What is Shravana Putrada / Pavitropana Ekadashi?
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi or Pavitropana Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Shravana (July-August). The name “Pavitropana” signifies the purification of the soul. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. It is believed that observing this Ekadashi cleanses one’s sins and brings them closer to the divine. On this day, devotees observe a fast any type of grains and offer prayers to seek the Lord’s blessings for progeny and the well-being of their children.
Importance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi:
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi occupies great importance for couples who desire a child. The day is believed to be powerful for those who seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for healthy progeny. Observing a fast on this day with pure devotion and sincerity, removes obstacles related to childbirth and ensures the welfare of existing children. The fast is not just for the well-being of children but also for spiritual growth and fulfilment of desires. It is also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi, which means that one who observes this fast religiously and devotionally, gets rid of all his/her sins and becomes Pavitra or pure and pious.
Putrada Ekadashi 2024 Date and Time:
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi in 2024 is to be observed on August 16.
Ekadashi Fasting begins at 05:50 AM on August 16
Next Day Ekadashi Fast Breaking is between 05:51 AM and 08:08 AM on August 17.
Devotees should observe the fast from grains and perform rituals during this auspicious time to receive the maximum benefits.
Pavitropana Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The vrat katha (fasting story) associated with Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is filled with devotion, faith, and divine intervention. According to legend, there was a king whose name was Mahijit. He ruled the kingdom of Mahishmati.
In spite of being a just and righteous king, he and his queen were childless. It caused them immense sorrow. They consulted a sage whose name was Lomesh, for a solution. The saga revealed that the king was cursed due to a sin in his past life. To atone for this sin and be blessed with a child, he suggested the king to have the fast on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi. The king and queen followed the sage’s advice with utmost devotion, and soon they were blessed with a son.
This story highlights the power of this sacred day and the grace of Lord Vishnu in fulfilling the desires of his devotees.
Rituals and Observance of Pavitropana Ekadashi:
The observance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is marked by fasting, prayer, and charity.
– Devotees wake up early during Braham Muhurta (between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM), take a holy bath, and perform the puja with full devotion.
– They offer flowers, fruits, and special bhogas to Shri Krishna.
– They perform Mangala Aarti and recite other sacred hymns.
– After this, they perform Mantra Meditation, in which the chant 16, 32, or 64 rounds of Hare Krishn Maha Mantra, i.e.:
“Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare”
The fast is observed throughout the day, with only water or fruits consumed by some, while others may opt for a Nirjala fast (without water).
In the evening, the Ekadashi katha (story) is recited. After the puja, devotees break their fast on the following day after feeding Brahmins and giving food to the needy people.
Pavitropana / Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Pooja Vidhi
The Pooja Vidhi (ritual procedure) for Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is detailed and deeply spiritual. Devotees perform this puja by following each step meticulously to gain the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Preparation for the Puja:
– Wake up early in the Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) and take a holy bath.
– Cleanse the puja area and set up an altar with the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.
– Place a kalash (a sacred pot filled with water) on the altar and decorate it with mango leaves and a coconut.
– Gather the necessary items for the puja, including flowers, incense, a diya (oil lamp), sandalwood paste, and fruits.
Sankalp (Vow):
– After preparing the altar, sit in front of it, and take a vow (sankalp) to observe the Ekadashi fast with devotion and sincerity.
– Recite the following mantra while taking the sankalp: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Invocation of Sri Krishna:
– Light the diya and incense sticks and begin the puja by invoking Lord Vishnu.
– Chant at least 16 rounds of Shri Hare Krishna Mahamantra, i.e.:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Offering Prayers:
– Offer flowers, fruits, and sacred water to the deity, symbolizing the devotion of the devotee.
– Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum (vermilion) to the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.
Ekadashi Katha Recitation:
– Sit with your family and recite the Ekadashi Katha, which narrates the significance and stories associated with Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.
Aarti and Prasad:
– Perform the aarti by waving the diya in front of the deity in a circular motion and sing devotional songs.
– Distribute the prasad (offering) among the family members and offer it to the needy, as a gesture of charity.
Breaking the Fast:
– After food donation to needy people or feeding Brahmins, devotees break the fast next day on Dwadashi
– The fast-breaking should be done during the Parana time, which is an auspicious time specified for this purpose.
Importance of Donation on Pavitropana Ekadashi
Charity plays a significant role in the observance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi. On this day, devotees are encouraged to perform acts of charity, including food donation, donate food to the poor, donating clothes, or offering alms to Brahmins. Such acts of kindness are believed to please Lord Vishnu and bring immense blessings to the devotee’s family. The essence of Ekadashi lies not only in fasting but also in selflessness and the willingness to help others.
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Verse 20)
“दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ||”
“dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe
deśe kāle ca pātre ca tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛtam”
Meaning: Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person, is considered to be in the mode of goodness.
Spiritual Benefits of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
Observing Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is believed to bring numerous spiritual and material benefits to the devotees. Some of these include:
Blessings for Progeny: The primary benefit of observing this Ekadashi is the blessing of a child. Couples who observe this fast with sincerity are believed to be blessed with healthy progeny.
Removal of Sins: The fast is said to cleanse one’s sins, purify the soul, and bring spiritual enlightenment. It is a day dedicated to seeking forgiveness for past misdeeds and setting oneself on the path of righteousness.
Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees believe that fasting on this day can fulfill their sincere wishes, especially those related to family and children.
Spiritual Growth: By observing the fast, devotees can grow closer to Lord Vishnu, experiencing his divine presence and grace in their lives.
As the holy day of Shravana Putrada / Pavitropana Ekadashi comes, may every devotee’s heart be filled with the light of Shri Krishna’s blessings!
