Completing a vrat is a relief, but the udyapan has its own vidhi that many families have not done before. A pandit leads the concluding pooja, so you can complete your vrat without worrying about the sequence.
Why it is done
Udyapan is the traditional concluding ceremony of a vrat. The Brihaspati vrat, kept on Thursdays and associated with Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati, is followed by many families for a set number of weeks. The udyapan marks its completion with pooja, katha and a havan.
Who it is for
Families who have completed a Thursday vrat and wish to conclude it; devotees of Lord Vishnu or Brihaspati; people who want guidance on the udyapan sequence.
When to do it
Many families hold the udyapan on a Thursday after the last vrat. Your pandit can suggest a muhurat. If your family has its own custom on the number of weeks or the day, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 2 hours for the standard ceremony; about 3 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Udyapan works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You will arrange samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes it easier. A helper at home makes the havan easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: one pandit, about 23 vidhi steps. Ganesh and kalash pooja, Vishnu pooja, vrat katha, havan and aarti.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: one pandit, about 34 vidhi steps and more time. A fuller sequence with more prayers around the pooja.
Choose the standard for a family udyapan. Choose the extended if your family follows the fuller vidhi.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself.
The sequence
- Purification and sankalp with the vrat details
- Ganesh and Gauri pooja
- Kalash sthapana
- Navagraha prayers
- Pooja of Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati
- Reading of the Brihaspati vrat katha
- Havan
- Aarti and raksha sutra
- Bhog and prasad
How to prepare
- Confirm the number of weeks of your vrat and tell the pandit
- Many families wear yellow on Thursdays, if that is your custom
- Prepare yellow-coloured bhog such as chana dal and banana, if you follow that
- Keep a clean raised surface for the idol or picture
- Keep a safe spot for the havan with water close by
- Decide in advance whether you will use samagri from the pandit or arrange items yourself
Who should attend
The person who kept the vrat, and family members who wish to join.
Your tradition
The number of Thursdays, the food offered and the udyapan day vary by family and region. Tell us your custom when booking.
Safety
If you are fasting, drink water as your health allows, and speak to your doctor first if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are elderly. Keep any diya on a stable surface away from fabric and children. A havan needs ventilation and water close by.
Questions
When is the udyapan held? Many families hold it on the last Thursday or the Thursday after the vrat ends. Follow your custom.
Do we have to fast on the day? Many families do, but practice varies. Follow your family custom and your health needs.
How long should I plan for? About 2 hours for the standard and about 3 hours for the extended, plus set-up.
Do we need a havan? Both formats usually include one. Check with the pandit if your building does not allow an open flame.
Can it be done on video? Yes. The pandit leads on video while you follow along at home.