Kedara Vrata is dedicated to Shiva
and Goddess Parvati. It is observed on the Diwali day mainly in Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana and Karnataka.
Legend has it that Goddess Gauri
(Parvati) observed the Kedara Vrata and she finally merged with Shiva. Thus
Shiva and Parvati together became Ardhanarishwara.
Today, the Vrata is performed for
happy and peaceful life by couples. Unmarried women perform it for a good
husband. The number 21 is given importance in the Vrata as it is believed that
Goddess Parvati had performed the Vrata for 21 days.
The puja is of great importance in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.