According to Sanskrit language pundits, putrada refers to “giver of son” and refers to Lord Vishnu. More specifically, the day is observed on the Ekadashi and comes during December and January. Childless couples too await for this special day so that they could be blessed with a son by the God. Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is another similar event that is observed during July and August. Scholars and pundits have got unique significance between both the festivals because of the specific importance given to both the festivals.
Vaishnavas are known to offer their sacred prayers to Lord Vishnu so that they are blessed with a son. Newly married couples consider it as a tradition to ensure that keeping vrat on this day with a lot of dedication so that their prayers are answered for sure. Hindus consider the birth of son as a divine blessing from God as a male child is known to perform various traditional rites. This custom is being observed since several ages. Additionally, sons are known to take care of parents during their old age. Bhavishya Purana too has references to the Putrada Ekadashi. This has been made clear by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira during one of his divine briefings.
As part of observing this day with utmost respect, couples are known to avoid select fruits and vegetables reflecting their devotion to Lord Vishnu. It has been mentioned in the purana that every Hindu must observe Ekadashi with a lot of respect to surrender themselves to God and attain moksha. Sons are known to perform “shraddha”, which is a kind of ritual meant for the peace of souls as per the traditional Hindu customs.
Legend Associated with Pausha Kabir Ekadashi
The Pausha Putrada Ekadashi festival is rich with legends and stories from Hindu mythology. Here are a few prominent ones:
1. The Legend of King HarishchandraOne of the most well-known legends associated with Pausha Putrada Ekadashi is the story of King Harishchandra.
- Story: King Harishchandra was a righteous and honest ruler known for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. However, he was childless, which deeply troubled him. He performed many rituals and sacrifices to seek divine blessings for a son.During his quest, he was advised by Sage Vashistha to observe Pausha Putrada Ekadashi. The king diligently observed the fast, prayed to Lord Vishnu, and performed all the prescribed rituals with utmost devotion.Pleased with his devotion and righteousness, Lord Vishnu appeared and blessed Harishchandra with a son, who would become a great king. This story underscores the belief that devotion to Ekadashi can bring fulfillment of wishes, particularly the desire for children.
Another legend highlights the significance of Pausha Putrada Ekadashi through the story of a pious Brahmin.
- Story: There was a devoted Brahmin who was childless despite performing various religious rites and penances. A sage advised him to observe the fast of Pausha Putrada Ekadashi with great devotion. The Brahmin followed the advice and fasted on the Ekadashi day, praying to Lord Vishnu for a child.Through his sincere devotion, Lord Vishnu was pleased and blessed the Brahmin with a son. This story illustrates that observing Pausha Putrada Ekadashi with genuine faith and devotion can lead to divine blessings.
This story demonstrates the festival’s power to transform one's destiny.
- Story: Once, there was a poor Brahmin who was unable to perform the usual rituals due to his poverty. A kind sage informed him about the significance of Pausha Putrada Ekadashi and encouraged him to observe the fast and pray sincerely to Lord Vishnu.The Brahmin followed the sage’s advice and observed the fast, though he had little to offer. Lord Vishnu, pleased with his devotion and sincerity, blessed him with prosperity and a long-awaited child.
King Mandhata’s story is another significant legend related to Pausha Putrada Ekadashi.
- Story: King Mandhata was a great and powerful ruler, but he faced the agony of being childless. In his desperation, he turned to Sage Vashistha, who instructed him to observe the Pausha Putrada Ekadashi fast. The king followed the instructions with great dedication, and as a result, he was blessed with a son.This legend emphasizes that even the greatest of kings need to seek divine blessings through dedicated spiritual practices.
Preparation for Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
-
Purification:
-
Personal Preparation: Devotees start by purifying themselves through a ritual bath. It’s customary to avoid impure or negative activities in the days leading up to the festival.
-
Home Preparation: Homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers, rangoli (colorful floor designs), and lights to create a serene and auspicious environment for the worship.
-
-
Fasting:
-
Types of Fasts: Devotees observe a full-day fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on the next day (Dwadashi). Some may opt for a partial fast, consuming only fruits, nuts, and milk.
-
Pre-Fast Meal: On the day before Ekadashi, a meal known as “Upavaas Ka Bhojan” is prepared. This meal usually includes simple, sattvic (pure) foods like fruits, milk, and vegetables.
-
Rituals on Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
-
Early Morning Worship:
-
Ritual Bath: Devotees begin the day with a holy bath, often in a sacred river or at home using clean water.
-
Temple Visit: Many devotees visit a Vishnu temple for the morning darshan (sacred sight) of the deity. They offer flowers, fruits, and perform aarti (ritual of light) to Lord Vishnu.
-
-
Puja (Worship):
-
Preparation: Set up a clean space for the puja (prayer) ceremony. Place a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu on an altar.
-
Offering: Offer fruits, flowers, and light a lamp (diya). Some also prepare special food offerings called “Naivedya.”
-
Recitations: Devotees recite sacred texts or hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu, such as the Vishnu Sahasranama or the Ekadashi Vrat Katha (story of Ekadashi).
-
Prayers: Pray sincerely for the blessings of Lord Vishnu for children, prosperity, and family happiness.
-
-
Performing the Vrat (Fast):
-
Observance: Maintain the fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi. Some may follow a more lenient fast, consuming only fruits and milk.
-
Sattvic Foods: Meals, if consumed, should be simple and pure, avoiding grains and other non-sattvic foods.
-
Post-Fast Rituals
-
Charity and Donations:
-
Giving: It is customary to donate food, clothes, and money to the needy. This act of charity is believed to enhance the spiritual merit gained from the fast.
-
Feast: After breaking the fast, devotees may prepare a special meal for family and friends, sharing the prasad (blessed food).
-
-
Dwadashi Day:
-
Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken after sunrise on Dwadashi day with a meal that is traditionally more elaborate and includes grains and cooked foods.
-
पुत्रदा एकादशी व्रत के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ें click here