SAVITRI AMABASYA -FAITH in the FESTIVAL..

Savitri Brata, commonly known as “Bata Savitri Brata,” is a significant celebration observed across India. This auspicious occasion is particularly cherished by Sadhava women, who honour the Bata tree, also recognised as the Bara tree. It is believed that worshipping this tree on Savitri Brata brings blessings of good fortune. One of the key rituals involves Sadhava women tying a thread around the tree, symbolising their prayers and hopes for prosperity and well-being. In the epic Mahabharata, we find the inspiring tale of King Ashwapati, who ruled over the Madra country. In his desire for a child, he organised a yagna to invoke the goddess Savitri, who eventually appeared to him. Upon her arrival, she urged Ashwapati to request a suitable groom for his future child. Though the king longed for a son, the goddess informed him that it would not be possible, yet blessed him with a virtuous daughter. This led to the birth of a remarkable girl named Savitri, whom Ashwapati cherished as a blessing from the goddess. As Savitri grew into adulthood, her father encouraged her to seek a husband. Determined and resolute, she ventured forth with her companions to find a suitable mate. Satyavan, the son of Dyumatsen, the king of Shalva, faced challenges during his early life when his father became blind due  to divine misfortune, forcing them into a life of seclusion in the forest. Despite this, Satyavan showed unwavering devotion to his parents, living modestly on fruits and roots. During her travels, Savitri encountered Satyavan and was deeply moved by his commitment to caring for his father and his virtuous character. Choosing love over material wealth, she resolved to marry him. After returning to inform her father of her choice, sage Narada warned her that Satyavan had only one year to live, urging Savitri to reconsider. Nevertheless, Savitri stood firm in her decision, and with the blessing of both families, the couple wed and settled into a humble life in a hut in Tapovan, where Savitri devoted herself to her in-laws. In Sanatana Dharma, Sati Savitri is celebrated as one of the five revered Satis:

1. Anusuya- Honoured as the epitome of devotion, she was the wife of sage Atri and demonstrated her power of Sati-vows by transforming the three goddesses into boys to teach them a lesson about humility. 2. Draupadi- The daughter of King Drupada, she is renowned for her steadfastness and virtue as the wife of the five Pandavas, embodying the qualities of a great Satibrata.

3. Sulakhana- As the wife of Meghnad (Indrajit), Ravana’s son, she also holds the title of a Sati.

4. Savitri – The dedicated daughter of Maharaja Ashwapati, Savitri’s extraordinary virtues enabled her to bring her husband Satyavan back from the clutches of Yama, the god of death.

5. Manadodri- Another distinguished Sati, she was Ravana’s wife.

The festival of Savitri Amavasya, or Savitri Brata, is a significant observance for married women in Odisha. Occurring on the no-moon day of the month of Jyestha, this fast is undertaken with great reverence. On this auspicious day, married women participate by fasting and recounting the tale of Savitri and Satyavan, seeking blessings for their husbands’ long lives. As Savitri’s first wedding anniversary approached, she engaged in a three-night fast. On the final day, as they gathered fruits and herbs, Satyavan fell asleep in her lap—this was the moment he passed away. Undeterred, Savitri continued to hold her husband’s head, refusing to let go even when Yama’s messengers arrived for him. When Yama himself appeared to take Satyavan, Savitri, driven by her devotion, followed him and was granted three boons. Instead of asking for Satyavan’s life, she prioritised her family’s needs and insisted on her husband’s return. Moved by her unwavering love, Yama ultimately restored Satyavan to life. Savitri Osha is celebrated on Jyeshtha Amavasya, where women observe a fast and engage in prayers until the afternoon. After completing their rituals, they may enjoy fruits like bananas, mangoes, pineapples and other village fruits. The story of Savitri and Satyavan is recited either beneath the moonlight or at home during the fasting period, with devotion directed towards Maa Savitri, the goddess worshipped during this puja.

About Post Author