Rishi Panchami Vrat Katha

In the kingdom of Vidarbha lived a Brahmin named Uttank. His wife Susheela was very devout. They had a daughter who was married to a worthy Brahmin. Unfortunately, her husband passed away shortly after the wedding. The daughter\'s body became afflicted with worms and she suffered greatly. Uttank consulted the great sages about the cause. The rishis explained that in her previous birth, the daughter had touched kitchen utensils during her menstrual period, which was considered a transgression, and this sin had followed her. The sages advised that if she worshipped the Saptarishis on Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami and observed the Rishi Panchami vrat, she would be freed from this sin. The daughter observed the Rishi Panchami vrat with complete devotion. She worshipped the seven great sages — Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Vasishtha — with proper rituals. Through the power of the vrat, all her afflictions were cured, her body became healthy, and she was freed from the sins of her past life. Since then, Rishi Panchami is observed for atonement and purification.

Observe the fast on Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami. Install idols or images of the Saptarishis and worship them. Clean teeth with a twig (datun). Avoid food grown by ploughing; eat only fruits and root vegetables.

Rishi Panchami is observed for atonement of sins and self-purification. It is a day to express reverence and gratitude toward the seven great sages.