Vat Savitri Vrat is a sacred Hindu festival observed by married women in India for the long life and happiness of their husbands. The festival is mostly celebrated by women of North India, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This holy festival is a symbol of the bravery and courage of a woman named Savitri Devi who compelled Yamraj to bring her dead husband, Satyawan back to life. According to Hindu scriptures, women worship the Banyan tree on this day since it represents the ‘Trimurtis’, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Maheshwara. These deities bless the devotees with good fortune and happy married life.
When is Vat Savitri Vrat?
There are two dates for Vat Savitri fast in the year 2023
- Amavasya Vat Savitri Vrat: Friday, May 19, 2023
Amavasya Tithi Starts: 09:42 p.m on May 18, 2023
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 09:22 p.m on May 19, 2023
- Purnima Vat Savitri Vrat: Saturday, June 3, 2023
Also, Learn Vat Savitri Vrat falls on Jyeshtha Amavasya
Vat Savitri Vrat Fasting Method
- On the day of the fast, get up early in the morning, take a bath before sunrise and wear fresh clothes. Women generally do Shringar and wear red sarees on this day.
- Then decorate a plate for the puja. The plate must contain turmeric, kumkum, Mehendi, rice, incense sticks, oil lamps, flowers, fruits, sweets, etc.
- Visit a Shiva temple and find a banyan tree and clean the space around it.
- Then take a vow in front of the banyan tree to fast with full dedication for the entire day.
- Water the tree and light the lamp in front of it. It is believed that Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma all reside in the Banyan tree.
- During the puja, wrap roli and red cotton thread on the banyan tree. The red colour is a symbol of Suhaag. Chant the mantras of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
- After that worship Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.
- Then, decorate the idol or picture of Satyavan and Savitri. Decorate a Suhaag Thali and offer bhog to Savitri Devi.
- Pray to Goddess Savitri for the long life and happiness of your husband and children.
- Listen to the Vat Savitri Vrat Katha at the place of worship.
- Come home and take the blessings of your elders.
- Donating 108 fruits on the day of the fast is considered very auspicious.
Know the religious benefits of Fasting
Vat Savitri Vrat Katha (Fasting Story)
Savitri and her husband Satyavan are worshipped on the day of Vat Savitri Vrat. This fast is observed as a mark of respect toward Savitri Devi. Savitri is also called Veda Mata, Gayatri and Saraswati in many places. It is believed that Savitri was the daughter of King Ashwapati who had everything but a child. After many years of Yagya, Mata Savitri was pleased by King Ashwapati’s dedication and blessed him with the birth of a beautiful girl child. After the birth of the girl, Ashwapati named the daughter Savitri after the goddess. When Savitri grew up and reached the age of marriage, the king asked her to find a life partner of her own choice. Savitri chose Satyawan, who was the son of a blind and deposed king. Narad Muni cautioned Ashwapati that Satyawan was destined to die within a year due to the sins of his father.
Thus, Ashwapati asked Savitri not to marry Satyawan but she was adamant and finally got married to him. After the marriage, Savitri took care of Satyawan and his parents very well. However, as days passed, Satyawan’s death day neared. Savatri accompanied Satyawan to the forest to be by his side on the day he was destined to die. When Satyawan climbed a banyan tree, he collapsed and fell on Savitri’s lap. He was lying motionless and Savitri was feeling helpless when she saw Yamraj there. She was determined to bring her husband back to life. When Yamraj began to move with Satyawan’s soul, Savitri followed him. Yamraj warned her and asked her to return back but all in vain. She was brave enough to risk her life. Pleased by this dedication, Yamraj urged Savitri to ask for a boon. Savitri tricked Yamraj and asked him to bless her with Satyawan’s children. Thus, she outwitted Yama Raj and compelled him to restore Satyawan’s life.
Interesting Fact: Vat Savitri Vrat falls coincides with Shani Jayanti
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