Asunya Sayana Vrat is the festival ascribed to the worship of Sri Maha Vishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi for more unity among husband and wife. The festival occurs on the second night after the full moon of the Aswiyuja (Ashwin) month.
For the Year 2023, it occurs on Monday, 30th October 2023. The exact duration of the Dwithiya Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars. Mostly, it coincides with Atla Tadde celebrations.
The word “Asunya” means “without zero” and “Sayana” means “resting”.
It is considered auspicious for the husband and wife to observe the festival as couple. They have to have the darshan of Sri Maha Vishnu and Sri Thayar at Sri Perumal Temple.
Worshipping of Sri Maha Vishnu in Sayana Kolam (reclining pose) is considered auspicious.
In the evening, they have to keep the idol / picture of either Sri Radha and Sri Krishna or Sri Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi picture at the Puja place of the house; The idol / picture is to be decked up with Chandan, Kumkum and Turmeric; They should deck up the Puja place with flowers; Lamps and incense sticks are to be lit; Slokams / Prayer hymns invoking Sri Maha Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi are to be recited; Neivedyam of cow’s milk added with saffron and cardamom is to be offered and distributed as Prasadam.
There is a practice of keeping Sri Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi on a (small sized) new mattress / mat with pillow during this Puja. It is considered virtuous to donate new mat / mattress with pillow to poor persons on the next day.
It is believed that observation of this Vrat assures unity and bonding of the married couple.