Vat Savitri Vrat

Women worship banyan tree on occasion of Vat Savitri

Several varied beliefs are considered for knowing date of Vat Savitri Vrat (fast).
According to Skand Puran and Bhavishyottar Puran, this fast is performed every Poornima (Full Moon) of Shukla Paksha in Jyeshtha month of Hindu calendar. While according to Nirnayamrit, it has been said that this vrat is performed in Amavasya of Jyeshta month. However, Vishnu devotees consider performing this fast is very auspicious and blessed. Following Skand Puran and Bhavishyottar Puran, Vat Savitri Vrat in this year (2016) will be accomplished on 4 June, Saturday. This fast is very fruitful to all those ladies who perform it. Vat Savitri Vrat bestows good fortune, children and fulfills other wishes of ladies. In Indian culture this fast symbolizes the image of an ideal woman. For Indian women this fast shows a great importance. It is believed that Vat Savitri Vrat even can turn utmost bad fortune of a lady into a good one. With Vat Savitri Vrat, even a lady with her poor fortune can achieves the zenith of happiness, comforts of the world, and a relaxed life full with joy.
Indian ancient Scriptures reflected the above mentioned benefits of Vat Savitri Vrat in the form of given Stanzas...

Savitryadivratadeeni Bhaktya Kurventi Yah Striyah |
Saubhagya Cha Suhtvam Cha Bhavet Tasam Susngatih ||

All Ladies can perform this fast. In Skanda Puran it has been mentioned this way:-

Nari Va Vidhva Vaapi Putriputravivirjita |
Sabhrtika Suputra Va Kuryad Vratamidam Shubham ||

Means, no matter whether a lady is monk or a widow deprived of sun & daughter or fulfilled with children, all ladies must do this fast. This fast endows seamless fruits.
Vat Savitri is a Hindi name which is amalgamation of two words 'Vat' and 'Savitri'. Vat means Bargad ka ped (Banyan Tree) and Savirtri means 'a form of Devi'. As per Hindu mythology, Banyan tree reflects existence of God Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. God Brahma lives in root of Banyan tree. In middle part of this tree God Vishnu lives. And God Mahesh (shiva) lives in front part of this tree. Therefore, sitting under shadow of this tree and listening legends related to Vat Savitri fast is abundantly fruitful and truly fulfills all wishes. Besides, Banyan tree is also popular for its large size.

Legend associated to Vat Savitri Vrat has been told in this way:-

In ancient times, a king called Ashvapati was very honest and holy person. He was abundant with health, wealth and all comforts in life. But only pain was that he had no any child. He wants his child and for this purpose he was advised about a fast to delight Devi Savitri who could accomplish his wish. Acknowledging that, he did very hard austerities (tapsya) till 18 years. Noticing his strong devotions Devi Savitri came, praised his divine devotions, and blessed him a girl-baby with name 'Savitri'. When this girl-baby got younger and reached the age of marriage she herself started searching an ideal groom for her. And finally she found her boy named 'Satyavan. But unfortunately, Satyavan was only about to live for one more year according with his horoscope prediction. But Savitri was very courageous and faithful to her partner. She devotionally prayed to Yamraj-the lord of death- to bestow life to Satyavan. And finally Yamraj was convinced by her and offered life to his husband. Satyavan gave up his life under the Banyan tree and was gifted his life on the same tree. This way this day became momentous with name 'Vat Savitri Vrat'.

How to perform Vat Savitri Vrat?

Vat Savitri Vrat is three days fast begins from Trayodashi (3 days before full moon). If it is difficult to bear fast of three days without meals, you can eat food at night of 1st day fast, can eat little fruits on second day, and can do whole day fast on 3rd day. At night of Poornima/ Amavasya you will complete this vrat.
What rituals you will follow during this auspicious Vrat, please read below given details.
On Poornima / Amavasya day, go and seat near Banyan tree with a vessel decorated with seven types of cereals and covered with two kinds of piece of cloths on it. Establish idol of Devi Savitri in another Vessel and decorate this vessel with dhoop, deep, Gandha, Akshat. Then worship it. Then spire the tree with a filament or thread and revolve around the tree.
While your rotation around this tree, recite the given Mantra with full of dedication and devotion incline towards Devi Savitri:

'Avaidvayam Cha Saubhagyam Dehi Tvam Mam Sruvate |
Putran Pautrashchva Cha Guhanaghyn Namostu Te ||'

And then offer your invocation to Banyan Tree with the given Mantra:

'Vat Sijhchami Te Moolam Salilairmritopamaih |
Yatha Shakha Prashakha Bhivridou Asi Tvam Mahitale |
Yatha Putreshcha Sampannam Kuru Mam Sada ||

Ladies who desire for progeny should recite this Mantra:
Putreshcha Poutreshcha Sampannam Kuru Mam Sada |

Later this as per your devotion, you can revolve around the Banyan tree 108, 54 or 17 times.
After worship, feed Brahamans and donate them cloths to accept their blessings. Feed birds or other pious animals like cow. No mater If you don't find any animal like bird or cow, you can offer meals to everyone present there.
Vat Savitri Vrat ladies should accomplish successfully their fast taking sweet and wonderful garnished food after donating and feeding people. Blessed foods made of milk, khajur (date palm), and other sweet food made of gud (jaggary) can be prepared on such prosperous day.