Vat Savitri Puja: A Sacred Fast Celebrating Devotion and Longevity

Vat Savitri Puja is a revered Hindu festival observed predominantly by married women who pray for the long life, prosperity, and health of their husbands. Rooted in the Puranic tale of Savitri and Satyavan, the vrat is a powerful example of unwavering devotion, sacrifice, and divine blessings.

When is Vat Savitri Puja Observed?

Vat Savitri Puja is celebrated on the Amavasya (no moon day) in the month of Jyeshtha as per the North Indian calendar. In Maharashtra, Gujarat, and southern states, it is observed on the Purnima (full moon) of Jyeshtha.

Scriptural Reference and Vedic Significance

The sacred story is found in the Mahabharata (Vana Parva) where Rishi Markandeya narrates the tale of Savitri and Satyavan. The couple symbolizes ideal marital dharma and divine virtue. The Devi’s strength is also praised in the Vedas:

“या देवी सर्वभूतेषु श्रद्धारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
Meaning: “Salutations to the Goddess who resides in all beings as faith and devotion.”

Vat Savitri Vrat Katha: The Immortal Love Story

Savitri was the daughter of King Ashwapati and a powerful devotee of Goddess Shakti. She married Satyavan, a forest-dweller prince who was destined to die within a year. When Yama, the Lord of Death, came to take Satyavan’s soul, Savitri followed him and impressed Yama with her wisdom and virtue.

Yama granted her three boons, excluding Satyavan’s life. She cleverly asked for children, which implied her husband’s life be restored. Moved by her dedication, Yama returned Satyavan’s life. This tale represents a woman’s divine potential to change fate through love and spiritual strength.

Puja Procedure and Rituals

The central object of worship during Vat Savitri Puja is the Vat Vriksha (banyan tree), symbolizing immortality and divine shelter. Here is the step-by-step method:

1. Pre-dawn Bath: Women wake early, bathe, and dress in traditional sarees, often in red or yellow, with bangles and vermillion.
2. Fast Begins: The vrat is observed without food or water (nirjala) by many devotees until the rituals conclude.
3. Puja Samagri: Fruits, red cloth, bangles, sweets, incense sticks, a small idol or picture of Savitri-Satyavan, and yellow thread (for the banyan tree).
4. Worship of Banyan Tree: Women tie threads around the banyan tree’s trunk while circling it 7 times, chanting mantras and the vrat katha.
5. Katha Path: The Vat Savitri Katha is read or recited, recalling Savitri’s virtues.
6. Aarti and Prasad: After offering puja, aarti is performed, and prasad is distributed.

Spiritual and Astrological Importance

The Vat Vriksha is associated with the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Worshipping it is said to bestow longevity and divine protection. Astrologically, this vrat is powerful during Amavasya and Purnima when planetary vibrations support transformation and wish fulfillment.

Vedic and Puranic References

From the Vedas

The Atharva Veda (7.17.4) mentions:

“यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः” (“Where women are honored, there the gods rejoice.”)

This highlights the sanctity of a woman’s devotion in upholding dharma.

From the Puranas

1. The Markandeya Purana (Ch. 293-299) elaborates Savitri’s dialogue with Yama, showcasing her intelligence and devotion.

“पतिव्रता महाभागा सावित्री सत्यवान् प्रिया” (“The chaste and noble Savitri is the beloved of Satyavan.”)

2. As per the Skanda Purana:

“वटवृक्षस्य मूलस्थो ब्रह्मा विष्णुश्च शंकरः। तस्मात्सेव्यो वटः पुंसां सर्वसौभाग्यवृद्धये॥”
Meaning: “At the base of the Vat tree reside Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Hence, the Vat tree should be worshipped for the enhancement of all good fortunes.”

Significance of the Banyan Tree

The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is revered in Hinduism as Akshaya Vat (the immortal tree). It symbolizes:

1. Longevity (due to its ever-expanding nature).
2. The Trimurti (Brahma in roots, Vishnu in bark, Shiva in branches).
3. Fertility and Protection (as per the Skanda Purana).

Benefits of Observing Vat Savitri Vrat

• Ensures a long, healthy life for the husband
• Grants peace and harmony in married life
• Protects family from untimely misfortunes
• Strengthens a woman’s inner resolve and spiritual merit

Remedies Associated with Vat Savitri Puja

• Women facing marital issues can perform this vrat for reconciliation and stability.
• Offering a red cloth and sweets to a married woman (suhaagin) is believed to remove doshas related to marriage.
• Chanting “ॐ नमः भगवत्यै सावित्र्यै स्वाहा” 108 times while offering water to the Vat tree removes obstacles in the family.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Eternal Bond

Vat Savitri Puja is more than just a ritual — it is a living celebration of a woman’s power, wisdom, and divine faith. The story of Savitri continues to inspire millions across generations as a symbol of grace, courage, and unbreakable commitment.

As the Devi Bhagavata Purana beautifully encapsulates:

“पतिव्रता धर्मपत्नी या या नारी सदा प्रिया। तस्यै देवतासर्वा नित्यं वसन्ति माधवाः॥”
Meaning: “The devoted wife, who adheres to dharma and love, becomes the abode of all divine forces.”

May this Vat Savitri bring longevity, joy, and divine radiance to every marriage and household.