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.