Rishi Panchami 2025: Know the Date, Significance, Puja Rituals, and Vrat Katha -

When is Rishi Panchami 2025? Date and Day

Rishi Panchami in 2025 will be observed on Thursday, August 28. This sacred day falls on the fifth day (Panchami Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar.

Panchami Tithi Begins: 03:44 PM on August 27, 2025
Panchami Tithi Ends: 05:56 PM on August 28, 2025
Rishi Panchami Puja Muhurat: 11:15 AM to 01:45 PM (Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes)

This timing is considered highly auspicious for performing the Rishi Panchami Vrat and associated rituals.

What Does Rishi Panchami Mean?

“Rishi Panchami” is a combination of two Sanskrit words: “Rishi” meaning sage or seer, and “Panchami” meaning the fifth lunar day. This festival is a day of homage to the Saptarishis—the seven great sages revered in Vedic tradition. It is especially significant for women, who observe a strict fast on this day to seek forgiveness for any unintentional transgressions during their monthly cycles and to attain spiritual purification.

This vrat symbolizes the importance of purity, humility, and reverence towards ancient wisdom and Vedic knowledge.

Spiritual Importance and Mythological Background

Rishi Panchami holds deep spiritual meaning in the Hindu faith. As per scriptures, it is believed that observing this fast cleanses one of sins committed unknowingly and promotes moral living. The Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and Bhavishya Purana mention the significance of this day.

According to mythology, a Brahmin woman named Sudeha was reborn as a worm due to the sins incurred by not observing menstrual purity norms in her previous life. After performing the Rishi Panchami vrat in her next life, she attained salvation. This tale highlights the sanctity attached to inner and outer purity, especially for women.

It is also believed that on this day, the Saptarishis descend from their celestial abodes to bless devotees who observe the rituals with sincerity.

Which Deities Are Worshipped on Rishi Panchami?

On Rishi Panchami, the Saptarishis (seven sages) are venerated with devotion. These sages are:

Rishi Kashyapa
Rishi Atri
Rishi Bharadwaja
Rishi Vishwamitra
Rishi Gautama
Rishi Jamadagni
Rishi Vashishta

In some households, Lord Ganesha, Navagrahas, and Arundhati Mata (wife of Rishi Vashishta) are also worshipped. A symbolic idol or representation of the sages is used for puja.

Rishi Panchami Vrat and Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation:

Wake up early and take a holy bath, preferably using soil mixed with herbs like Amla, Tulsi, and Kush grass.
Clean the house and puja space thoroughly.
Set up a clean altar or platform (chowki) and place the image or idol of the Saptarishis.

Puja Steps:

Sankalp (Vow): Take a vow to observe the fast with sincerity.
Invocation: Offer flowers, Akshata (uncooked rice), incense, lamp, and fruits to the sages.
Offerings: Use seasonal fruits, coconut, sweets, and milk-based items as offerings.
Mantras: Chant mantras dedicated to the Saptarishis and Arundhati.
Aarti: Perform aarti with a ghee lamp.
Story Reading: Recite or listen to the Rishi Panchami Vrat Katha.

In some regions, women also observe fast the entire day and break it the next morning after donating food and clothes to Brahmins.

Dos and Don’ts on Rishi Panchami: Vrat Rules and Conduct

What to Do:

Maintain personal cleanliness and spiritual focus.
Observe fast with complete devotion.
Offer prayers to the Saptarishis and seek forgiveness.
Donate food, clothes, and money to Brahmins or the needy.

What Not to Do:

Avoid eating non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.
Refrain from any negative actions, anger, or gossip.
Do not touch others before bathing if you are observing strict vrat norms.

These practices are observed for self-discipline and purification.

Benefits and Beliefs Associated with Rishi Panchami Vrat

It is believed that observing the Rishi Panchami vrat helps in washing away all sins from past lives.
Women especially observe this vrat to purify themselves and ensure the well-being of their family.
It grants spiritual elevation, mental peace, and a disciplined lifestyle.
The blessings of the Saptarishis bring wisdom, health, and prosperity to the household.

Rishi Panchami Vrat Katha

According to the Vrat Katha, a Brahmin named Sumati and his wife Jayashree had a daughter who suddenly fell ill and showed signs of immense suffering. A saint told them she had been reborn as a result of impurity during her previous birth. To free her from the suffering, she had to observe the Rishi Panchami fast and perform rituals devoted to the Saptarishis.

After performing the vrat with complete devotion, she was cured, and her soul was liberated. Since then, this fast became a sacred tradition especially for women seeking spiritual purification and blessings.

Meet the Saptarishis: The Seven Revered Vedic Sages

1. Rishi Kashyapa: Father of many creatures and a revered sage in Hindu cosmology.

2. Rishi Atri: A mind-born son of Lord Brahma and composer of many hymns in the Rigveda.

3. Rishi Bharadwaja: Master of Ayurveda and known for penning many Vedic mantras.

4. Rishi Vishwamitra: Former king who became a Brahmarishi through penance and the composer of the Gayatri Mantra.

5. Rishi Gautama: Known for his work in Dharma Shastras and as the husband of Ahalya.

6. Rishi Jamadagni: Father of Lord Parashurama and known for his strict austerity.

7. Rishi Vashishta: Rajguru of the Ikshvaku dynasty and spiritual guide of Lord Rama.

Each of these sages played a crucial role in shaping Hindu spiritual wisdom and scriptural foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rishi Panchami

Q1: Is Rishi Panchami only for women?
A: While it is primarily observed by women, especially in traditional households, men can also perform the puja and vrat for spiritual purification.

Q2: Can I eat fruits during the fast?
A: Yes, most women observe a Nirjala fast (without food or water), but some may opt for Phalahar (fruits and milk) based on their health and region’s tradition.

Q3: What should be donated on this day?
A: Clothes, food grains, and Dakshina to Brahmins are considered auspicious donations.

Q4: Can pregnant women observe the vrat?
A: Pregnant women should consult elders or a spiritual advisor before observing a fast. They can choose to perform puja without fasting.

Q5: Is there any mantra to chant on Rishi Panchami?
A: Yes, chanting the names of the Saptarishis and the Gayatri Mantra is highly beneficial.

Conclusion: Honor the Sages, Embrace Purity

Rishi Panchami is not just a ritual—it is a spiritual discipline that bridges the present with the Vedic past. By observing this day with devotion, humility, and reverence, we honor the timeless wisdom of the great sages who shaped our dharma and spiritual identity. Let this Rishi Panchami 2025 be an opportunity to purify the body, mind, and soul while remembering the selfless contributions of the Saptarishis.

May the blessings of the Rishis illuminate your path to wisdom and peace.

click here to read in hindi: ऋषि पंचमी 2025 कब है? जानिए तिथि, व्रत विधि, महत्व और कथा| (rishi panchami 2025)