Pushya Putrada Ekadashi

What is it? 

 

Ekadashi is observed as a spiritual discipline on the 11th day of each Paksha (half month), by Upavasa (fasting) either as repentance for sins committed or for gaining self-control. The time of observance of this ritual sometimes varies between the followers of Smarta, Vaishnava and Srivaishnava traditions, based on whether they follow the Siddhanta or Aryamana method of calculations. The Ekadashi during the month of Pushya is called Putrada Ekadashi.

Putrada Ekadashi (literally meaning ‘Ekadashi that is the giver of sons’) falls on the 11th lunar day of the fortnight of the waxing moon (growing) in the Hindu month of Pushya (December-January). This day is also known as Pushya Putrada Ekadashi, to differentiate it from the other Putrada Ekadashi in Shravana (July-August), which is also called Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.
Couples fast on this day and worship Lord Vishnu for a good son. This day is especially observed by Vaishnavas, followers of Vishnu.

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

The Legend

 

The Bhavishya Purana reveals the tale of Putrada Ekadashi as told by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishtira. King Suketuman ruled the city of Bhadravati. He had a wife called Shailya. They did not have a child of their own and were grieved by the absence of progeny for many years. They were worried, not only about the lack of a successor to the throne, but also as to who would offer Tarpana (oblations to ancestors) after their death.

Once, after many years of frustration, on the eleventh day of the month of Pushya, the King, without letting anyone know, rode off on his horse to the forest. He spent the day wandering amidst the heavy jungle and wild animals. Time, taking its lead, clocked afternoon and he felt thirsty and very hungry. In his search for food and water, he came across a small lake at a distance. On the banks of the Lake Manasarovar, he noticed an ashram residence of great Rishis. The King alighted from his horse and drank water from the lake. His left eye started fluttering. The King thought of this as a good omen. He bowed to each Rishi one after the other. On greeting, the King asked, “O Rishis, why have you all assembled here in this dense jungle?” The Rishis replied, “O King, we have come here for a holy dip in this lake. Today is Putrada Ekadashi. One who observes a fast (Vratha) on this day with complete faith to the Almighty achieves the fulfillment of any wishes one might have - people who will observe this fast will conceive a child”. On listening carefully to the discourses of the Rishis, the King felt very relieved and at ease. He had found the answers to his problems.

The King stayed the night with the Rishis and performed the Vratha of Putrada Ekadashi by fasting. He focused all his senses and thoughts to the devotion to God. The Rishis blessed him by saying, O King, “By performing the Vratha like you did, the Almighty will bless you with a child and fulfill all your desires”.

The King arrived back at the palace, next morning. As time passed, a beautiful son was born to the King and the Queen. The King was very happy and the palace rejoiced with the arrival of an heir, who grew up to become a heroic king.

According to the Purana, Krishna says to Yudhishtira - “One who performs the Vratha, reads and listens to the above episode, will achieve and be gifted with equal rewards as performing millions of Yajnya. It is believed that performing a Vratha on Ekadashi gives both spiritual rewards and resolves various social issues of devotees.”

In our next post, we will learn about the scientific significance of celebrating Ekadashi, and the Ekadashi recipes for a well rounded body, mind and soul.