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News India Live, Digital Desk: Vat Savitri Vrat has special significance in Hindu religion, which is observed by married women to pray for the long life of their husbands and a happy married life. This fast will be observed in the year 2026 May 15 (Friday) Will be celebrated. On this day, there is a tradition of worshiping the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha). In the scriptures, the banyan tree is not just a tree but is considered to be the actual abode of the gods. Let us know why only the banyan tree is worshiped during this fast.
3 main reasons behind worshiping banyan tree
1. The Abode of Trinity: According to mythological beliefs, in the root of banyan tree Lord Brahmain the stem Lord Vishnu and in the branches lord shiva resides in. Therefore, by worshiping this tree one gets the blessings of all three gods simultaneously. When Savitri went after Yamraj to take back the life of her husband Satyavan, she did penance and rest under this tree.
2. Symbol of Immortality: The banyan tree is considered ‘renewable’ because it survives for centuries and never gets completely destroyed. Just as the banyan tree keeps expanding itself with its branches and vines, similarly married women wish that their good fortune and lineage also continue forever. That is why it is also called ‘Akshay Vat’.
3. Story of Savitri and Satyavan: According to the legend, when Yamraj started taking away Satyavan’s life, Savitri kept her husband’s dead body under the banyan tree. On the strength of her intelligence and devotion to her husband, Savitri had taken back Satyavan’s life from Yamraj. Since then, the tradition of observing this fast by considering the banyan tree as a witness started.
How to worship banyan tree? (Rituals and Traditions)
Wrapping Raw Yarn: During the puja, women circle the banyan tree and wrap raw cotton or kalava around its trunk. This thread is considered a symbol of the unbreakable bond between husband and wife.
Arghya and Bhog: Water is offered at the root of the tree and soaked gram, fruits and sweets are offered.
Importance of makeup: Married women do Solah Shringar on this day and apply a banyan bud (new leaf) to their hair, which is a symbol of good luck.
Scientific Perspective
Along with religious importance, the banyan tree also has scientific importance. This tree releases the most oxygen and its shade is quite cool. Sitting and worshiping under this tree in the scorching heat of Jyeshtha month provides mental peace and pure air, which is also beneficial for health.