Vata Savitri Purnima: A Celebration of Unwavering Devotion and Marital Harmony

"Vata Savitri Purnima" (also called 'Vat Savitri Vrat') is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June).

This year, we are commemorating the significant Hindu festival of Vata Savitri Purnima on “21st June 24.”

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Vata Savitri Purnima” in ‘24 is as follows:

Vata Savitri Purnima on Friday, 21st June ‘24

• Purnima Tithi Begins - 07:31 AM on 21st June ‘24
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 06:37 AM on 22nd June ‘24

In English, 'Vat Purnima' means 'a full moon related to the Banyan tree.'

The festival derives its name from two main components:

• Vata (which refers to the Banyan tree), and
• Savitri (a legendary figure known for her unwavering devotion to her husband).

Hence this occasion is solely dedicated to the worship of the Vata tree (Banyan tree) & the observance of Savitri's devotion.

Legend behind “Vata Savitri Purnima”:

According to Hindu shastras, there is a very interesting legend behind Savitri's dedication and determination that enabled her to bring her husband back to life from the clutches of the god of death- Yama. Let's have a look at the story deep within:

The legend dates back to the era of Mahabharata. Once, there was a King namely Asvapati. He had a wife named Malavi. The couple was childless for many years after their marriage. Finally, they decided to pray to God Savitr with utter devotion. Ultimately, Savitr Bhagwan got pleased by their whole heartedly dedication and granted him the boon of a daughter.
When the child was born, the King named her 'Savitri' in honor of the God Savitr. She was so pretty and pure. But all the men in their village were used to being intimidated by her, hence there was no scope of her marriage in the village itself. Hence her father told her to find a husband on her own.
She set out on a pilgrimage and found Satyavan, a noble & virtuous man, there. His father, Dyumatsena, was a blind king who was living in exile as a forest-dweller.

Savitri had decided to marry Satyavan. When she went to her father to inform the same, she saw him talking with Narada Rishi. The sage was telling him that Savitri had made a wrong choice as Satyavan was fated to die within a year.
Despite this fact, Savitri stood firm on her decision & urged to marry Satyavan. Raja Asvapati had to agree to her only daughter. At the end, Savitri & Satyavan became a couple. Savitri dedicated herself to being a loving and devoted wife.

As the months passed & three days were left for the foreseen death of Satyavan, Savitri took a vow of fasting & stayed vigil. She prayed for her husband's well-being under a Vata tree.

On the day of Satyavan's predicted death, when he was splitting wood, he suddenly became weak & laid off his head in Savitri's lap and died. Yama, the god of death, arrived to claim his soul. Savitri, unwavering in her love and determination, followed Yama as he took Satyavan's life.

Yama was impressed by Savitri's steadfastness and offered her a boon, hoping she would ask for something other than her husband's life. Savitri cleverly requested that her father-in-law's eyesight be restored and his kingdom be returned to him. Yama granted her wish.

However, Savitri's devotion did not waver, and she continued to follow Yama. Impressed by her relentless pursuit, Yama offered her a second boon. Savitri seized the opportunity and asked for the restoration of her father-in-law's kingdom, then a hundred sons for her father-in-law & at last, she asked for a hundred sons for herself and Satyavan. Yama granted the first two wishes of her. But he was stuck in a dilemma regarding the third wish as the only possible thing to accomplish her last wish was to take Satyavan back to life.

With eloquence and logic in her debate and her unwavering faith in righteousness and truth & relentlessness, Savitri's undying love and persistence moved Yama, and he finally relented. He restored Satyavan's life and blessed the couple with a long and prosperous married life. Savitri and Satyavan returned to their kingdom, where their story became an inspiration for married couples, emphasizing the significance of devotion and loyalty.

