Putrada Ekadashi – Significance, Fasting, and Rituals
Putrada Ekadashi is a highly revered fasting day in Hinduism, observed to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for progeny, family welfare, and overall prosperity. The word “Putrada” literally means “giver of sons”, and this Ekadashi is primarily observed by couples desiring children. It falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day of the waxing moon) in the month of Pausha (December-January). Observing this day with devotion is believed to remove obstacles in family life and bring divine blessings.
This is observed o the 11th day of the bright half of Shravan. As the name itself shows, it is observed particularly by the sterile parents in order to get a son. The observance of fast and piety o this day is said to result I getting a son, and it also destroys the sins of the aspirants. Like other Ekadashis, it is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Fast is observed, Vishnu is worshipped ad meditated upon, and the Brahmins, learning in the Vedas and sacred religious lore, are give food, robes, money, etc., in charity on this day. At night the aspirants should sleep in the room where Vishnu has been worshipped.
A legendary story supports this belief. In ancient days there was a king called Mahijit who ruled the earth from his capital Mohishmati. He was very wise. Rich, religious, powerful and peace- loving, but he had no issues. This used to worry him day and night. One day he called an assembly of the learned, wise and intellectual people, seers and rishis and put before them his problem.
In the assembly there was one Rishi Lomesh, most learned and holy and the possessor of the knowledge of Brahman. He told the king that in the previous birth he had prevented a cow from drinking from a pond on the Ekadashi falling on the bright fortnight of Shravan, and thereby he had incurred a curse of remaining issueless in this life. he advised the king to propitiate the gods and atone for his sins by observing fast and piety on this day, by keeping a night vigil and spending his time in meditation, chanting the praises of Lord Hari. The King and the Queen did accordingly. They observed a strict fast, gave jewels, money, robes, elephants, horses and cows to the Brahmins in charity; meditated upon Vishnu and kept a night vigil. Consequently after 12 months they were blessed with a handsome son a subsequent heir to the throne.
Similarly the Ekadashi falling in the dark of the Shravan should be observed. This Ekadashi is known as Kamada Ekadashi, or the wish- fulfilling Ekadashi.
Significance of Putrada Ekadashi
Blessings for Children: Couples desiring progeny perform this fast to seek the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Spiritual Benefits: Observing the fast purifies the mind and body, enhancing spiritual growth.
Family Welfare: Putrada Ekadashi is believed to strengthen family bonds, prosperity, and harmony in the household.
Liberation from Past Sins: Devotees believe that fasting on this day helps in absolving past karmic debts and sins.
Fasting on Putrada Ekadashi
The fast observed on Putrada Ekadashi is usually strict and complete, with some devotees choosing to consume only fruits and water, while others may take one meal of vegetarian food before sunrise. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or other Vishnu mantras.
Rituals and Practices
Holy Bath: Taking a bath early in the morning, preferably in a sacred river or at home, to cleanse body and mind.
Worship of Lord Vishnu: Performing puja of Lord Vishnu, offering flowers, fruits, tulsi leaves, and lamps.
Reading Scriptures: Reading Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana, or Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Charity: Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is highly recommended on this day.
Observing Silence and Prayer: Devotees maintain mental purity, devotion, and refrain from negativity.
This is observed o the 11th day of the bright half of Shravan. As the name itself shows, it is observed particularly by the sterile parents in order to get a son. The observance of fast and piety o this day is said to result I getting a son, and it also destroys the sins of the aspirants. Like other Ekadashis, it is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Fast is observed, Vishnu is worshipped ad meditated upon, and the Brahmins, learning in the Vedas and sacred religious lore, are give food, robes, money, etc., in charity on this day. At night the aspirants should sleep in the room where Vishnu has been worshipped.
A legendary story supports this belief. In ancient days there was a king called Mahijit who ruled the earth from his capital Mohishmati. He was very wise. Rich, religious, powerful and peace- loving, but he had no issues. This used to worry him day and night. One day he called an assembly of the learned, wise and intellectual people, seers and rishis and put before them his problem.
In the assembly there was one Rishi Lomesh, most learned and holy and the possessor of the knowledge of Brahman. He told the king that in the previous birth he had prevented a cow from drinking from a pond on the Ekadashi falling on the bright fortnight of Shravan, and thereby he had incurred a curse of remaining issueless in this life. he advised the king to propitiate the gods and atone for his sins by observing fast and piety on this day, by keeping a night vigil and spending his time in meditation, chanting the praises of Lord Hari. The King and the Queen did accordingly. They observed a strict fast, gave jewels, money, robes, elephants, horses and cows to the Brahmins in charity; meditated upon Vishnu and kept a night vigil. Consequently after 12 months they were blessed with a handsome son a subsequent heir to the throne.
Similarly the Ekadashi falling in the dark of the Shravan should be observed. This Ekadashi is known as Kamada Ekadashi, or the wish- fulfilling Ekadashi.
Significance of Putrada Ekadashi
Blessings for Children: Couples desiring progeny perform this fast to seek the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Spiritual Benefits: Observing the fast purifies the mind and body, enhancing spiritual growth.
Family Welfare: Putrada Ekadashi is believed to strengthen family bonds, prosperity, and harmony in the household.
Liberation from Past Sins: Devotees believe that fasting on this day helps in absolving past karmic debts and sins.
Fasting on Putrada Ekadashi
The fast observed on Putrada Ekadashi is usually strict and complete, with some devotees choosing to consume only fruits and water, while others may take one meal of vegetarian food before sunrise. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or other Vishnu mantras.
Rituals and Practices
Holy Bath: Taking a bath early in the morning, preferably in a sacred river or at home, to cleanse body and mind.
Worship of Lord Vishnu: Performing puja of Lord Vishnu, offering flowers, fruits, tulsi leaves, and lamps.
Reading Scriptures: Reading Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana, or Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Charity: Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is highly recommended on this day.
Observing Silence and Prayer: Devotees maintain mental purity, devotion, and refrain from negativity.
