Savitri Devi Temple is located in Gaya, Bihar. The temple stands on top of a hill, and devotees must climb around 440 steps to reach the shrine.
In Hindu mythology, Savitri is considered the daughter of Lord Surya (the Sun God), also known as Savitr, and the wife of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Savitri is known for her great devotion and love for her husband Satyavan. In the epic Mahabharata, her story is mentioned as a symbol of a faithful and courageous wife who brought her husband back to life from Yama, the God of Death.
Savitri was a beautiful and wise princess. When she became of marriageable age, her parents began looking for a suitable groom. However, Savitri wanted to choose her own life partner. So, her parents sent guards to accompany her as she travelled across the country in search of her soulmate.
One day, she reached a forest where a blind, defeated king lived with his wife and son. The son’s name was Satyavan. He was known for his kind nature and respect towards his parents. He supported the family by chopping wood and selling it in the nearby town.
Savitri was touched by his humility and dedication. She chose Satyavan as her husband and returned to her palace to inform her father. Though disappointed by her choice of a poor man, her father agreed to her wish.
A wise saint warned the king that Satyavan was cursed to die within a year of marriage. But Savitri stood firm in her decision and married Satyavan. The couple then moved to the forest and lived a simple life.
On the last day of the predicted year, Savitri accompanied Satyavan to the forest. He got tired while chopping wood and lay in her lap to rest. Suddenly, the forest turned dark, and Yama, the God of Death, appeared to take Satyavan’s soul.
Savitri followed Yama and begged him to return her husband’s life. Yama told her to ask for anything else. She cleverly asked for many wise and noble sons. Yama granted her wish. Then she said, “How can I have sons without my husband?”
Realizing her intelligence and devotion, Yama was impressed and gave back Satyavan’s life. He also blessed the couple with a long and happy life together.
Vat Savitri Vrat is a special festival observed by married women to wish their husbands a long life and well-being. It is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima).
On this day, women worship the Vat Vriksha (Banyan Tree), which is considered sacred. They offer prayers, tie threads around the tree, and seek blessings for their family’s happiness and prosperity.
This vrat is mainly observed in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
