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In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi fast is considered to have special religious and spiritual significance. According to the Panchang, the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha of Sawan month is known as ‘Sawan Putrada Ekadashi’ or ‘Pavitra Ekadashi’. This holy fast will be observed tomorrow with full rituals. On this day, special worship of Goddess Lakshmi is done along with Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. According to religious beliefs, this fast is considered to be fruitful for those couples who wish to have a child or pray for the bright future and longevity of their child.
Why does Putrada Ekadashi come twice a year?
Often this question arises in the minds of devotees that why Ekadashi fast is observed twice in a year with the same name. There are two rituals for Putrada Ekadashi in the Hindu calendar:
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Paush Putrada Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha of Pausha month (December-January). It is celebrated with special devotion mainly in North India and many parts of the country.
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Sawan Putrada Ekadashi (Holy Ekadashi): It falls in the Shukla Paksha of Saavan month (July-August). It is also known as Pavitra Ekadashi in Gujarat, Maharashtra and South Indian states.
Mythological and spiritual reasons for fasting twice
According to the scriptures, there is a special transmission of spiritual energy in the two main seasonal cycles of the year (autumn and rainy season). The month of Pausha is under the influence of Sun God and Sagittarius Sankranti, which is suitable for introverted penance. At the same time, the month of Sawan is a part of Chaturmas, when Lord Vishnu is in Yoga Nidra and the management of the universe is in the hands of Mahadev.
In the month of Sawan, one receives the combined blessings of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Therefore, for those devotees who miss the fast of Paush Ekadashi in the beginning of the year or who take a resolution for the welfare of their children twice a year with full devotion, this is another very auspicious occasion.
Religious importance of Sawan Putrada Ekadashi
According to Padma Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana, merely listening to the story of Sawan Putrada Ekadashi gives the same virtuous results as Vajpayee Yagya. Mythological stories mention the story of King Suketuman and his wife Champa, who observed this fast on the advice of sages to get rid of the pain of childlessness and were blessed with a capable and successful son.
This fast not only fulfills the desire of having a child, but also removes obstacles, health problems and negative effects in the life of the child.
Sawan Putrada Ekadashi: Puja method and rules
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Morning bath and resolution: Wake up in Brahma Muhurta and take bath with Ganga water and wear yellow clothes and pledge to fast in front of Lord Vishnu.
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Altar Setting: Spread yellow cloth on the post at the place of worship and install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi.
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Panchamrit Abhishek and worship: Bathe Shri Hari with Panchamrit. After this, offer yellow flowers, sandalwood, akshat, incense, lamp and basil leaves. Keep in mind that Lord Vishnu does not accept offerings without Tulsi group.
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Mantra chanting: Chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ at least 108 times and recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Ekadashi Mahatmya.
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Aarti and lamp donation: In the evening, light a ghee lamp near the Tulsi plant and perform the proper aarti of the Lord.
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Passing Rules: Next day, on Dwadashi Tithi, at an auspicious time, feed food to Brahmins or the needy, give donations and only then break the fast with satvik food.