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Essence of Karwa Chauth

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
19 October 2024
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Essence of Karwa Chauth by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj | Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

(Speech by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on Karwa Chauth)

Today is Karwa Chauth.  Every festival serves a purpose, and it is essential that this purpose  draws our minds closer to Shri Krishna.  In our Hindu faith, many festivals are celebrated to encourage householders to somehow dedicate at least 100-150 days out of 365 days to remember God.

The soul is ignorant and seeks happiness in the world, and these festivals offer an opportunity to  work on its spiritual destiny.  The fast (vrat) observed on Karwa Chauth has its roots in the devotion of the gopis, who fasted under the pretence of honouring Katyayani Devi. They could not openly declare their love for Shri Krishna, as it would have been considered scandalous. Thus, they used the excuse of fasting for Katyayani Devi.

In the Bhagwatam, God acknowledges this devotion, stating, “O Gopis! I understand the true intention behind your fast. You may tell the world you are performing bhakti for Katyayani Devi, but in reality, you are doing my bhakti. I know this”

When the mind engages in devotion (bhakti), God bestows rewards in accordance with that devotion.  True devotion is not merely about physical actions, moving our hands, employing our senses, etc; it is where our mind focuses that defines our bhakti.  Thus, the devotion to Shri Krishna embodies the essence of Karwa Chauth.

You may wonder, if you cannot meet Him directly, what should you do? In Shri Krishna’s avatar, he was indeed present, but how is it applicable today?  He is the beloved of all souls—men, women, and even animals alike. The Bhagwat describes Shri Krishna as the husband of the gopis, and also of their husbands!

The Vedas say, “He is the God of all Gods. He is the husband of all husbands.”    He is the husband and beloved of the soul, so if the body happens to be that of  a woman, man or a dog, cat, donkey, it does not matter.  

‘Husband’ means the one who protects. How can this worldly husband protect you?  He can’t even protect himself. He dies.  He gets sick. He is bound by his countless past life karma (actions).  He is bound by ‘trigun,’ ‘trikarm,’ ‘tridosh,’’panchaklesh,’(material afflictions) and the like.  It is only our Divine husband  who can remove our material bondage and protect us.  And He does!   If we pray to Him, He will protect us even better. 

So you all should only observe ‘upvas’ or fasting for that Supreme Husband of yours.  What exactly is meant by fasting?   Just like you fast for your worldly husband and worship Lord Shankar Ji and Parvati, similarly in that same way, we should fast and worship Lord Shankar Ji for the sake of our Supreme Husband, Lord Shri Krishna.   Shankar Ji is considered the topmost devotee amongst devotees.  This is stated in the Bhagwat which states that Lord Shankar is the greatest of all devotees of Shri Krishna.  

We should pray to him that our Supreme Husband may always remain happy.  May His infinite life get longer by 10-20 years.  May he always keep smiling and stay playful.  Make these desires and do the worship.  This should be  the main purpose for you to celebrate Karwa Chauth. 

Mere starving and drying out of the body is not ‘upvas’. It is true that skipping a meal once in a while keeps our digestive system healthy. By skipping a meal, our stomach can process whatever remains undigested in our stomach. So we don’t get sick. It has its benefits and there is no loss in keeping a fast. But the main motive of ‘Upvas’ or fasting, is to bring the mind closer to God and Guru. That is the real reason why we should observe a fast. 

We must engage in God’s bhakti, recognizing that God and Guru are one. With the Guru being present before us, and knowing that there is no distinction between God and Guru,  we should focus our minds solely on God or Guru—this is the essence of Karwa Chauth and then only you will attain your supreme goal of God-realisation.

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.