Ark Vivah, also known as Tadpatri Mahotsav or Kharagpur Festival, is a unique Hindu festival that is celebrated in some parts of India, especially in the southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This festival is a symbolic marriage ceremony between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, performed using the sacred plant of Arka or Calotropis Gigantea.
According to Hindu mythology, the Arka plant is considered to be a sacred plant that symbolizes Lord Shiva. The plant has several medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments. The plant is also used in Hindu rituals and is considered to be a powerful tool for spiritual awakening.
The Ark Vivah festival is usually celebrated in the month of Phalguna, which falls between February and March, and is performed on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri. The festival is celebrated in a grand manner, with people from all over the region participating in the festivities.
The Ark Vivah ceremony involves the preparation of the Arka plant, which is then decorated with flowers and other offerings. The plant is then symbolically married to Lord Shiva, with the rituals performed by a priest or a group of priests. The ceremony is accompanied by music and dance performances, and the entire event is considered to be a celebration of the union between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The festival is also an occasion for people to come together and celebrate the unity and diversity of their communities. It is an opportunity for people to renew their faith in the divine and seek blessings for the well-being of their families and loved ones.
In conclusion, Ark Vivah is a unique and sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati through the sacred plant of Arka. The festival is an occasion for people to come together and celebrate their faith, culture, and tradition. It is a time of joy and celebration, and an opportunity for people to seek blessings and prosperity for themselves and their loved ones.
"ॐ नमः शिवाय, शिवशक्ति अर्क विवाह फलम् देहि देवि श्री पार्वति। ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय, अर्क पति संगम मम वृद्धिं कुरु कुरु स्वाहा। ऊँ ह्रीं अर्कविवाह पूजनाय शिवपार्वत्यै नमः॥"