Rituals & Observances on “Vata Savitri Purnima”:

To commemorate Savitri's unwavering love and her victory over death, married women in various parts of India & Nepal observe Vata Savitri Purnima. The women perform various rituals for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Some of the most common rituals observed on this auspicious day are:

• Fasting:
  Married women observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. They abstain from consuming food and water during this period, demonstrating their dedication and determination.
• Worship of the Vata Tree:
  The Vata tree, also known as the Banyan tree, holds immense significance on this day. The Sanatan Dharma finds Vat Vriksha to be highly auspicious & Trimurti (Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh) resides in it. This tree is considered to be a long lived tree & it's also known as 'Akshay Vat' (due to its immortality).
  Women offer prayers and perform rituals around the tree, which represents the sacred tree under which Savitri prayed. They tie a sacred thread around the tree and make offerings of flowers, incense, and water. This tree is worshipped in memory of the love in Satyavan & Savitri's story.
• Circumambulation (Parikrama):
  Women perform circumambulation or walk around the Vata tree in a clockwise direction. This act is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to their married lives.
• Offering prayers:
  Women offer prayers to deities like Goddess Savitri, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, seeking their blessings for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. They express their love, devotion, and gratitude for their marital bond.
• Listening to the Story of Savitri:
  Women gather together to listen to the story of Savitri and Satyavan, which emphasizes the virtues of love, loyalty, and sacrifice in married life. This storytelling session serves as a reminder of the significance of a strong and harmonious marital relationship.
• Applying Sindoor (Vermilion):
  As a symbol of their marital status, women apply Sindoor (vermilion) on their foreheads and parting of their hair. It signifies their commitment to their husbands and is believed to bring good fortune and marital happiness.
• Praying for the well-being of husbands:
  Throughout the day, women pray fervently for the health, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. They seek divine blessings and protection for their partners.

  These rituals are performed with utmost devotion and sincerity, reflecting the importance of love, loyalty, and marital harmony in Hindu culture. Vata Savitri Purnima is a day dedicated to celebrating and strengthening the bond between husband and wife (just like Satyavan & Savitri).

  The day of 'Vata Savitri Purnima' represents the annual marriage of the earth and nature represented by Satyavan and Savitri. It is like the way the earth dies every year and is rejuvenated by the powers of nature.

Lessons from “Savitri Devi”:

Savitri's unwavering devotion highlights the power of love and commitment in relationships. Wecan draw inspiration from her example to nurture and cherish relationships, and to stand by our loved ones through thick and thin.
Some of my favorite lessons from the admirable qualities possessed by Savitri Devi are:

• Unwavering Devotion:
  Savitri's unwavering devotion to her husband is a powerful lesson in commitment and love. We can learn the importance of standing by our partner through thick and thin, showing unwavering support and dedication.
• Strength and Determination:
  Savitri's strength and determination in facing challenges and even confronting Yama, the god of death, reminds us about our inner strength and resilience. to overcome obstacles and fight for what one believes in.
• Sacrifice for Love:
  Savitri's willingness to sacrifice her own comfort and well-being for the sake of her husband's life is a lesson in selflessness. It highlights the importance of putting the needs and happiness of loved ones above one's own.
• Courage and Persistence:
  Savitri's courage in following Yama and her persistent pursuit of her husband's life demonstrates the power of determination. One can learn to be courageous in pursuing their goals and never giving up in the face of adversity.
• Value of Relationships:
  The story of Savitri and Satyavan emphasizes the value of relationships and the importance of nurturing them. It teaches cherishing and prioritizing relationships, investing time and effort into building strong and loving bonds.
• Faith and Spirituality:
  Savitri's deep faith in divine intervention and her prayers to seek blessings teaches one the significance of faith and spirituality. It encourages them to cultivate a sense of inner spirituality, self-belief and seek guidance from higher powers in their lives.
• Marital Harmony:
  The story of Savitri and Satyavan highlights the importance of marital harmony and the virtues of a strong and loving relationship. It inspires the upcoming generations to strive for a harmonious partnership and to work towards creating a fulfilling and joyful married life.

By reflecting on these lessons from Savitri Devi's story, one can find inspiration to navigate their own lives with strength, devotion, courage, and a deep appreciation for the power of love and commitment.

So let us also imbibe the strength from Savitri's determination to never give up and find creative solutions to overcome challenges in this 'Vata Savitri Purnima.'

|| Shubh Vata Savitri Purnima ||