Similarly, the Savitri Puja is a festival that explores true compassion and devotion in marriage. According to the Hindu calendar, Savitri Puja is observed on "Purnima" or full moon day, which happens during the month of Jyestha; this is celebrated on Amavasya or new moon day in Bihar, Jharkand, and Odisha. Lasting for three days, women fast for longevity of their husbands, respectively. In Tamil Nadu, this festival is known as Karadayan Nonbu and young maidens are encouraged to participate in prospects of finding a good life partner in the future.
The Story of Savitri and Satyavan
Once upon a time, there was a king, named Asvapati and his wife, Malavi, who wished for a child. The king lived an ascetic life and devoted himself to the Sun God, Savitr. His wish was to have a son. God Savitr was pleased and gave him the boon of a daughter, Savitri.
When Savitri was of marriageable age, nobody approached for her hand. Therefore, she begins a quest of finding her own life partner. She meets Satyavan, a royal prince who resided in the forest due to unfortunate incidents. His father, King Dyumatsena lost his wealth and eyesight.
While returning to meet and talk about Satyavan to her father, she heard Sage Narada criticize about her decision. He explained that Satyvan would pass away a year after his marriage. However, she and Satyavan married and she left to live in the forest with her husband and parents-in-laws.
Time went on and the day of death came near. On the predicted day of death, Savitri accompanied Satyavan to aid in chopping some woods. Out of the blue, Satyavan felt weird and rested his head onto Savitri's lap. The God of Death, Yama, arrived to proclaim Satyavan's soul.
Determined to bring her husband back, she followed her husband's soul. The God of Death tried to explain to her but she paid no heed to him. Using successive formulas of wisdom, Savitri talked highly of his loyalty towards Dharma. Yama was pleased and offered her to ask for anything but Satyavan's life.
Savitri wished to restore Dyumatsena's eyesight and his kingdom, to give a hundred children to her father, and to have hundred kids for herself and Satyavan. The King of Dharma was confused as the last wish would mean to revive Satyavan back to life. He asked Savitri to wish for anything and excluded the phrase" except the life of Satyvan."
She immediately asked for husband's life. Therefore, Yama revives Satyavan and blesses Savitri with happiness and prosperity.
All of her desires come true. Although Satyavan was oblivious to the incidents, Savitri narrated the story to her family and the amassed ascetics. Savitri and her family returned to their kingdom and lived happily ever after.
Significance of Sincerity and Sacrifice
Historically, the Savitri Puja was celebrated in the Deccan area, located in southern part of India. Today, it is observed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Women fast for three days for their spouses. Pictures, including of a banyan tree, Savitri, Satyavan, and Yama are illustrated on wall or floor, through the means of rice and sandal paste. Located on sand tray, the pictures are venerated with prayers and banyan leaves.
Married women orbit and decorate banyan trees with sacred threads. Copper coins are placed as offerings. Women meet and greet with one another, saying "Janam Savitri Ho." (English translation: Become a Savitri.) The husbands are believed to be ensured with long life span for the next seven births.
Women accessorize themselves with colorful sarees and jewelry. They apply vermillion or sindoor onto their forehead and give nine fruits and flowers to Savitri Devi. The story of Savitri's loyalty explains the significance of marriage. After breaking the fast, women eat the offerings and taking blessings from their husbands and elderly persons.
We, The Crazy Creatives, would like to wish everyone, "Happy Vat Savitri Puja!"
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