The Vat Savitri Vrat is considered an extremely special and sacred fast for married women in the Hindu faith. Observed annually during the month of Jyeshtha, this fast is undertaken by women to pray for their husbands' longevity, happiness, prosperity, and enduring marital bliss. In the year 2026, the Vat Savitri Vrat will be observed on May 15th, while the worship of the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) will take place on May 16th. On this day, women observe a *Nirjala* (waterless) fast and perform worship rituals with strict adherence to traditional rites. However, in contemporary times, many women reside in urban areas where Banyan trees are not easily accessible. Furthermore, many women observe this fast for the very first time and, consequently, may not be fully acquainted with the correct worship procedures. In light of this, Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal—a renowned astrologer from Deoghar—has outlined a simple and easy method for performing the Vat Savitri worship within the confines of one's own home.

**Insights from the Astrologer of Deoghar**
Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, an astrologer at the Mudgal Jyotish Kendra (Astrology Center) located within the Pagal Baba Ashram in Deoghar, stated that women who do not have access to a Banyan tree in their immediate vicinity should procure a small branch of the tree one or two days before the worship day and plant it in a flowerpot. Subsequently, on May 16th—after completing their morning ablutions—they should don clean attire and, while meditating upon Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, worship the Banyan tree by revering it as the embodiment of the divine couple. The worship rituals should always be performed while facing the North direction.

First, offer water to the Banyan tree, followed by *Roli* (sacred red powder), *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), flowers, and items of *Shringar* (bridal adornment). Thereafter, light a *Diya* (lamp) filled with *Ghee* (clarified butter) and perform the worship of the Banyan tree in accordance with traditional rites. Listening to the *Vat Savitri Katha* (legend) during the worship ceremony is considered highly auspicious. After listening to the story, women should take a strand of *Moli* (sacred red thread) or raw cotton thread and circumambulate the Banyan tree 108 times, winding the thread around the tree with each complete round. It is believed that performing this ritual ensures a long life for the husband and preserves happiness and harmony within the marital relationship.

**Worship of the Banyan Tree Can Also Be Performed at Home**
The astrologer emphasized that, during the worship ceremony, the most crucial elements are one's *Shraddha* (faith) and *Vishwas* (sincerity). If the fast and worship are performed with complete sincerity and devotion, the worship conducted at home is considered just as fruitful as that performed at a temple or a pilgrimage site. On this day, many women also offer items symbolizing marital bliss—such as bangles, vermilion (sindoor), bindis, ceremonial scarves (chunaris), and red foot dye (mahavar). Furthermore, while praying for the longevity of their husbands, they seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a blissful married life. According to religious belief, the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) is considered to be the abode of the Trinity—Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahesh (Shiva); therefore, worshipping it is believed to bestow immense spiritual merit.

**What Worship Materials Are Required?**
Regarding the materials required for worship, the Vat Savitri Vrat calls for a branch or sapling of the Banyan tree, a bamboo hand fan, a water-filled vessel (lota), red ceremonial powder (roli), unbroken rice grains (akshat), flowers, raw cotton thread or sacred red thread (moli), a ghee lamp, incense sticks (agarbatti), aromatic incense (dhoop), vermilion, bangles, bindis, a ceremonial scarf, fruits, sweets, betel leaves (paan), betel nuts (supari), a coconut, a worship platter (thali), and a book containing the *Vat Savitri Katha* (legend). When the worship is performed with faith and devotion using all these materials, one attains the full spiritual rewards of the fast.

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