Vat-Savitri Vrat or Vat-Poornima is a Hindu festival, celebrated by Sumangali or married women in Jyeshtha, the Hindu Maas that coincides with the months of May and June. The festival includes fasting, worshipping the Vat (Banayan) tree, and praying to goddess Parvati (an epitome of wifely and womanly virtues in Hinduism) and Savitri for a successful and auspicious married life a long and healthy life, and the safety of the husband.
Vat Savitri Amavasya Vrat on Thursday, June 6, 2024 : In the year 2024, Vat Savitri Vrat is observed in the month of June. Jyeshtha Amavasya in 2024 begins on 5 June and ends on 6 June, hence the Vat Savitri Amavasya Vrat is observed on 6th June. Amavasya Tithi Begins - 07:54 PM on Jun 05, 2024 Amavasya Tithi Ends - 06:07 PM on Jun 06, 2024
Vat Savitri Purnima Vrat on Friday, June 21, 2024 : The Vat Savitri Poornima or Vat Poornima, the more widely observed festival, falls on 21 June 2024, the day of Jyeshtha Poornima. Purnima Tithi Begins - 07:31 AM on Jun 21, 2024 Purnima Tithi Ends - 06:37 AM on Jun 22, 2024
Savitri, also known as Sati Savitri (Sati is a woman devoted to her husband in mind, speech, and actions, as a result of which she earns merits and powers) is a popular woman in the culture of Hinduism. Revered by Hindu women across the globe as the ideal of wifely duties, Savitri was the daughter of a king, married to Satyavan, a prince who was destined to live a short life.
With her auspicious acts and powers as a Sati, Savitri not only saved the life of her husband from the grasp of Yama, the god of death but also ensured that his Vansha (lineage) is a long, healthy and prosperous one, thus setting the example of wisdom and capabilities of a model Hindu woman.
The story of Vat Savitri is described in the pages of the great Sanskrit epic Mahabharata. In the Van Parva of the Mahabharata, the story of Savitri and Satyavan is narrated. Savitri was the daughter of Raja Ashvapati of Madradesha. As fate would have, she fell in love with Satyavan, a good and kind prince, the son of the blind King Dyumatsena of Salvadesha.
At this point, Savitri was visited by Devarishi Narada who told her that Satyavan would have a short life and that she should not marry someone who was doomed to such an end. However, Savitri was resolute and despite warnings of Narada and her father, married Satyavan to whom she had devoted herself.
After marriage, Savitri lived with Satyavan and his parents in the forest where they were exiled by their enemies. The day when Satyavan was supposed to be visited by the God of death (Yama), Savitri went with him to the forest where he went every day for daily chores. Being tired from work, Satyavan rested his head in the lap of Savitri.
A few minutes had passed when Yama arrived, asking Savitri to let go of her husband as he was about to take his soul to Yamapuri (the city of Yama). Firm as ever, Savitri followed Yama who was taking the soul of Satyavan. Following a long discussion, Lord Yama allowed Savitri to ask for some boons, but not for the life of her husband.
Savitri prayed that her father-in-law get his eyesight and kingdom back. And then she asked that she and Satyavan be blessed with 100 children. Impressed with the resilience and wit of Savitri, Yama in the end bestowed upon her all the boons she asked for, and gave Satyavan his life back.
Blessing them both with a long and fortunate life, Yama returned to his city, and here ends the story of how Sati Savitri won the life of her husband back.
Married women on the occasion of Vat-Savitiri Vrat or Puja fast for three days, dress up in their bridal attire or red sarees, and visit a Banyan tree in their locality in groups. They worship the Banyan tree with flowers, vermillion, and a thread with which the women perform Parikrama or circumambulation of the tree (108 times or according to their will).
Images of Savitri, Satyavan, and Yama are drawn by Chandan (sandalwood) and are offered various ritual offerings. They pray to goddess Parvati for her blessings, asking that they live as Suhagin (a married woman whose husband is alive) for the rest of their lives. They pray that the fruit of their pious deeds and fasting give their husband a long life and that they are married to them in all of their next lives.
In the rituals of Vat Savitri Vrat, tying a thread around the Banyan tree and performing its Parikrama are important steps of worship. The Vat Vriksha in Hindu dharma is a powerful and divine element from ancient times. It is worshipped as the home of the Trideva- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, thus worshipping it will bring fruits of worshipping all three great gods at once.
Many believe that the branches of the Banyan tree are symbols of Savitri herself. Also, the Banyan tree is a living entity that has a long life and thus culturally symbolizes longevity and health, making it an ideal worshipped being for receiving boons of a long-life span.
The life of Savitri was an illustrious one, making her an ideal for many women. Her story shows that one should be firm and resolute in following one’s heart.
Her resolve in marrying Satyavan despite the warnings of Narada underlines the strength of character and mind which one should strive for. Her devotion to her husband and his family even when she had to live a simple life in a forest are example of austereness and simplicity of character.
The way she walked alongside Satyavan throughout their lives and even beyond his death shows the true meaning of partnership and marital connection, one that is powerful and fearless no matter what challenge life throws.
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