Karwa Chauth is one of the most cherished festivals for married Hindu women, symbolizing love, devotion, and prayers for their husbands’ long life. Women fast the entire day without food or water and break the fast only after sighting the moon. A unique part of this ritual is that women view their husband’s face through a sieve after offering prayers to the moon. But why is this tradition followed, and why is looking directly at the moon avoided on this day?
Viewing the Husband’s Face Through a Sieve
According to tradition, the sieve used during Karwa Chauth has many tiny holes. When a woman looks at the moon through the sieve, the reflection multiplies. Viewing her husband’s face through the same sieve is believed to multiply his lifespan and blessings. This is why the ritual is considered incomplete without this symbolic act.
Origin And Significance Of Karwa Chauth Fast
Over the centuries, several legends and folk tales have explained the origin and significance of this fast. Here are some of the most popular stories associated with Karwa Chauth:
The Prajapati Daksha Story
The Puranas mention a story about Prajapati Daksha cursing the Moon, saying that anyone who saw it would be disgraced. The Moon, distressed, sought Lord Shiva’s help. Lord Shiva decreed that though the Moon would not be seen on most Chaturthi days, sighting it on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of Kartik month (Karwa Chauth) would bring freedom from sins and blessings to devotees.
The Story of Queen Veeravati
A beautiful queen named Veeravati, the only sister of seven caring brothers, once observed a nirjala vrat (fast without food and water) for her husband’s well-being. As the day passed, weakness overcame her, and she fainted. Her brothers, unable to see her suffering, tricked her by creating a false moon with a flame behind a sieve. Believing the moon had risen, Veeravati broke her fast. Tragically, this caused her husband’s death. Heartbroken, she prayed with great devotion. Moved by her penance, Goddess Indrani, the wife of Lord Indra, advised her to fast every month. With time, her unwavering dedication pleased the gods, and Yama, the god of death, restored her husband’s life.
The Tale of Karva Devi
Another legend speaks of Karva Devi, a brave woman whose husband was attacked by a crocodile while bathing in a river. Karva saved him but soon faced Yama, who had come to claim his life. Moved by her devotion, Yamaraj blessed that any woman observing a fast in Karva’s name on this day would ensure a long life for her husband.
The Story of Savitri and Satyavan
The story of Princess Savitri is another tale linked to this festival. Savitri married Prince Satyavan despite a prophecy that he would die within a year. When Yama arrived to take Satyavan’s soul, Savitri followed him with unshakable determination. Through her deep penance and devotion, she persuaded Yama to restore Satyavan’s life, making her story a symbol of a wife’s love and sacrifice.
Karwa Chauth in Mahabharata
The Mahabharata also makes mention of Karwa Chauth. When Arjuna went to meditate in the Nilgiris, Draupadi grew anxious for his safety. She sought guidance from Lord Krishna, who advised her to observe a fast similar to the one Goddess Parvati had once kept for Lord Shiva. Draupadi’s prayers and fasting are believed to have protected Arjuna during the war and contributed to the Pandavas’ victory over the Kauravas.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
