How to Observe Sacred Vat Purnima Fast ?
Vat purnima is very famous festival of states like Maharashtra ,Gujarat and Karnataka. Meaning of Poornima is full moon, it is celebrated on the 15th day of Poornima in month Jyeshtha according to Hindu calendar. This day is mainly celebrated by women for their husbands. Women tie thread on a banyan tree, also called vrat popularly known as Pial Pooja. Savitri, the wife who saved his husband from Yama, is honored on this day .
What is the legend behind Vat Purnima vrat ?
There is a story of Satyavan and Savitri behind this celebration. Satyavan was the husband of Savitri, he did not live for a long time, he died on the lap of his wife. God Yama came to take the soul of the dead man, but his wife refused to give her love. After many vain attempts, he gave him three boons that are as under:
She was given the first boon, that her in-laws will get their kingdom back and will live a happy life. Second boon was given for well being of her parents Third boon was that, she wanted to become mother that was also granted to her. But as he took away her husband, her third wish was not fulfilled. So she followed Lord Yama all the way and reached his house. Yama was impressed by her devotion and granted her husband’s life back. That is why she is called Sati Savitri. All women keep fast and pray for long and healthy life of their husband.
How is this day celebrated ?
Vat Savitri vrat starts on Trayodashi day and stays for three days and remains till last Poornima. The fast is kept for three days and nights and is ended in the morning on the fourth day. All married women who keep this fast apply amla paste and sesame and take bath in Bhrama Mahurat. Roots of banyan tree are also eaten with a glass of water. And this is eaten for a next few days. Prayers are done around the banyan tree as the tree is symbolic to the Trimurtis of Brahma Shiva and Vishnu. According to legends, the roots are considered as Brahma, stems are considered Vishnu and the upper portion is considered to be Shiva. The tree is considered as Savitri and is worshipped. Paintings of banyan tree on a plate of wood are made with the application of turmeric and sandalwood paste. Thereafter, the painting is worshipped for three days with water, rice and flowers.
Married women are supposed to wake up early in the morning that is in Bhrama Mahurat and take a bath. Then they wear new clothes, apply sindoor, wear new bangles and pray Savitri. Then Bhog is offered in the form of wet pulses, mango, rice, jack fruit, banana and lemon. Also the fruits are donated on the occasion. Bhoga is eaten to break the fast. They do all formalities and rituals with lots of zeal, then take the blessing of their husbands and other family members by touching their feet. Special dishes are prepared to enjoy the day, which are distributed as Prasaad to friends and neighbors. Food, money and cloths are distributed on this occasion.