Shukarvar Vrat is observed in
many forms and for many benefits. It may be observed for the propitiation of
the planet Shukra (Venus), and to ensure longetivity of the son, peace of mind
and harmony in the family. This vrat is also observed in the honor of goddess of white
raiment's. It is a very popular fast, and is generally observed by the ladies
to please goddess Santoshi Mata. Santoshi Maa is an other form of Parvati or
Durga. The devotees wear white clothes on this day and eat white food, like
kheer, only once at night. Sour dishes are avoided.
In good old days, there
lived three friends. They belonged to Brahman, Baniya and royal families. They
were fast friends. All the three were married but the Baniyas son had not
brought home his wife after his marriage ceremony. One day, the three friends
were together gossiping. They talked about their wives. The Brahmans son and the
prince praised their wives and said, A home without a wife is a devils abode.
They asked the Baniyas son to bring his wife as soon as he could.
The Baniyas son went to his house and said to his mother, I will go to my in-laws to bring back my wife. His mother sold, My dear son, the Venus Planet is still set. It is not visible in the sky. Wait for a couple of days. Venus is the planet of love. If you go and bring back your wife now, your married life may not be happy. The son did not agree and insisted on going to his in-laws. The parents permitted reluctantly. The young Baniya reached his in-laws house and told them about his mission. His in-laws said, The planet Venus is still setting. It will be visible after a couple of days. Parents do not send away their daughters during this period. It is inauspicious.
The boy did not agree. The parents parted with their daughter reluctantly. The couple had hardly crossed the town when the wheel of their bullock cart got damaged. The bullocks legs were also injured. The young lady was badly wounded. Still, the Youngman continued the journey despite all the adversities. As they went ahead, they encountered some dacoits. The dacoits robbed the bride of her ornaments and beat up her husband. At last, they reached home after facing many set-backs. The Youngman was also bitten by a poisonous snake and he became unconscious. The young wife wept bitterly.
The Brahmans son came to
know of the incident. He went to his friends house and said to his father,
Arrange return journey for them. They should not have started their journey
during the forbidden period. The Venus is invisible in the sky. They will be
out of danger if they go back to the in-laws. The businessman arranged their
return journey. When the Youngman reached his in-laws house, he came back to
himself and recovered from his illness after an ordinary treatment. He stayed
there till the Venus became visible in the horizon. Afterwards, he returned to
his house with his wife and lived a happy life. He started observing Friday
fast regularly thereafter.
Vasant Panchami is celebrated on the eve of the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. It has many mythologi...