Vat Savitri Vrat 2024: Know auspicious timing, rituals, significance

Celebrated by Hindu married women, Vat Savitri is a prominent Hindu festival. on this auspicious day, the tradition is to observe a fast and offer prayers to a Banyan tree for their husband's well being. Married women dedicate this day to fasting for the longevity of their husbands and pay homage to the revered banyan tree. The significance of this fast parallels that of Karva Chauth, also known as Badmaavas. Know how about  the worship method, materials required , auspicious timing, and the tale behind Vat Savitri Vrat.

Timing for Vat Savitri Puja 

According to the Hindu calendar, Vat Savitri Vrat falls on the Amavasya Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Jyeshtha month. The auspicious period of Amavasya commenced on June 5th, starting at 7:54 pm, and concludes on June 6th, ending at 6:07 pm. As per Udayatithi, this year's observance of Vat Savitri Vrat falls on June 6th.

How to perform puja? 

To commence the ritual, install the idols of Savitri, Satyavan, and Yamraj beneath the banyan tree. Alternatively, one can visualize their presence mentally. Offer water to the banyan tree's roots and adorn it with flowers, incense, and sweets. Encircle the tree with raw yarn, wrapping it around the trunk, then circumambulate it seven times. While performing this act, listen to the tale of Savitri and Satyavan, holding wet gram in your hand. Subsequently, offer wet gram, along with some money and clothing, to your mother-in-law, seeking her blessings. Conclude the fast by consuming the bud of the banyan tree.

Materials used in Puja

Necessary materials encompass a bamboo wooden fan, incense sticks, red and yellow Kalava threads, five varieties of fruits, a banyan branch, offering dish, turmeric, Akshat, sixteen adornments, Kalava threads, water in a copper vessel, clean vermilion for worship, and red-colored attire.

Significance of Banyan tree

According to Hindu scriptures, Brahma is believed to reside in the banyan tree's roots, Vishnu in the middle, and Shiva at the forefront. This sacred tree, revered as the Peepal tree, is deemed divine, housing Goddess Savitri herself. Legend has it that Savitri restored her husband's life beneath this very tree, thereby etching the fast's name as ‘Vat Savitri’. Married women observe this ritual to secure unbroken blessings for their spouses. While encircling the tree, they wrap raw cotton around it 108 times and listen to the tale of Savitri-Satyavan, ensuring the fulfillment of all desires and the alleviation of their husband's tribulations. 

Offer milk to Peepal tree 

For the prosperity, happiness, and longevity of one's husband, offering sweet milk to the Peepal tree on the day following Vat Savitri fast, while chanting the Shani Mantra during its circumambulation, is advised. 

Ghee lamp under banyan tree

Additionally, lighting a ghee lamp under the banyan tree and meditating on Lord Vishnu can amplify love within marital bonds while resolving familial conflicts.