Karveer Vrat is the festival of worshipping Surya Dev. Every year it is celebrated on the Shukla Pratipada of Jyeshtha month. This year it will be observed on 07th June 2024. In Hindu mythology, the Sun is considered as the soul. He is considered as the bearer of life on earth whose immense power, speed and energy give positive results to every person in the world.
Surya Dev is the driving force of vegetation. According to religious beliefs, it is believed that Surya Dev fulfills all the wishes. In order to worship the sun and offer water, the devotee should stand in a river or reservoir and form an Anjali with both palms or fill a vessel with water and then offer Arghya. Karveer fast comes under the category of very auspicious fasts.
Time to harness the Sun’s energy
Karveer Fast can also be said as the festival that brings energy and illumination to our life. On this day Surya Dev is worshipped by reciting its different names. Donating a vessel filled with wheat and jaggery is considered auspicious. The devotees receive the blessings of Sun by worshipping Surya Dev. This fast gives immediate results. Puja rituals to be followed to appease the Sun can be found in detail in the Vedas. Many Sutaks related to the Sun can be found in the Vedas. The glory of the Sun can be clearly understood from this Stuti in Rig Veda –
‘आ कृष्णेन रजसा वर्तमानो निवेशयन्नमृतं मर्त्यं च ।
हिरण्ययेन सविता रथेना देवो याति भुवनानि पश्यन् ॥
तिस्रो द्यावः सवितुर्द्वा उपस्थाँ एका यमस्य भुवने विराषाट् ।
आणिं न रथ्यममृताधि तस्थुरिह ब्रवीतु य उ तच्चिकेतत ॥’
The other name of the Sun is Karveer. The principle of Karma in life was also established on this day. Surya Dev Puja is very easy and effective. One cannot imagine life without the Sun. Sun’s rays give life to everything on earth. It is considered as the healer of both mental and physical problems. It is the basis of life in flora and fauna. That’s why a detailed description of the worship of the Sun can be found in scriptures.
On the day of Karveer fast, one must get up early in the morning, preferably before sunrise, then take a bath, wear clean clothes, finish daily chores and then perform the Surya Namaskar. Arghya in a copper vessel should be offered to the Sun. The rays that fall on our body while performing this protects us from all kinds of diseases. Lal Chandan, rice and red flowers should be placed in the water for Arghya.
On this day, only sweet food items should be consumed. Red coloured clothes and jaggery should be donated.
Stories related to Karveer Fast
There are many famous stories related to the Karveer fast. Out of which some are related to Devi Shakti. One story is as follows – there was once a devil named Kaulasur. He was very aggressive and created troubles everywhere.
To increase his energy further, he performed a Tapasya. Owing to the Tapasya he was blessed with a boon that he will always be victorious in any battle whatsoever. The boon, however, had a condition, the same being that he could be killed by a woman. He started conquering all the three worlds because of his boon.
Lord Vishnu took the Avatar of Goddess Lakshmi to put an end to this. As Lakshmi, he mounted on a lion and defeated the Kaulasur. As a last wish, Kaulasur requested Goddess Lakshmi to name the place after him and also asked her to settle there. Goddess Lakshmi agreed to his last wishes. Goddess Lakshmi is hence also known as Kaulasur Mardini.
Kaner tree Puja on Karveer Puja
Kaner tree is also worshipped on Karveer Vrat. Kaner tree flowers are also used in Shiv Puja. One should take a bath, finish all chores and then set out to worship the tree. Water should be offered to the tree. A red thread should be wrapped around the tree and a red cloth should be offered. A Ghee Dipak and Dhoop should be lit in front of the tree. Flowers should also be used while performing the Puja. Kaner trees flowers should be presented to Lord Shiva. If possible Kaner tree sapling should be planted on this day. It is considered highly auspicious.
Karveer Puja Mahatamay
Karveer’s name is associated with the Sun and Goddess Lakshmi. Reference to this word is seen in the Padma Purana, Devi Purana, etc. Puja and donation done on this day give auspicious results. Worshipping trees on this day is also considered beneficial.
It is believed that this fast was observed by Savitri, Damyanti, and Satyabhama. Not only did their troubles get resolved but they were also bestowed with good luck. This is true for any devotee who observes this fast.
Fast is observed and Puja is performed on the day of Karveer fast. After performing Surya Puja, Kaner tree Puja and Lakshmi Puja, food and Dakshina are given to the Brahmins, according to one’s capabilities. When one observes this fast, he/she is blessed with a place in the Surya Lok, is bestowed with children, protection from diseases and healthy life.