Vasavi Jayanti / Agni-pravesha Day

Vasavi Devi is the kuladevatha of the Arya Vaishya community as mentioned in the Vasavi Purana. Legend says that when Vasavi refused to marry King Vishnu Vardhana, Vasavi frankly expressed her desire to be a Kanya throughout her life and intended to concentrate on worldly matters. The king was furious to hear this and ordered a battalion to attack Penugonda (now in Andhra Pradesh) mercilessly, but was eventually defeated.

At this crucial juncture, her father, King Kusuma Sresti called for a conference of the leaders of all 714 Gothras. In the conference, there was difference of opinion. The Chiefs of 102 Gothras made a firm decision to fight for the good cause. Whereas, the leaders of the other 612 Gotras felt that the matrimonial alliance would be safer and more beneficial.

Vasavi, by the use of non-violence, decided to plunge herself into the fire (Agni) in self sacrifice. The people of the 102 Gothras supported her view and decided to enter the sacred fire along with her. She reappeared as Kannika Parameshwari and uttered the following "I am the incarnation of Adiparashakthi. To safeguard the dignity of woman and to protect Dharma, to destroy Vishnu Vardhana and to reveal to the world the magnanimity of Komtis I come here in Kaliyuga. Like Sati Devi, who was insulted, entered into holy fire, I urge the people of the 102 Gotras to plunge into the holy fire with me." Vasavi advised the gathering about patriotism, honesty, social service, and tolerance.

This day thus signifies her Agni-pravesha (self-sacrifice to fire). There were 714 gothras before agnipravesham of Vasavidevi and today, 102 gothras exist among the Arya Vaishyas.