Vat Savitri, also known as Vat Purnima, (full moon), is a traditional festival celebrated by Hindu married women for the wellbeing, longevity and prosperity of their husbands.

During Vat Purnima, married woman tie ceremonial threads around temple banyan trees, seeking the same husband for 7 lifetimes – this is a tradition that is practised till this day by the married women specifically, in the northern regions of India.

On this day, Hindu women observe a day-long fast. The celebration is based on the legend of Savitri and Satyavan, where Savitri “retrieved,” her husband Satyavan from the clutches of death from Yamraj, the Lord of Death.

Myth has it that Savitri had refused to allow Yamraj from taking her husband from her and had pleaded profusely for Yamraj to have mercy on her. After much persuasion, Yamraj returned her husband to her and saluted her love for her husband – ever since then, Savitri became the emblem of a true wife, to the women of India and the day of the return of her husband was marked at Vat Purnima.

Purnima begins at 3:17 am on 5th June and ends at 12.44 am on 6th June.

It is also believed that those seeking long term relationships or marriage opportunities or repair troubled relationships should offer 3 ghee lamps on this day, as the offerings will prove to be fruitful for all parties.

Offer soaked pulses, fruits, and rice as bhog, (offering). Worship the banyan tree by applying vermillon, chandan (sandalwood paste), and offer flowers and fruits to the tree, as it is believed that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva reside in this sacred tree and when married women gift offerings to the tree, it is like offering their heart to God!

As it is a full moon celebration of love, it is also the night in which we witness the Chandra Grahan or the Lunar Eclipse.

A lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth, the Sun and the Moon are closely aligned with each other and the Earth is exactly between the two. The eclipse is estimated to begin at 11.15pm on the 5th of June and ends at 3.20am on the 6th June.

It is advised that during the lunar eclipse to remain indoors, with doors and windows closed as the eclipse to said to emit poisonous gasses during this time.

AVOID:

1. Being outdoors;

2. Eating or having food exposed;

3. Hindus are advised to close the doors of the altars and temple, refraining from auspicious work/rituals at this time.

4. Cleansing your crystals at this time.

5. Pregnant women should stay indoors and not eat during this time.

OFFERINGS FOR FULL MOON & CHANDRA GRAHAN:

1. Japa chanting:

(a) OM NAMAH SHIVAYA for general wellbeing; (108x)

(b) OM SHRAANG SHREENG SHROUNG CHANDRAMASE NAMAH to remove any negative malefic effects of the eclipse on our lives; (51x)

(c) OM SRI MATRE NAMAH for utmost respect to the Goddess Mother to guiding us in all that we do in our lives. (108x)

You could also chant the Gayatri Mantra (9×) or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (11×) during this time.

2. 3 ghee lamps;

3. Abhisekh (ritual bath), on statues with rose water and milk with rose petals;

4. 3 types of fruits;

5. Flowers – specifically yellow coloured;

6. Red cloth – to be tied to a tree, setting the intention of your desire. This should be done in the front of your home.

If you do not have a tree in your home, you can write your intention on the red cloth and place the cloth in the North-East quadrant (outdoors) of your home.

May you have all your prayers answered. I wish you love, joy and compassion this Vat Purnima.

SUJATA NANDY WORLD GURUKUL
www.sujatanandy.com