The true devotion

The 13^th tithi (date) of the Shukla paksha of Jyeshtha month of hindu lunar calendar is very important for a married woman. From this day till poornima(Full moon day), fast is observed for the longevity of husband. The name of the fast is “Vat-Savitri vrat”. The word “Vat” means banyan tree in hindi which is considered very auspicious and “Savitri” was a woman with whom the legend is associated. During the fast there is a ritual of tying thread around banyan tree. It is believe that the banyan tree is symbolic representation of Lord Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh. The lower part of root is abode of lord Brahma, the stem of tree is abode of Lord Vishnu and the upper part of banyan tree is representation of lord Shiva, all making the tree a sacred one. As per legend , there was a princess Savitri who wanted to marry Satyavan. But sage Narad was against this marriage because as per destiny the Satyavan had only one year of remaining life. But Savitri ignored the warning and married to Satyavan as she truly loved him. After completion of one year, when Satyavan was resting under the banyan tree, Lord Yama, the god of death appeared to take the soul of Satyavan to heaven. At that moment Savitri begged for the life of her husband from the Yama. But all went in vain. But she was determined to follow lord Yama till the end. The way to Yamlok,the abode of lord Yama was too difficult and full of miseries. Lord Yama was impressed by her determination. He granted her 3 boons, except the life of her husband. This was the testing time for Savitri. First she asked for the vision of the blind father in law. Secondly she begged for the lost empire of his family. Lastly she begged for a son. The last wish of Savitri put Lord Yama in great dilemma because it could not be fulfilled without Satyavan. Lord Yama accepted the defeat from the hands a woman who was so dedicated to her husband. He granted all the three boons . It is believed that Satyavan spend his dying moments under a Banyan tree on the full moon day in month of Jyeshtha. During this day parikrama of banyan tree for 108 times tying thread is considered very auspicious for the longevity of husband.