Rishi Panchami

Rishi Panchami is observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This fast holds special significance in Sanatan tradition and should be observed by both men and women. It is considered an excellent way to atone for sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.

Puja Procedure

On the day of Rishi Panchami, those observing the fast should bathe at home by mixing Ganga water into regular water. Before starting the puja, sprinkle Ganga water throughout the house and purify the place of worship by sprinkling it with Ganga water as well. After purifying the worship area, make clay idols of the seven sages (Sapta Rishis) – Vashishta, Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaj, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, and Gautama – and place them for worship. According to your customs, perform their puja with proper rituals. During the worship, while remembering these sages, offer Panchamrit, Ganga water, fruits, flowers, Durva grass, sandalwood, incense, lamps, and Naivedya (especially rice, curd, and jaggery). Listen to the Rishi Panchami story with devotion. After completing the puja, seek forgiveness from the Sapta Rishis for any mistakes, and after performing the aarti, distribute prasad. Lastly, touch the feet of the elders in the family and seek their blessings.

Story

Once upon a time, there was a powerful king named Sitaashwa. One day, he asked Lord Brahma, "Grandfather! Which fast is the best and gives quick results among all the fasts?" Brahma smiled and replied, "O King, the Rishi Panchami fast is the best and has the power to destroy sins." Then Brahma told a story.

In the land of Vidarbha, there lived a virtuous Brahmin named Uttanka. His wife was very kind and devoted. They had a daughter. After her marriage, the daughter became a widow and had to live with her parents in a small hut near the Ganga River.

One day, while meditating, Uttanka realized that his daughter's suffering was due to her past life's deeds. In her previous life, during her menstrual cycle, she had touched utensils, which was considered sinful. According to religious texts, a woman during her menstruation is impure: on the first day like a Chandala (untouchable), on the second day like a Brahmin-killer, and on the third day like a washerwoman. Only on the fourth day, after bathing, does she become pure again. If she sincerely observes Rishi Panchami fast, she can be freed from her sins.

Uttanka shared this knowledge with his daughter and advised her to observe the Rishi Panchami fast. Following her father's advice, she performed the fast and worshiped with devotion. As a result of the fast, all her sufferings vanished, and in her next life, she was blessed with unending good fortune and happiness.

King Sitaashwa was deeply moved by this story and decided to observe the Rishi Panchami fast with proper rituals. Thus, the Rishi Panchami fast not only destroys sins but also brings eternal good fortune and happiness.