Vat or Vad is the Banyan tree which is to be worshiped on this auspicious day. The tree is eternal. It keeps on spreading & lives for years together. All the married women gather around the Banyan tree for the health & longevity of their husband. They tie threads around the bark & observe a fast. In our colony it was a yearly ritual which we followed collectively. It was a lesson in rituals for our children. Durga has been following me around & observing me closely for years.
As the tale goes, Savitri had brought back the ‘Pran’ or the very life of her husband, Satyavan from the clutches of the God of death,Yama! In the Hindu mythology it is believed that Yama rides his ‘Reda’ & takes away the life of the one whose tenure here is complete.
Savitri, a princess chances upon a handsome youth in the woods. Her friend tells her that he is the son of an exiled King. She tells her father to marry her off to Satyavan. She makes the choice but gets her father’s blessings also. Her pure, determined nature shines through. She chooses to live with them in the forest. She gives away all her jewelery & articles of comfort to live a simple life. She cares for her husband & the in- laws who are blind.
‘Seva se meva milta hai’ I am not sure if ‘meva’ milta hai, but satisfaction, solace definitely. She chooses a hard path for herself & knows that he has a short life span. So she is now following him every where. While fetching firewood he suddenly falls & Yama appears. She follows. Yama tries to shake her off but she continues. Finally he grants her three boons but she is not getting her husband back. Persistance & clarity, knowing exactly what she wants.(So few people know!)
She asks for eyesight to her in-laws. (Self less nature, I wonder given a chance what will be our first wish!) Secondly hundred sons for her inlaws. Satyavan is the only one, a lone child so he should have brothers. Yama is very happy. What a clever child! With the third she asks hundred sons. As Yama says ‘Tathastu!’ How will she have sons without her husband! He smiles & puts his hand on her head,blessing her. He disappears. Satyavan gets up from his dream & they walk back to their home.
The story is important for the lesson inherent. To remember her, to salute her, to have at least a slice of her we remember this day..Vat Savitri ! Being selfless, honest, simple minded & with the sacrifices she made, makes her unique & one of her kind. These women have made our lives so simple, straight forward. The householder is reminded of his duties & taking care of the family. The change in the season demands that the wants should be lessened & the intake be curtailed. With the various customs & rituals it is blended in so nicely.
Fasting today so that Savitri will be happy. Happy fasting!
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