Ko Jagara Vrata

Kojagara Puja Vrat Katha Summary

Once, in Magadha, a Brahmin named Valit was knowledgeable and performed daily Sandhya Snana, but was financially poor. His wife, in contrast, was wealthy but discontented and often harassed him to steal from the king. Despite her demands and various forms of torment, Valit chose to endure rather than beg.

During Shraddha Paksha, Valit worried his wife would prevent him from performing rituals. He told her to avoid preparing for Shraddha and to invite only lowly Brahmins. To oppose him, his wife organized a grand Shraddha and invited the best Brahmins, but neglected the ritual of immersing Pindas in the Ganga, instead throwing them in the toilet.

Outraged, Valit vowed to please Goddess Lakshmi by living in a forest and eating only roots and tubers until she blessed him. While in the forest, he met the daughters of Kaliya Nag, who were performing a ritual for Goddess Lakshmi. They invited him to gamble, and although he initially refused, he ended up gambling away his possessions and even his own body.

Seeing his plight, Goddess Lakshmi blessed him with wealth and a handsome form. The Nag Kanya(s) then offered to marry him, which he accepted. Valit returned home rich and respected his wife, leading to their mutual happiness and prosperity.

Kojagara Puja Method

1. Worship Goddess Mahalakshmi: She is depicted seated on an elephant.
2. Fast with devotion: Observe a fast and donate lamps on this day.
3. Light Lamps: Light as many lamps as you can—one lakh, fifty thousand, one crore, or one hundred, using ghee or sesame oil.
4. Stay Vigil: Keep awake at night with dance and music.
5. Distribute Lamps: Light lamps in streets, temples, gardens, and at home as per your capacity.
6. Feast for Brahmins: Organize a feast of milk, ghee, and sugar for Brahmins.
7. Honor Brahmins: Provide clothes and dakshina to a thousand Brahmins, and break your fast by giving gold lamps as per your ability.