Vat purnima — a modern take
Animistic aspect of Vedic religion
The religious umbrella of Vedic religion is quite vast and encompasses everything from animism (worship of nature) to monotheism. The animistic aspects of nature worship and ecological conservation are part of the core Hindu belief system. Many festivals that are prevalent today worship screed trees. One of the most prominent amongst them is Vat purnima (वट पौर्णिमा).
Tradition of Vat Purnima
Vat Purnima (also called Vat Savitri Vrat) is a Hindu celebration observed by married women in North and Western parts of India, especially still prevalent in states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Karnataka. On the Purnima (full moon) during the month of Jyeshtha in the Hindu lunar calendar (which falls in May–June in the Gregorian calendar), a married woman marks her love for her husband by tying a ceremonial thread around a banyan tree. The celebration is based on the legend of Savitri and Satyavan as narrated in the epic Mahabharata, where Savitri brought back life of her husband Satyavan with her austerity in the shade of banyan tree.
Biological significance of Banyan Tree
Biological name of Banyan or Vata tree is Ficus benghalensis or Ficus Audrey, which is the national tree of India. It means Ficus tree from Indian subcotinent. Many ficus trees are well-known air purifiers. Like any indoor plant, they remove carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, but certain types of ficus plants are particularly effective at filtering toxins. Many ficus trees keep their stomata closed during the day for water conservation and release excess produced oxygen at night as well.
Two in particular, Ficus benghalensis (Banyan/ वट / वड) and Ficus Religiosa (peepal / पीपल / पिंपळ) have such magical calming, cooling and oxygenating shade, hence considered sacred amongst Hindus, Jain and Buddhists. Note that some peepal varieties may not emit oxygen at night.
Banyan tree is also a symbol of long life and health for Hindus, because biologically the tree does not have a natural death. It has ability to ground its aerial roots and create a canopy that can live forever. The 300 years old Great Banyan from Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, near Kolkata, India spreads beyond 500 meters of circumference of its canopy and continues to grow. The world famous 600 years old Thimmamma Marrimanu Banyan tree spreads 20,000 square meters of area and is world’s largest tree.
In modern times, Hindus are encouraged to plant the banyan trees in large pots at home.
Ficus trees are quite popular indoor plants in America, Europe and Australia. Ficus family also includes regular fig, rubber fig, cluster fig (Audumbar) and peepal. If you do not have banyan tree, you can worship any other ficus that you have at home in stead.
Why should we worship instead of just keeping the plant at home?
The famous early 20th century botanist and physicist Dr. Jagdishchandra Bose scientifically proved how plants feel and reciprocate feelings such as pain and affection. Our shastras have always discussed a spiritual, karmic and emotional bond with sacred plants such as tulsi, banana and ficus.
When worshipped with devotion these plants reciprocate the vibes and create a bond. This kind of energy is often called as Devta in vedas.
Fasting on this day is to channel our brain to increase absorption and cherish that bond. It focuses mind on the objective throughout the day.
Other objectives of worship are
- To commemorate the bond between husband and wife,
- To remember at least once every year to be around ficus — like a recharge.
- Awareness (Dharana / धारणा) for the mind to form a spiritual bond with the plant
- To nurture devotion (Bhakti / भक्ती) that can create wonders for our body and mind. One should not underestimate the spiritual and mind power of a Vrata (austerity) and devotion. It would not be impossible to bring back someone from the brinks of death with an unprecedented determination and devotion. The story of Savitri and Satyavan narrates its essence in a quite an effective way.
Feminist thought
Culturally Men performed most of the outdoor rituals in the medieval times. Women did not have too many chances to be outside for worship due to social instability, safety issues and thereby increasing patriarchy. And hence the ritual may have been designed for women.
In modern times, instead of looking at the ritual as a symbol of patriarchy, all genders should ideally worship and follow the ritual to receive immense benefits and satisfaction it creates.
In modern days both husband and wife should keep the fast and pray in front of the tree to strengthen their spiritual bond with each other and receive the positive vibes from the tree.
How do we worship?
Worship with devotion that the parabrahman itself manifests into these sacred trees, just the way it manifests in us, with gratitude and a request that they grant us health. Use usual methods of puja — flowers, haldi, kumkum, sweets and diya.
Significance of thread
Binding thread is not only ritual on this day but also used during Shanti rituals, Hindu wedding ceremony, purashcharan rituals and other worships to psychologically create a bond between two objects.
Modern times
In these modern days let’s create a movement to plant Banyan tree in the ground or in large pots at home or backyards. Banyan tree is available quite easily in India and hence its merits are often devalued. It is also sold in USA, Europe and Australia under the name of Ficus benghalensis or Ficus Audrey as an indoor plant. At least, make it a point to plant another ficus if this one is not available in your area. The thicker and bright green leaves are better. Make sure to worship them and ask for their blessings once a year to create a bond with it. They are more than just a pet in your house.
