Vishnu Saptami fast is observed on the seventh date of the Margashirsha Shukla Paksha. In the year 2024, it will be celebrated on 07th December Margashirsha month has a special significance in Hindu culture. This is a month of spiritual deeds. Sun being the Karaka of soul helps the observer to achieve his desires during this month.
Each and every date of this month has its own special relevance in terms of spirituality. It is believed that observing fast on Vishnu Saptami and worshipping Lord Vishnu help in accomplishment of tasks. Vishnu Saptami of Shukla paksha is also known as Arogya Dayini in Vishnu purana. Worshipping Surya-Narayana in this period gives relief from all kind of sufferings, diseases and obstacles in life.
Vishnu Saptami Pujan
Observing Saptami fast is considered to be very auspicious. Person observing this fast should wake up early in the morning and take a bath. He should wear clean clothes. Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshipped in the morning while taking the resolution for fast. In the afternoon, the observer should worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with sandalwood, rice, lamps, naivedya, supari and coconut.
On the day of Saptami kheer, puri and jaggery are used for Naivedya. Kalava should be dedicated to Lord Shiva for the protection from evil and negative influences. The same kalava should be worn and the story associated with this fast should be heard. In the evening the lord should be worshipped with rice, lamps, naivedya, supari, vermillion, turmeric and coconut. Recite aarti in the end before conclude the fast.
Significance of Vishnu Saptami
Lord Vishnu is believed to be the creator, nurturer and protector of the earth. Lord Vishnu resides everywhere and in everything. He is the one responsible for the existence of everything. He is present in different forms and protects the whole world. Various Vedas and Puranas talk about Lord Vishnu’s magnificence. His beauty has been considered to be glorious. His beauty explained by the devotees is astounding.
He is sitting on Sheshnag and has four hands. He is holding Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Mani in his hands. His looks as bright as the Sun while wearing yellow-coloured clothes. His Shankh is known as Pachhajanya, Chakra as Sudarshan, Gada as Kaumodaki and Mani as Kaustabh. He has eyes which are as beautiful as a Lotus. Lord Vishnu is the basis for everything that exists and he is the creator and developer of this world along with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. A person devoted to him is free from all sins and problems and goes to Vishnu Lok.
Lord Vishnu as extremely generous and caring. People worshipping him are free of all sins and problems. Such people attain salvation. People recite bhajans, kirtans and mantras to chant his name. A Mantra that can be used to worship Lord Vishnu is “Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya” . This powerful mantra helps people to get relief from their sins and attain salvation.