Vrishabha Vrata

The Vrishabha Vrata is counted amongst the eight auspicious austerities of the Hindu religion. This vrata is observed when the movement of Sun occurs in the Rishabha Rashi (that is Taurus Zodiac Sign) in the Hindu month of Baisakhi or during the months of mid-May to mid-June as per the Gregorian calendar. It falls during the Shukla Paksha (growing lunar phase) on the eight day, that is, Ashtami. The significance of the Vrishabha Vrata also holds mention in the holy Skandha Purana. This vrata is also known as Vrishabha Sankranti or Vrishabha Sankranam in some of the southern states and also as Brusha Sankranti in the Indian state of Orissa. Although this vrata is dedicated to Vrishibha, the Bull of lord Shiva, this day is considered to be auspicious for Vishnu devotees. Special rituals and prayers are offered in several Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva temples in different parts of India. This vrata can be observed by all and this special day is dedicated for charity and for helping the needy and poor.

Vrishabha Vrat 2023 was on May 28 Sunday

Lord Shiva

Rituals of the Vrishabha Vrata:

• The Vrishabha Vrata is dedicated to the bull Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. During this day, the devotees bet up before sunrise and meditate about Parameshvara along with His consort Uma, while being seated on the bull (Brishabha). This should be followed by taking a holy bath prior to worshipping.
• In the Vrishabha Vrata, the devotees should make the idol of Rishabharudar from either silver or gold. The idol of the lord is then purified with holy things like Panchamritam. The disciples prepare special food from rice and payasham for offering to their deity. One must pray to Lord Shiva and ask for His blessings. The offerings are then distributed among other worshippers of Lord Shiva.
• On this day visiting a temple of Lord Shiva is also important. The devotees offer prayers and return to their respective home happily. On returning the prasadam is eaten together comprising of sugar-rice, rice, sweets and different fruits. The evening is spent listening to the glories and virtues of Lord Shiva. One who holds the vrata has to sleep on the bare floor that very night.
• The subsequent day after worshipping the lord, the observer of Vrishabha Vrata then donates the idol of Rishabharudar to an earnest follower of Lord Shiva. The Vrishabha Vrata is observed every year.

Important Timings On Vrishabha Vrat 2023

The Vrishabha Vrata is a very powerful vrata and one who piously observers this fast can easily get long life, health, wealth, wisdom and even win the eight great treasures. This day is also considered to be auspicious for Shraddh Tharpan or Pitru Tharpan and also Dan Punya. Gau Daan or gifting cow on the day of Vrishabha Vrata is considered to be sacred. By helping the poor one can grant the blessings of the lord to win all that you desire in your life. The Vrishabha Vrata has been performed since ancient times and still holds the same importance. Lord Vishnu completed this vrata to please Lord Shiva and He was in turn bestowed with ‘Garuda’ and other treasures. Indra also performed the same vrata and got ‘Airavata’ and several other Gods and Goddesses used the power of the Vrishabha Vrata to attain all that they desired. Lord Sun got his chariot of seven horses, Lord Moon got his special ruby airplane, the God of Water got crocodile, Lord Yamraj got his buffalo and even Lord Kubera got his Pushkar Vimaan after completing this vrata religiously. The Vrishabha Vrata has also been observed by the Kings and Maharajas to double their fortune and expand their kingdom. Even in the present times, devotees all over the country observe the Vrishabha Vrata to put an end to all the worries in their life and ask for happiness and prosperity.