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Putradaa Ekadashi

Putradaa Ekadashi ("ekadashi that is the giver of sons") is a Hindu holy day, which falls on the 11th lunar day (ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Pushya (December–January). This day is also known as Pushya Putradaa Ekadashi, to differentiate it from the other Putradaa Ekadashi in Shravana (July–August), which is also called Shravana Putradaa Ekadashi.

Couples fast on this day and worship the god Vishnu for a good son. This day is especially observed by Vaishnavas, followers of Vishnu.

A son is considered entirely important in Hindu society as he takes care of the parents in their old age in life and by offering shraaddha (ancestor rites) ensures well-being of his parents in the after-life. While each ekadashi is prescribed for certain goals, the goal of having sons is so great that two Putradaa ("giver of sons") Ekadashis are devoted to it.

Legend:

The Bhavishya Purana reveals the tale of Putradaa Ekadashi as told by the god Krishna to the king Yudhishthira. Once, king of Bhadravati, Suketuman and his queen Shaibya were grieved by the absence of progeny. The couple as well as their dead ancestors were worried that without someone to offer shraddha, they will not be at peace and will become lost souls after death. Frustrated, the king left his kingdom and went to the forest unbeknownst to everyone. After wandering the forest for days, Suketuman reached the ashram of some sages on the bank of Lake Manasarovar on Putradaa Ekadashi. The sages revealed that they were the ten divine Vishvadevas. They advised the king to observe the Putradaa Ekadashi fast to attain a son. The king complied and returned to the kingdom. Soon, the king was blessed by a son, who grew up to become a heroic king.

Practices:

Women who long for a son fast and pray to Vishnu on Putradaa Ekadashi. Couples also worship the deity for well-being for their children. Grains, beans, cereals, and certain vegetables and spices are avoided on this day. This Pausha Putradaa Ekadashi is more popular in North India, while other states give more importance to the Shravana one.

Benefits:

  • Get rid of sins committed in past and attain moksha
  • Seek well being of your progeny
  • Achieve a sharp intelligence
  • Attain wealth and prosperity

Shri Krishna explains the glories of observing the Ekadashi Vratam in Narada Purana by saying

अश्वमेधसहस्राणिराजसूयशतानिच।
एकादश्युपवासस्यकलांनार्हन्तिशोडशीम्।।

Ashvamedha Sahasrani Rajasuya Shathanicha |

Ekadashi upavasasya kalanahithni shodashim ||

Meaning: Not even thousand Ashvamedha Yagas or hundred Raja Suya Yagas would match the fast on an Ekadashi Day.

Puja Vidhi:

Every ritual of fast is required to be performed and observed with an adequate vidhi in order to seek maximum benefits out of it. Following is the puja vidhi of Pausha Putradaa Ekadashi:

  • The devotees are required to wake up early morning and take a bath
  • Observers are required to recite the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram
  • The fast is observed for a period of complete 24 hours (In a milder version of the fast, the devotees can also observe a partial fast)
  • The observers must refrain themselves from consuming all type of grains and rice too.
  • If the couple has progeny issues or they do not have any child then both the wife as well as the husband must fast together and should worship Lord Vishnu jointly.
  • They must devote their time and attention in worshipping Lord Vishnu, performing bhajan kirtan and must also observe a night vigil
  • Special Puja is required to be performed for worshipping deity Vishnu
  • The observers must visit a nearby temple of Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu and offer sacred food (Prasadam) to the idols of the deities
  • All the puja and rituals must be concluded with Aarti of Lord Vishnu.