Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comVat Savitri Vrat
Vat Savitri Vrat is a vow observed by married women for their husband's long life, kept on Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha Amavasya alongside the worship of the banyan tree.
In North India's Purnimanta calendar tradition, this vow falls on Jyeshtha Amavasya, the same day as Shani Jayanti. In Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India's Amanta calendar tradition, the same vow is observed about 15 days later, on Jyeshtha Purnima, as 'Vat Purnima Vrat'.
Significance of Vat Savitri Vrat
Vat Savitri Vrat is based on the Pativrata-Mahatmya episode of the Mahabharata's Vana Parva, in which Savitri, through the strength of her devotion to her husband, wins her husband Satyavan's life back from Yamraj. In remembrance of this event, married women observe this vow for their husband's long life, prosperity, and unbroken marital fortune.
In this vow, the vat, or banyan tree, is worshipped, since according to the story it was beneath this very tree that Savitri won her husband's life back from Yamraj. The banyan tree is seen as a symbol of longevity and unbroken vitality, which is why its worship is tied to the wish for a long life. Savitri's complete story can be read on this site's katha page.
How Vat Savitri Vrat Is Celebrated
On the day of the vow, married women bathe in the morning and set up images of Brahma, Savitri, and Satyavan beneath a banyan tree. The tree is worshipped with water, flowers, raw cotton thread, soaked gram, and jaggery, and devotees circle it while winding raw thread around its trunk.
After the worship, the Vat Savitri Katha is heard, and a gift is offered to the mother-in-law in exchange for her blessing. In North India, this day also coincides with Shani Jayanti, while in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India, the same vow is observed on Jyeshtha Purnima as 'Vat Purnima Vrat'.
Vat Savitri Vrat Puja Vidhi
On Vat Savitri Vrat, bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes. Set up images of Brahma and Savitri, and of Satyavan and Savitri, beneath a banyan tree. Worship the tree with water, flowers, raw cotton thread, soaked gram, jaggery, and incense, circle it three times, and then hear the Vat Savitri Katha.
About Vat Savitri Vrat
Vat Savitri Vrat is a vow observed by married women, kept on the Krishna Paksha Amavasya of the Jyeshtha month. This page covers this vow's significance, the background of the Savitri-Satyavan story, why the banyan tree is worshipped, the differing North and South Indian traditions, and the puja vidhi for observing it at home.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support, and the complete Savitri-Satyavan story can be read on this site's katha page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Vat Savitri Vrat observed?
This vow is observed mainly in North India on the Krishna Paksha Amavasya of Jyeshtha, while in some regions the same vow is kept on the Shukla Paksha Purnima of Jyeshtha instead.
Why is the banyan tree worshipped in Vat Savitri Vrat?
According to the story, it was beneath this very banyan tree that Savitri won her husband Satyavan's life back from Yamraj, which is why the tree is worshipped on this day as a symbol of long life and unbroken marital fortune.
What is the difference between Vat Savitri and Vat Purnima Vrat?
Both are the same vow observed on two different dates under two calendar conventions. North India's Purnimanta tradition calls it Vat Savitri Vrat on Jyeshtha Amavasya, while Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India's Amanta tradition observe the same vow about 15 days later, on Jyeshtha Purnima, as Vat Purnima Vrat.