Rishi Panchami

Rishi Panchami

  Rushi Panchami is observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.

  This ritual is performed by:

• Women who are 50 years old or older (post-menstrual) or those who are widows following specific traditional practices.
• Men can perform it on behalf of their mothers or grandmothers if they are unable to do so.

  On Rushi Panchami, devotees bathe in holy rivers or wells and worship the Saptarishis and Arundathi, the wife of Vasishta.

  The Vratha should be observed for seven years, with fasting and worship of the Saptarishis and Arundathi. It can be performed at the beginning, middle, or end of the period.

  Performing this Vratha is believed to provide the benefits of performing 10,000 yajnas and visiting all sacred places. It is said to cleanse all sins if one sees the Saptarishis.

  The Saptarishis, their fathers, and their wives are:

• Kashyapa, son of Mareechi, with wives Diti and Aditi.
• Atri, son of Brahma, with wife Anasuya.
• Bharadwaja, son of Brahaspati, with wife Susheela.
• Vishwamitra, son of Gadhi, with wife Kumudhwathi.
• Gautama, son of Rahogana, with wife Ahalya.
• Jamadagni, son of Brugu, with wife Renuka.
• Vasishta, son of Brahma, with wife Arundathi.

  According to a story, Krishna advised Dharmaraja that the Rushi Panchami Vratha purifies all sins. Women during their menstrual period should rest and avoid household work. Failure to follow these practices leads to severe consequences, as shown in the stories of Sumitra and Jayashree, who were reborn as a dog and an ox for neglecting these rules. The Rushi Panchami Vratha is said to cleanse such sins.