The month-long Swasthani and Madhav Narayan Brata has concluded today with devotees performing holy baths and rituals at Shalinadi and Hanuman Ghat’s Triveni Dham in Kathmandu.
The brata, which begins on Poush Shukla Purnima and ends on Magh Shukla Purnima, saw a large gathering of devotees at Shali River, Gaurighat, and Hanuman Ghat on its final day. Those unable to visit these sacred sites concluded their brata with prayers and offerings at home.
With the conclusion of the brata, the recitation of the Swasthani Katha has also ended. The story, derived from the Kedara Khand of the Skanda Purana, is traditionally narrated as a dialogue between Kumar and Agastya.
On this day, devotees offer 108 sacred items—including janai (sacred threads), betel nuts, betel leaves, flowers, rotis, and grains—along with fruits, incense, lamps, sandalwood, vermillion, clothing, and other offerings to Goddess Swasthani, praying for the fulfillment of their wishes.
Since Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Madhav Narayan during the month of Magh, devotees observe rituals and fasting dedicated to both Swasthani and Madhav Narayan, believing that prayers to Madhav Narayan ensure the fulfillment of their desires.
Traditionally, women observe the Swasthani brata, while men undertake the Madhav Narayan brata. In Bhaktapur’s Hanuman Ghat and the Madhav Narayan Temple at Shalinadi, Sankhu, male devotees perform rigorous religious practices, including a two-kilometer prostration journey as part of their vows.
These rituals were also observed today, marking the conclusion of the sacred month-long fasting and prayers.
