Vat Savitri Vrat Katha
How Savitri won back her husband Satyavan from Yama, by the banyan tree
On Vat Savitri Amavasya (and Vat Purnima in some regions), married women keep a fast and worship the vat (banyan) tree, tying a sacred thread around it and praying for the long life and well-being of their husbands. The vrat commemorates Savitri — the very model of a devoted wife — whose wisdom and steadfast love won her husband's life back from Yama, the lord of death. This is her story, from the Mahabharata.
Savitri Chooses Satyavan
Savitri was the noble and beautiful daughter of King Ashwapati. When the time came for her marriage, she herself set out and chose Satyavan, the son of a blind king who had lost his kingdom and lived in the forest as a hermit. The sage Narada warned her father that, though Satyavan was virtuous in every way, he was fated to die exactly one year from that day. But Savitri replied firmly, 'A woman of noble heart chooses her husband but once.' She would not change her mind, and the marriage took place.
Savitri laid aside her royal robes, dressed in bark and went to live in the forest, serving her husband and his aged parents with perfect devotion. Yet she never forgot Narada's prophecy. As the year drew to its close, she undertook a severe three-day fast and vigil to strengthen herself for what was to come.
Savitri Follows Yama
On the fated day, Satyavan went into the forest to gather wood, and Savitri, sensing danger, went with him. As he swung his axe he grew faint and lay down with his head in her lap. Then Savitri beheld Yama himself, dark and majestic, come to draw out Satyavan's soul and depart toward the south.
Without fear Savitri followed. Yama bade her turn back, for the living may not follow the dead — but moved by her wisdom and devotion, he offered her any boon except her husband's life. She asked first that her blind father-in-law regain his sight and kingdom; Yama granted it. As she still followed, he granted her father a hundred sons. Still she walked on, speaking such words of dharma and truth that Yama, delighted, offered one boon more — 'anything save Satyavan's life.' Savitri asked, 'Grant that I may be the mother of a hundred sons.' 'So be it,' said Yama — and only then realised that, bound to a faithful wife, this boon could not be fulfilled without restoring her husband. Caught by her cleverness and won by her virtue, Yama released Satyavan's soul. Savitri returned to the banyan tree; Satyavan awoke as if from sleep, and they lived long in happiness. Since then married women worship the vat tree, praying for the same blessing of an unbroken marriage.
The Fruit of the Vrat
The Vat Savitri vrat is kept by married women for the long life, health and prosperity of their husbands and for a happy, lasting marriage (akhand saubhagya). Worshipping the enduring banyan tree — which lives for centuries — symbolises the prayer for an enduring bond, blessed by Savitri's example of devotion and courage.
Mantras & Aarti for this Puja
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Vat Savitri vrat observed?
It is observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the month of Jyeshtha in North India (Vat Savitri Amavasya), and on Jyeshtha Purnima (Vat Purnima) in Maharashtra, Gujarat and the south — about a fortnight apart, both celebrating the same Savitri-Satyavan story.
Why is the banyan (vat) tree worshipped?
The banyan lives for hundreds of years and is regarded as imperishable, sheltering the Trimurti. Married women circle it with a sacred thread while praying for the long life of their husbands, just as Savitri won Satyavan's life back beneath it.
Who can keep the Vat Savitri vrat?
It is traditionally kept by married women (suhagins) for the welfare and longevity of their husbands; in many families newly married women begin it and continue every year.