Savitri Vrat Katha

Savitri Vrat Katha

King Ashwapati of Madra, a virtuous and protective ruler, had no children. Following the advice of Sage Parashar, he performed a Gayatri ritual in the forest. By the grace of Goddess Gayatri, he was blessed with a daughter named Savitri.

Savitri was exceptionally beautiful and virtuous. When she reached marriageable age, her parents allowed her to choose her own husband. In the forest, she met Satyavan, the son of the exiled and blind King Dyumatsena, and chose him as her husband. Sage Narada warned that Satyavan had only one year of life remaining, but Savitri remained firm in her decision.

Savitri served her husband and parents-in-law in the forest. When the day of Satyavan's predicted death arrived, he fell unconscious in the forest. Lord Yama, the God of Death, appeared and took his soul. Savitri followed Yama, impressing him with her wisdom and devotion. Yama granted her boons: eyesight and the kingdom for her parents-in-law, and sons for herself. Savitri then cleverly pointed out that she needed her husband to become a mother. Impressed, Yama returned Satyavan's life.

Barsait Pavani Katha: The Naga-Nagin and the Brahmin

In a village in Mithila, a Naga and Nagin lost their seven eggs because a Brahmin's wife accidentally poured hot fish into their hole. The Nagin vowed to kill the Brahmin's seven sons. Five sons died under a banyan tree where the snakes moved. The youngest son, while traveling, married a clever girl. On the day of Vat Savitri, as they passed the same tree, the bride cleverly trapped the Naga and negotiated with the Nagin to restore all seven brothers to life. Her wisdom saved the family.

Materials and Procedure

Materials: 8 Fans (Biyan), 8 Baskets (Dali), 1 Bohni, Ritual thread, 14 Urad Dal Vadas, Clay Naga-Nagin, Banana leaves, Curds, Moong, Gram, Red cloth, etc.

Procedure: On the day before, the bride eats only Arwa food. In the evening, she prepares the Gauri idol. On the puja day, after dressing in new clothes, she carries the Bohni and offerings to the Banyan tree. She performs the puja, listens to the Katha while holding the 'Binni', and then circumambulates the tree five times while tying the sacred thread. The ritual concludes with seeking blessings from elders.