Kedareswara Vratam Kedareswara Vratam honors Shiva and Parvati and is associated with the unity expressed by Ardhanarishvara. Its familiar household form includes a sacred thread with 21 knots and offerings prescribed in groups of 21. For families that inherit the vow, it can be an important part of Deepavali alongside, but separate from, Lakshmi worship. Meaning and materials The vrata katha describes Parvati's worship and the attainment of unity with Shiva. Regional version