Today, 20 September 2012 is Rishi Panchami Vrat. It falls on Shukla Paksha Panchami in Bhadrapada Month, the following day of Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is also known as Rajasvala Vrata.
Rishi Panchami is a vrata dedicated to Saptarshi, seven divine sages as per Hindu ancient scriptures.
Rishi Panchami is observed mainly by women in North India. This vrata does not have much significance as per South Indian traditions.
In this present Manvantara, Saptarishis are: Bhrigu, Atri, Angirasa, Vasishta, Pulastya, Pulalaha and Kratu.
Women performers observe ritual bath in holy rivers on nearest water bodies on the day of Rishi Panchami and observe fasting. Along with Saptarishis, Arundhati, Lord Ganesha and Navagraha are worshipped. Women offer special recipes to Saptarishis and distribute the Prasad to their husbands and wash husband’s feet. Read more for detailed Rishi Panchami puja procedure…
Rishi Panchami Vrat Katha or the story associate with this vrata is mentioned in several ancient scriptures as a conversation between a king called Sitasale and Lord Brahma. The story is associated with a Brahmin called Uttank and his wife Sushila who lived in Vidarbha. Read more for detailed Rishi Panchami Vrat Katha….
The merits or benefits of Rishi Panchami vrata: it gets rid of Rajasvala dosha, unusual menstrual cycles and infertility in women.