Significance of Vat Savitri Puja
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Vat Savitri Puja is one of the most auspicious
festivals celebrated in Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh by Hindu married women. It
is observed on the Amavasya, which is the no-moon day, in the Hindu month of
Jyeshtha, which typically falls in May or June. It is also known as Savitri
Vrat or Savitri Amavasya. This year it was celebrated on 19th May. This was my
first Vat Savitri after marriage. So, I am going to share my experience of this
puja here.
I am always fascinated by the Hindu culture. It’s
indeed very vast and incredible. Every festival has a story associated with it
and a lot of lessons to learn from it. That’s the beauty of our culture. I have seen my mother following this puja's rituals so dedicatedly for years.
I have seen her keeping fast for my father throughout the day by eating only
fruits. As a child, I could not feel the intensity then until I followed those
rituals for my spouse.
The story of Savitri and Satyavan exemplifies the
power of love, dedication, and the strength of a wife's prayers. Vat Savitri
Puja is observed to honor this legend and celebrate the eternal bond between
husband and wife. Savitri (daughter of the king of Madra kingdom, Ashvapati) went
fell in love with a prince named Satyavan. Later she got to know that the
lifespan of Satyavan was short. His husband would die when she turned 13 years
which was just one year away. The Father of Savitri told him to not marry him but
she was determined to marry her love. Despite this, she married Satyavan and
devoted to him. When she was nearing 13 years, the very thought of the death of his
husband would haunt her day and night. She started performing rituals and
worshipping gods for well-being of her husband. One day, while Satyavan was
cutting wood in the forest, he suddenly collapsed due to the effects of his
destined fate. At that moment, Yama Raj, the Lord of Death, arrived to claim
Satyavan's soul. Savitri, followed Yama Raj as he carried Satyavan's soul away.
Impressed by her unwavering dedication, purity, and love for her husband, Yama
Raj offered her boons. Savitri asked for three boons. First, she wanted the
restoration of the eyesight of her father-in-law. Second, she asked for the kingdom
which her father-in-law had lost in a war. Third, she requested to be a mother
of hundred sons. Thus, through her devotion, determination, and intelligence,
Savitri succeeded in changing the course of fate and saving his beloved husband’s
life.
My day started with waking up early in the morning and
taking a head shower. I started my ritual by visiting the temple to seek the
blessings of the almighty. I wore a new saree and put on all the accessories. I have a particular affinity for bangles. As a married woman, it’s an auspicious accessory to
put on with a saree. Then I moved forward
to take the blessing of my husband. I kept fast throughout the day. I consumed
only fruits and juice. As its scorching summer here, I felt less hungry throughout
the day. Altogether, it was a unique
experience for me. I prayed to god to bless him with good health, wealth, and
happiness throughout his life. May he get all the things he desires for.
SWETA SARANGI
23.05.203
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