Historical and Mythological Significance
According to religious beliefs, the sacred trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva)—reside within the Banyan tree. Lord Brahma is believed to reside in the roots, Lord Vishnu in the trunk, and Lord Shiva in the branches. The hanging roots of this tree symbolize Maa Savitri, the goddess of sacrifice, austerity, and fertility.
Story behind Vat Savitri Puja
Once Lord Yama (the god of death) was taking away the life of Mata Savitri’s husband, Satyavan, Maa Savitri performed intense meditation under a Banyan tree. Through her devotion and dedication, she successfully reclaimed her husband’s life from Yamaraj.
It’s believed that like Mata Savitri the married women who observe the Vat Savitri Vrat worship under the Banyan tree, praying for their husband’s long life and for blessings of children, all their wishes are fulfilled and grants longevity to the husband.
When Vat Savitri Puja is celebrated
Vat Savitri Puja in 2025 will be observed on Monday, 26th May 2025, which corresponds to the Amavasya (new moon) of the Jyeshtha month in the Hindu calendar. The Amavasya tithi begins at 12:11 PM on 26th May and ends at 8:31 AM on 27th May 2025. This is the day when married women perform the Vat Savitri vrat for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.
Additionally, there is another related observance called Vat Savitri Purnima, which falls on Tuesday, 10th June 2025, but the primary Vat Savitri vrat is widely celebrated on the Amavasya date of 26th May, especially in northern and central India
How to Perform Vat Savitri Puja
Preparation:
- Women wake up early, take a bath, and wear new or traditional clothes, including bangles and vermillion.
- The worship area is cleaned, and idols or pictures of Savitri, Satyavan, and Yamaraj are placed on a cloth (not directly on the ground).
- Gather these items: water, sacred thread (moli), red powder (roli), vermillion (sindoor), rice grains (akshat), sweets, flowers, incense, dhoop, a bamboo basket, a bamboo fan, soaked chickpeas, and fruits like bananas, jackfruit, and mangoes.
Steps to Follow:
Morning Puja:
- Light lamps with three wicks (representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
- Offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and incense to the idols or images.
- Listen to or read the story of Vat Savitri (Vat Savitri Katha).
Fasting:
- Women fast from sunrise to sunset, often without food or water. Some follow this fast for three days.
Banyan Tree Worship:
- Visit a Banyan tree, tie the sacred thread around its trunk, and walk around it (usually 7 or 108 times), praying for the husband’s long life.
- Offer water, copper coins, and fruits at the base of the tree.
Breaking the Fast:
- After sunset or the next morning, women break their fast by eating the offering (bhog), like fruits and soaked pulses.
- They also seek blessings from elders and their husbands.
Chanting a Mantra:
Women chant mantras during the puja to pray for their husband’s long life and prosperity. Here is a common one:
“अवैधव्यं च सौभाग्यं देहि त्वं मम सुव्रते।
पुत्रान् पौत्रांश्च सौख्यं च गृहाणार्घ्यं नमोऽस्तुते।।
यथा शाखाप्रशाखाभिर्वृद्धोऽसि त्वं महीतले।
तथा पुत्रैश्च पौत्रैश्च सम्पन्नं कुरु मा सदा।।
“Avaidhavyam cha saubhagyam dehi tvam mama suvrate.
Putran pautranshcha saukhyam cha grihanarghyam namostute.”
It means: “Grant me the blessings of a long married life, children, and grandchildren.”
Benefits of Vat Savitri Puja
Spiritual and Marital Benefits:
- Prayers are believed to ensure the long life, health, and prosperity of the husband.
- The rituals reinforce marital devotion, love, and unity, strengthening the bond between spouses.
- Women gain spiritual strength and a sense of fulfillment by emulating Savitri’s virtues.
Community and Social Benefits:
- The festival fosters unity and camaraderie among women, as it is often observed in groups, promoting social support and the preservation of tradition78.
Health and Well-being:
- Fasting and meditation during the puja are said to promote detoxification, mental clarity, and stress reduction8.
- The collective celebration helps alleviate loneliness and supports emotional well-being8.
Summary
Vat Savitri Puja is a deeply symbolic festival celebrating marital devotion, inspired by the legendary Savitri. The rituals-centered around fasting, worship, and the banyan tree-are believed to bring blessings, longevity, and prosperity to married couples, while also fostering unity and spiritual growth among women.
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