Kedhara Gowri Nombu – The Story Behind the 21 Adhirasams

On Deepavali or the day after, many families observe a special vratham known as Kedhara Gowri Nombu. During this ritual, 21 adhirasams (a sweet made with rice and jaggery) are prepared, and a sacred thread with 21 strands is tied—usually around the wrist or neck of married women. Offerings of betel leaves and bananas are placed before Goddess Gowri and Lord Shiva.

But why 21? And what is the significance of this Nombu?

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The Legend

Long ago, in the divine abode of Kailash, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi were seated together, blessing sages, devas, and Shiva ganas who came to worship them.

Among them was Sage Bringi, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. When it was his turn to pay respects, instead of going around both Shiva and Parvathi, he circumambulated Lord Shiva alone—ignoring Parvathi.

This displeased the Goddess. The next day, she sat closer to Lord Shiva so that there was no space between them, waiting to see what Sage Bringi would do. Unfazed, the sage transformed himself into a bee and flew around only Lord Shiva once again.

Angered by his disregard, Parvathi cursed him—that he would lose all flesh and blood from his body, leaving behind only bones, since all Shakti (energy and strength) comes from the Goddess herself.

As the curse took effect, Bringi lost his physical strength and collapsed. Lord Shiva, moved by compassion, blessed him with a third leg, enabling him to stand upright once more.

Sage Bringi at Ravana Padi Cave temple in Karnataka with Shiva and Parvathi

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Parvathi’s Penance

This incident made Parvathi realize the need to become one with Lord Shiva so that no one could ever worship Him without also worshipping Her.

She decided to perform a penance on Earth to unite permanently with Him as one divine form. She went to the ashram of Sage Gautama, who asked her why she had descended from Kailash.

Parvathi replied, “I wish to perform penance to merge with Lord Shiva and become inseparable from Him.”

She began her penance in the tamil month of Purataasi, on the Sukla Paksha Ashtami (the 8th day of the waxing moon). Her intense prayer continued for 21 days, concluding on the Chaturthi day of the tamil month of Aippasi.

On that day, Lord Shiva appeared before her and granted her wish. He united with her, and they appeared together in the divine form of Ardhanareeshwarar—symbolizing the eternal union of Shiva and Shakti.

This form of Ardhanareeshwarar is worshipped as the main deity at the ancient hill temple of Thiruchengode, near Salem. Inside the garbhagriham, the idol of Sage Bringi with three legs can also be seen near the moolavar, a reminder of this sacred legend.

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The Boon and the Nombu

Shiva was pleased with her devotion. Parvathi asked Lord Shiva to bless all women who perform this Nombu with sincere faith—that they may live happily with their husbands and enjoy prosperity and harmony in their homes. Lord Shiva granted this boon.

Since the Goddess performed penance for 21 days, devotees offer 21 adhirasams and tie a thread with 21 strands during the observance.

Depending on the lunar calendar, Kedhara Gowri Nombu is observed either on Deepavali day or the day after Deepavali, as a symbol of devotion, unity, and divine grace.

 Translated from Kalaimagal, Oct 2025