What are the rituals to be followed on Putrada Ekadashi ?
There are 24 ‘Ekadashis’ celebrated in a year. Everyone has its own unique significance. ‘Putrada Ekadashi’ meaning ‘Giver of sons’ is observed as a festival by ‘Vaishnavs’ or Lord Vishnu followers by those who are seeking the happiness of having a son in their lives. A son is considered very important in a Hindu family since they not only continue the family lineage but also take care of his parents and their ancestors in old age and that is why this ‘Ekadashi’ is considered of vital importance. This fast is observed on the 11th Lunar day of the Hindu month ‘Pausha’ (December-January according to the Gregorian calendar).
Lord Vishnu devotees pray to the deity to seek his blessings for a baby boy in their lives. Newly married couples observe fast on this day so that their prayers of having a wonderful family life are sure to be heard. The importance of this fast is mentioned in the ‘Bhavishya Puran’ as well. Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishna told the story of this fast to King Yudhishtra in the ‘Dwapar Yug’. Devotees abstain from eating restricted fruits and vegetables on this day to show their utmost dedication towards Lord Vishnu.
What is the origin of ‘Putrada Ekadashi’ fast?
According to the folklore, once upon a time In the kingdom of ‘Bhadravati’, there lived a noble king called, ‘Suketuman’ along with his caring wife, ‘Shaibya’. They were a happy couple, but the only problem in their life was that they were childless. They used to grieve day and night and had adopted every method and every possible ‘Pooja’ ritual but to no avail. Their ancestors who were dead also grew unhappy since the absence of an heir to the throne would lead to ineffective ‘Shraddha’ rituals which would put their souls to unrest.
A frustrated king left everything and went to the forest. After wandering for months, he reached the cottage of a great sage, where the king told him his problem. The sage in return told him to observe the fast of ‘Putrada Ekadashi’ along with his wife with all appropriate rituals. The next day, King returned back to his kingdom and on the marked day observed the fast. To everyone’s happiness, indeed they got blessed with a beautiful prince after a while, who grew up to be a heroic king. Since then, the tradition of observing fast on this day in order to be blessed with a son as a child is followed by people.
What are the rituals that need to be followed on the ‘Putrada Ekadashi’?
- The observer of the fast should wake up in the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ and take a bath.
- After cleaning the praying area and placing the idol of Lord Vishnu, he/she should sit down to recite ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam’ along with the spouse.
- The observer has to fast for 24 hours straight, but those who cannot, also keep a partial fast and eat after sunset. Pure devotion in the lord is more important.
- The devotee has to abstain himself from consuming rice and other grains on this day.
- Childless couples should observe this fast together as husband and wife.
- Devotees observe ‘Jagaran’ or night vigil and sing hymns of Lord Vishnu.
- Special prayers are performed in Lord Vishnu temples by those seeking children.
Sweets are distributed among the needy as ‘Prasadam’.