships the form of Uma Maheshvara made of gold or silver with various sacred materials. He/ she lightens the lamp and incense and offer the Naivedya (Food offerings) and aarti. Later the devotee goes to temple to do `Abhisheka` to Parvati and Parameshvara (other names of Uma Maheshvara), offer them `Panchamritam` i.e. fruits mixed with sugar and other substance. `Tambulam` is also offered to the god. The followers pray to the Lord making the gestures of salutations.
After returning back home, the devotee donates to the other followers of Lord Shiva. He/she eats only once a day or may eat fruits and sweets along with the other devotees. The idol of Uma Maheshvara is given to a Shivajnyani. One who observes this Vrata sincerely gets material benefits of the world and even would get the liberation after death.
Significance of Uma-Maheshvara Vrata
Uma-Maheshvara Vrata is observed for fulfilling of one"s desires and to free life from all sorrows and sadness. It has been recognized that the devotee of this Vrata gets all the material benefits in his/ her lifetime and afterwards achieve liberation. Uma-Maheshvara Vrata is also observed by couples for a happy and long married life. It brings wealth to the observer and gives them spiritual liberation as per the traditional beliefs.
