Nanda Vrat is dedicated to Shiva and it is believed that Goddess Sati observed this fast to get Shiva as her husband. Sati followed the rituals of Nanda Vrat and made a Shivling of clay and followed the Vidhi Poorvaka Vrat and got Lord Shiva as her husband.
This fast is especially observed to get a good husband or wife. Goddess Sati observed this fast to get Shiva as her husband as she only wanted him to be her husband.
Goddess Sati observed Nanda Vrat to get Lord Shiva as her husband. She worshipped Lord Shiva with various food items and flowers at home with great devotion and concentrated mind on the following days:
Ashwin month
On Pratipada, Shashthi and Ekadashi, worshipped Lord Shiva with some rice and salt.
After offering Namaskar, spent the entire month with the same ritual.
Kartik month
On Chaturdashi, worshipped Shiva with Malpuas and spent time in contemplation.
Margashirsha month
Worshiped Shiva with sesame, barley and rice on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha.
Spent the day by showing a lighted lamp or performing aarti.
Paush month
Stayed awake all night on Saptami of Shukla Paksha and offered Khichdi as naivedya in the morning and worshipped Shiva.
Magh month
Stayed awake all night on Poornima and bathed in the river in the morning and worshipped Lord Shiva with wet clothes.
Phalgun month
Stayed awake at night on Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha and worshipped Lord Shiva in all four prasads.
Chaitra month
Remembered Shiva day and night on Chaturdashi of Shukla Paksha. Worshipped Lord Shiva with Dhaak flowers and Davan.
Vaishakh month
On Shukla Tritiya, ate sesame and worshipped Lord Rudra with new barley rice.
Jyeshtha month
Worshipped Lord Shankar at night on Poornima with beautiful clothes and Bhatkataya flowers. Spent the month without food.
Ashadha month
Worshiped Rudra Dev with black clothes and Bhatkataya flowers on the Chaturdashi of Shukla Paksha.
Shravan month
Worshiped Shiva with Yagyopavit clothes and Kusha pavitri on the Ashtami and Chaturdashi of Shukla Paksha.
Bhadrapada month
Worshiped Shiva with various types of flowers and fruits on the Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha.
On Chaturdashi, took only water as diet.
Sati worshipped Shiva with different types of flowers and grains produced from them in all the months. She remained engaged in chanting only, taking very regular diet throughout the month. Sati remained engrossed in worshipping Shiva day and night in all the months.
In her human form, Sati used to observe Uttam Vrat as per the prescribed method. Thus, after completing the Nanda Vrat, Sati meditated with great love, concentrating on Lord Shiva with exclusive devotion and became steadfast in that knowledge.
Procedure of Nanda Vrat
This fast can be observed on Shukla Paksha Saptami, which is the seventh day during the rising phase of the moon in any Hindu month, particularly in Phalguna, Chaitra, Ashadha and Shravan. The procedure of the fast is as follows:
– Fasting: Fasting has to be observed from sunrise on the day of the fast to sunrise the next day.
– Purification and worship: Purify yourself before sunrise and worship Shiva.
– Mantra chanting: Include chanting the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ in the prayers.
– Prasad: Offer Bilva leaves and white coloured flowers to Shiva. You can make a simple sweet dish and offer it as prasad.
– Fasting foods: Fruits or other fasting foods can be eaten during the fast.
– Prayers: Offer prayers in the morning and evening.
– Ending the fast: The fast ends after sunrise the next morning. After completing the fast, donate food to poor children or elderly on any date.
By following this simple procedure of Nanda Vrat, devotees receive the blessings of Lord Shiva and get their desired life partner.