In Hinduism, the Kokila Vrat, observed from the Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Ashadha to the Purnima (full moon) of Sawan, is considered an extremely important fast for women. Married women, in particular, observe this fast to seek good fortune and marital bliss. In this vrat, the form of Goddess Bhagwati as a cuckoo (Kokila) is worshipped.
When is the Kokila Vrat 2025 starting?
This time, the Kokila Vrat begins on July 10, 2025, Thursday. The festival of Guru Purnima is also being celebrated on the same day. The Kokila Vrat lasts for a month and is observed until the Purnima of the Sawan month. It is believed that by observing this fast with devotion and discipline, one can attain good fortune, the happiness of having children, and a joyful domestic life.
Mythological Story Associated with the Kokila Vrat
The story of the Kokila Vrat is mentioned in the Shiva Purana. According to the story, Sati performed severe penance to have Lord Shiva as her husband. She was the daughter of King Daksha and was married to Shiva. King Daksha was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and bore a grudge against Lord Shiva.
Daksha was extremely enraged by the marriage of Shiva and Sati and severed all ties with his daughter. Some time later, Daksha organized a grand Yajna (sacrificial fire) and invited all the deities, but not Lord Shiva. When Sati learned about this, she sought permission from Shiva to attend her father's Yajna without being invited.
Lord Shiva tried to dissuade her, but Sati did not listen and went to the Yajna. Seeing the insult of Shiva by her father Daksha, Sati became extremely angry and sacrificed her life by jumping into the Yajna fire.
When Lord Shiva learned about this incident, he reached the Yajna site and destroyed the Yajna. He also shattered Daksha's pride. Grief-stricken by Sati's self-immolation, Shiva cursed her to become a cuckoo. Goddess Sati performed penance as a cuckoo for thousands of years and then, taking the form of Parvati, was reunited with Shiva.
The Kokila Vrat is observed in remembrance of this event.
Puja Vidhi (Worship Ritual) of the Kokila Vrat
During this fast, female devotees take a bath in the Ganga or a sacred pilgrimage site. If fasting at home, they can bathe with water mixed with Gangajal (water from the Ganges).
After this, a clay idol of the Kokila bird is made or purchased. The idol is placed at the place of worship and worshipped with red flowers, sandalwood, sesame seeds, rice, and Durva grass, following the proper rituals.
A special mantra is chanted
"Tilashe Tilsaukhe Tilwarna Tilapriye, Saubhagya Dravyaputrasrach Dehi Me Kokile Namah"
After this, Aarti is performed, and the story is recited.
Guru Vashishtha explained the Vidhan (procedure) of the Kokila Vrat to her.
He said that one should take a vow on the Ashadha Purnima and observe this fast until the Purnima of Sawan month. During this time, one should apply a paste of sesame seeds and herbs, bathe in a river or at a pilgrimage site, sleep on the ground, practice celibacy, and eat food under the stars at night.
Main Features of the Vrat
- An idol of the Kokila bird should be made by grinding sesame seeds.
- Worship with red sandalwood, red flowers, and incense sticks.
- After the completion of the fast, the idol of Kokila should be donated to a Brahmin along with clothes and Dakshina (offerings).
- Observe this fast with discipline, restraint, and devotion throughout the month.
Significance of the Kokila Vrat for Unmarried Girls
This fast is considered extremely fruitful for unmarried girls as well, along with married women. Those girls who desire a good husband, if they observe this fast with devotion, they will get a suitable husband.
