Vat Savitri 2024: Why Women Worship The Banyan Tree On This Day

One of the auspicious occasions celebrated in the Jyeshtha month is Vat Savitri Vrat. It is also known as Savitri Amavasya or Vat Purnima and will be observed on Sunday, June 6. On this special day, married women observe fast for their husbands’ longevity and the family’s happiness and prosperity. On this day, women worship Vat, the Banyan tree on the Amavasya, aka, New Moon day of Jyeshtha month.

What Is the Importance of the Banyan Tree?

As per the scriptures, the worship of the Banyan tree is important in the Hindu religion. It is further believed that the trinity of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are present in this tree. Hindu religion believes that the tree’s root represents Lord Brahma, the trunk stands for Lord Vishnu, and the upper part of the Banyan tree represents Lord Shiva. Worshipping this sacred tree on this day means all the wishes of the devotees will come true. As per the mythological beliefs, Savitri brought her husband, Satyavan back from Yamraj (God of death) with her dedication. Now, women across the country observe fast for a blessed and married life.

How Is the Vat Savitri Puja Done?

On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning. Married women dress up as newly-wed brides and apply vermillion on their foreheads. The women offer rice and flowers to the banyan tree. The next step is to tie a yellow or red thread around the trunk of the tree, apply vermillion on it and then circumambulate the tree while praying. On this day, many also worship Goddess Savitri. Finally, women break their fast by offering food to the banyan tree.

What Are the Puja Materials Needed?

On this day, an idol or a photo of Goddess Savitri and Satyavan, Vat Savitri Vrat’s story and book of Raksha Sutra are kept. Along with this devotees are required to arrange raw cotton, banyan fruit, a fan made of bamboo, kumkum, fruits, flowers, Roli, sandalwood, akshat, lamp, scent, perfume, incense, wedding materials, batasha, betel nut, puri, jaggery, gram, peanuts, homemade food offered as prasad, makhana, coconut and sweets.