On the Amavasya (New Moon) of the month of Jyeshtha, married women observe the Vat Savitri Vrat with due rituals, praying for the longevity of their husbands. On this day, the Banyan tree is worshipped; devotees circumambulate the tree and tie a sacred thread around it seven times. This is believed to ensure continued happiness and good fortune in the husband’s life.
However, the worship is considered incomplete without the Aarti (ritual lamp ceremony); therefore, performing the Puja and Aarti of Goddess Savitri is an essential requirement on the day of the fast.
Vat Savitri Vrat Aarti
जय देव, जय देव, जय सावित्री माता।
सत्यवान की प्राणप्रिया, तुम हो सुखदाता॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
अश्वपति की लाड़ली, सतीत्व की मूरत।
सब जग में छाई माँ, तुम्हारी पावन सूरत॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
सत्यवान जब काल के, वश में जाने लगे।
यमराज भी माता, तुमसे घबराने लगे॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
वट वृक्ष की छाया में, तुमने तप कीन्हा।
यम से अपने पति का, जीवन वापस लीन्हा॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
अखण्ड सौभाग्य का, वर जो कोई मांगे।
पाप ताप दुख उसके, कोसों दूर भागें॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
पहन सुहाग की चूनर, जो तेरा ध्यान धरे।
अटल रहे सुहाग उसका, खुशियों से घर भरे॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
धूप दीप नैवेद्य से, जो आरती तेरी गावे।
सावित्री माँ की कृपा से, परम पद पावे॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
जय देव, जय देव, जय सावित्री माता।
सत्यवान की प्राणप्रिया, तुम हो सुखदाता॥
॥ जय देव, जय देव… ॥
Vat Savitri Vrat Katha
According to Hindu mythology, Princess Savitri was the daughter of King Ashwapati. She was known for her beauty, wisdom, and devotion. When the time came for her marriage, Savitri chose Satyavan as her husband. However, Sage Narad warned her that Satyavan was destined to die within a year. Despite knowing this truth, Savitri remained firm in her decision and married him.
After marriage, Savitri started living in the forest with Satyavan and his parents. As the predicted day of Satyavan’s death approached, Savitri observed a strict fast and prayed sincerely for her husband’s long life.
On the day of Vat Savitri Vrat, Satyavan went into the forest to cut wood, and Savitri accompanied him. While cutting wood near a Banyan tree, Satyavan suddenly felt weak and laid his head in Savitri’s lap. Soon, Yamraj, the God of Death, appeared to take away Satyavan’s soul.
Savitri followed Yamraj with complete faith and devotion. Impressed by her wisdom, dedication, and determination, Yamraj granted her several boons except the life of her husband. Savitri cleverly asked for the blessing of becoming the mother of Satyavan’s children. Realizing his mistake, Yamraj had to restore Satyavan’s life.
Through her devotion, intelligence, and unwavering love, Savitri brought her husband back to life. Since then, married women observe Vat Savitri Vrat and worship the Banyan tree for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands.
FAQs
1) What Color Clothes Should Be Worn on Vat Savitri Vrat?
On this day, women should wear red, yellow, pink, or green attire. All these colors are considered auspicious. However, one should refrain from wearing blue or black clothing. This is because dark colors are traditionally associated with mourning and sorrow.
2) How to Perform Worship If a Banyan Tree Is Unavailable?
If there is no Banyan tree in the vicinity for the worship ceremony, a branch of the tree can be planted in a pot and worshipped.
3) Can Only Married Women Observe This Fast?
Primarily, married women observe this fast; however, unmarried women may also observe it to pray for a good and desirable husband.
4) How Many Times Should One Circumambulate the Banyan Tree?
Typically, one should perform 5 to 7 circumambulations (Parikrama), wrapping a strand of raw cotton thread or Mauli (sacred red thread) around the tree with each round. If you wish, you may also perform 108 circumambulations. Doing so is believed to bestow eternal marital bliss and good fortune.
5) Benefits of the Vat Savitri Vrat
If married women observe the Vat Savitri fast, it leads to a longer life for their husbands. It brings domestic harmony and blesses the couple with children. Planetary afflictions present in one’s horoscope begin to subside, and one is also liberated from Pitra Dosha (ancestral afflictions).
6) How to Enhance the Merits of the Vat Savitri Vrat
After performing the Puja (worship) and praying for your husband’s longevity, if you offer items symbolizing marital bliss (Suhag) to an elderly woman, you accrue spiritual merit. This significantly enhances the auspicious results of the fast. After the worship is concluded, leave the earthen lamp (*Diya*) right there near the tree.
7) Precautions to Observe During the Fast
Refrain from causing any harm to trees or plants. Do not pluck and consume leaves or fruits from any tree. Avoid wearing garments in deep black or blue colors on this day. Do not tell lies to anyone, and strictly refrain from disrespecting your husband.
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