Vat Savitri Puja: Vrat, Significance, Story and More

 What is Vat Savitri Puja/Vrat?

Marriages are sacred in India, not only because they are made in heaven and but also because of the customs, rituals, and traditions. One such ritual that makes marriage more than just two people coming together to share their lives is Vat Savitri Puja/Vrat. It is a beautiful expression of love and devotion by wives towards their husbands. On this auspicious day, women tie a thread around a sacred banyan tree (ஆலமரம்) and seek blessings from the Almighty for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The festival is observed on either the full moon (Purnima) or the new moon (Amavasya) . Fasting rituals begin on the 13th day (Trayodashi) and end on Purnima or Amavasya. The festival is centred around the tale of Savitri and Satyavan.

While most Hindu festivals are celebrated on the same day in both the Purnimanta and Amanta lunar calendars, Vat Savitri Vrat is different. In the Purnimanta calendar, it is observed on ‘Jyeshtha Amavasya’ and is also known as ‘Shani Jayanti.’ In the Amanta calendar, it falls on ‘Jyeshtha Purnima’ and is called ‘Vat Purnima Vrat.’ Therefore, married women in southern Indian states observe this Vrat 15 days after women in northern India.

What is the Significance of Vat Savitri Vrat? 

The Vat Savitri Vrat holds great significance as described in various Puranas, such as the Bhavishyottar Purana and the Skanda Purana. These ancient texts highlight the worship of the banyan tree during the Vat Savitri Vrat. In Hinduism, the banyan tree symbolises the Trimurtis—Bhagwan Brahma, Bhagwan Vishnu, and Bhagwan Maheshwara. The roots represent Bhagwan Brahma, the stem represents Bhagwan Vishnu, and the top represents Bhagwan Shiva. 

On this auspicious day, women observe a sacred fast to ensure the well-being and safety of their husbands, praying for their prosperity and success. The rituals remind us of the eternal bond between married couples and the power of unconditional dedication.

Married women observe the Vat Savitri fast for the longer lives of their husbands. Also, observing this fast not only extends the husband’s life but also brings a disease-free life, happiness, and prosperity.

Story Behind the Vat Savitri Vrat

The story of Vat Savitri is quite famous and is considered ideal for married women. It goes like the following:

Savitri, the daughter of King Ashvapati, married Satyavan, who was cursed to die a year after their wedding. When Satyavan passed away, as foretold, Savitri refused to accept his death and challenged Yamraj, the god of death, pleading for her husband’s life. Impressed by her dedication, Yamraj granted her three boons, with the condition that she wouldn’t ask for Satyavan’s life. Savitri asked for a hundred children with Satyavan. Yamraj, still impressed, granted her another boon without any conditions. Finally, Savitri asked for her husband’s life, and her request was granted.

What is the Puja Vidhi for Vat Savitri?

• Begin the Vat Savitri Vrat on Trayodashi.
• On the first day, apply a paste of sesame and amla (Indian gooseberry).
• You can eat the roots of the banyan tree (ஆலமரம்) during the fast.
• Next, you need to paint a banyan tree on wood or a plate with turmeric or sandalwood paste.
• Worship this painted tree for the next three days.
• On the fourth day, wake up early and take a ritual bath.
• Next, set up the idols of Satyavan-Savitri and Yamraj on a banyan tree.
• Wear a bridal garment and jewellery, and apply vermilion to your forehead.
• Pray to the banyan tree and Savitri.   
• Next, sprinkle vermilion around the tree. Also, tie yellow or red sacred threads around the tree trunk.
• Walk around the tree seven times while chanting prayers.
• Break your fast on Purnima by eating the prasad, which includes wet pulses, mango, jackfruit, banana, and lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Vat Savitri puja?

A: Vat Savitri Puja is a beautiful expression of love and devotion by women towards their husbands. Women tie a thread around a sacred banyan tree (ஆலமரம்)  on this auspicious day and seek blessings from their deity for well-being and longevity of their husbands.

Q: Can unmarried girls do Vat Savitri pooja?

A: Yes! Unmarried girls can wear a yellow sari and pray for a good husband in the future.

Q: Why is Vat Savitri Puja done?

A: On this auspicious day, women observe a sacred fast to ensure the well-being and safety of their husbands.