MEERA S. SASHITAL tells us the importance of Vata Savitri Vrata for Hindu women
The full moon day of the month of Jeshta as per Hindu calendar (and June as per Gregorian calendar) is observed in honour of pious Savitri who on this day had brought her dead husband back to life. The Vata Savitri Vrata is the fast kept by Hindu women on this day, which is also called Vat Purnima (Banyan full moon), Savitri by her devotion and fidelity had revived her husband, therefore, women feel secure of the longevity of their husbands by performing ‘Vrat’ or certain religious observances on this full moon day. The Banyan or the Vata tree is connected with the story of Savitri, hence the name Vata Savitri.
The festival of Vat Purnima or Vat Savitri is celebrated in the month of Jesht (May-June) by married women. Women observe fast and tie threads around a Banyan tree (Vata) known as Peepal Puja on this day. They pray for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands. On this occasion of Vat Savitri they deck themselves in ornate type of jewellery and dresses.
Their fast is observed the whole night till the next morning. After ending their fast, fruits clothes and other articles are given away in charity in a bamboo basket to needy people. Women worship the Banyan tree (Vata tree) by applying kunku
(vermillion) and offering water to this sacred tree. After tying the thread round the Vata or the Banyan tree and worship over, they go seven times round the tree which is known as ‘Parikrama’.
According to the Pauranic story Savitri was the daughter of King Ashvapati. On reaching her marriageable age she was asked by her father to choose her own husband.
Once while strolling in the forest with her attendants Savitri sees a beautiful young man cutting wood. She finds out that the youth was Satyavan looking after his blind parents living in the forest. She was very impressed by his filial love and devotion and decides to marry him. Actually, Satyavan was a prince but owing to the blindness of his parents they were dethroned and were compelled to live in the forest.
But Narad Muni, the celestial minstrel, tells Savitri’s father that this alliance was not suitable as it would bring grief and widowhood to Savitri because Satyavan was destined to die within a year. But Savitri once determined would not change her mind and married Satyavan. Savitri discards all her royal life and lives with Satyavan in the small hermitage. Days rolled by and finally the ill-fated day drew near. Savitri realising this, observed fast and accompanied him to the forest, Feeling tired as he lay in her lap according to prophecy Satyavan died. It seems a snake bit him.
Instantly, Yama the God of Death arrives and snatches Satyavan’s soul out of his body in front of Savitri and leaves for His abode .Savitri undaunted followsYama and despite His pleadings does not return. Yama offers her three boons to make her return, for the first boon she asks for the restoration of her parents-in-law. The second was the restoration of their kingdom and the third – birth of eight sons to Savitri.
Now the third boon meant that Satyavan had naturally come to life, for the procreation of the sons. It was by mistake that Yama granted the last boon without realizing the consequences. But, Yama being well known for His justice and righteousness pleased with her fidelity and love grants Satyavan’s life. Finally Love had conquered Death. Savitri is, therefore, regarded as an example of the highest type of conjugal fidelity to womanhood.
The Vata or the Banyan tree under which Satyavan rested with Savitri is believed to have all the attributes of God and therefore is regarded as very sacred. It is perhaps the most prolific tree bearing fruits and leaves. It is said, at the time of the Deluge, the
Eternal Power had transformed himself into the Banyan tree. Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment under the ‘Bodhi’ tree (Banyan tree). And above all, Savitri had saved the life of her husband, Satyavan from the clutches of Death under the Banyan tree (Vat tree), so the tree also became an ideal object of worship especially on Vata Savitri day among women.
Vat Purnima is observed and celebrated in Western Indian States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. According to Gupte and Dr. Tylor, the story of Savitri is allegorical and related to Nature. They opine that the natural phenomena of the seasons due to the relation of the earth with the sun have given rise to many myths. Whatever the myth may be, Savitri will remain immortal as a saviour of her husband’ life in every woman’s mind and give them courage to face life.
