Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2019 (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is an auspicious day for the Hindus in India. The sacred day is also called as Pavitropana Ekadashi and Pavitra Ekadashi. The holy day falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Shravana. In the Gregorian calendar, the day falls in July or August. This day is especially for married couples wanting a son. On this day, the husband and the wife observe a 24- hour fast. Couples who have been longing for a son for a long time after the marriage, worship Lord Vishnu (like other ekadashis) and seek his blessings to get a male child. This day is especially observed by Vaishnavas, followers of Vishnu. Pausha Putrada Ekadashi 2019 Date & Shubh Muhurat: Know the History, Tithi Timing & Significance Behind the Auspicious Hindu Festival.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Significance
Putrada Ekadashi is observed two times in a year. Ekadashi during Paush Shukla Paksha and Ekadashi during Shravan Shukla Paksha are known as Putrada Ekadashi. It must be noted that Shravan Shukla Paksha Ekadashi currently falls in month of July or August in English calendar while Paush Shukla Paksha Ekadashi falls in month of December or January. Putrada Ekadashi during Paush month is more popular in North Indian states while people in other states give more importance to Putrada Ekadashi during Shravana month.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The fast is observed by a married couple wanting to have a ‘Putra’ (son). As per mythology, the legend about Pavitropana Ekadashi is narrated by the god Krishna to the King Yudhishthira in the Bhavishya Purana. It so happened that King Mahijit, who was a rich and powerful ruler of Mahishmati, had no children. To find a solution to his problem, he sought suggestions of learned men, sages (rishis) and Brahmins (priests) and asked them to find a solution to his problem.
Unable to find a remedy, the council reached out to the omniscient learned sage Lomesh. The sage meditated and found out that the King’s misfortune was a result of his sins in his previous birth. The sage said that Mahijit was a merchant in his previous birth and while travelling on business, the merchant became extremely thirsty once and reached the pond. There a cow and her calf were drinking water and the merchant (the king in his previous birth) drove them away and himself drank the water. This sin resulted in his childlessness, while his good deeds resulted in his birth as a king of a peaceful kingdom.
The sage advised the King and the Queen to observe Ekadashi fast in Shravana on Pavitropana Ekadashi to get rid of his sin and told the royal couple to observe a fast and offer prayers to the god Vishnu. Their wish was fulfilled when a handsome son was born to them to subsequently become the heir to their kingdom.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
According to Drikpanchang, the Ekadashi Tithi Begins at 10:09 am on August 10, 2019, and ends at 10:52 AM on August 11, 2019. People worship Lord Vishnu on all Ekadashi days including the Putrada Ekadashi to get salvation and get rid of all sins, to beget children (sons in particular). On this day devotees keeping fast to beget a son. On this occasion giving gifts to Brahmins in the form of money, food, clothes etc. is also an accepted practice. In short, devotees worship Lord Vishnu to seek his blessing to get a son.
The couples observe a strict fast for 24 hours. They take a single meal in the afternoon a day before the fasting day to make sure there is no residual food in the stomach on the next day. Devotees keep strict fast on Ekadashi day and break the fast on next day only after sunrise. Eating of all type of grains and cereals is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
The day is important in the Hindu society as there is a belief that the son takes care of the parents in their old age in life and by offering shraddha (ancestor rites) ensures the well-being of his parents in the after-life. Each Ekadashi has a different name and is prescribed for certain goals. The goal of fasting on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is to get a son by worshipping Lord Vishnu and seeking his blessings.
Lifestyle | Latest Information on Breaking News & Updates on Lifestyle at Latestly.com