मङ्गलम् भगवान विष्णुः, मङ्गलम् गरुणध्वजः।
मङ्गलम् पुण्डरी काक्षः, मङ्गलाय तनो हरिः
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi occurs during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Pausha month (December-January). It is highly sacred occasion falling during winter season, dedicated to worshiping Bhagawan Vishnu in his Narayana form. Devotees observe this fast to seek divine blessings for healthy progeny, protection of children, removal of past sins, and ultimate liberation.
Meaning and Significance of Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
In Sanskrit, Putra means son or child, while Da means giver or bestower. Therefore, Pausha Putrada Ekadashi translates to 11th day of Pausha month that bestows righteous children and protects family lineage.
Human life often carries sorrow due to childlessness or obstacles in growth and well-being of children due to past karma. Observing fast on Pausha Putrada Ekadashi with pure heart acts as spiritual remedy to overcome such karmic hurdles. Scriptures mention that sincere devotion on this day blesses childless couples with worthy offspring, protects existing children from harm, bestows family harmony, and elevates devotee towards Vishnu Loka.
Legend associated with Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving noble King Suketuvarman who ruled kingdom of Bhadravati. King Suketuvarman was righteous ruler and his queen was named Shaibya. Though kingdom enjoyed prosperity and peace, king and queen were deeply unhappy because they had no children to continue royal lineage and offer ancestral rites.
Worried about future of kingdom and ancestral debt, King Suketuvarman left his palace one day and wandered deep into forest in great despair. After wandering for hours, king reached serene lake surrounded by beautiful hermitages of holy sages. Holy sages were chanting Vedic mantras and performing penance near water.
King Suketuvarman approached sages respectfully, bowed at their feet, and shared his deep sorrow regarding childlessness. Sages informed king that day was Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Pausha month, highly auspicious day known as Putrada Ekadashi. Sages advised king to observe fast with total devotion and pray to Bhagawan Vishnu for noble child.
Following instructions of holy sages, King Suketuvarman took bath in sacred lake and observed strict fast on Pausha Putrada Ekadashi with pure mind and deep faith. Upon returning to Bhadravati, queen Shaibya also observed fast. By divine grace of Lord Hari and spiritual merit of fast, queen soon conceived and gave birth to healthy, brave, and virtuous son who grew up to rule kingdom righteously and brought immense joy to parents.
Rituals to be performed on Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath using clean water without using soap, shampoo, or such cosmetic products.
Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, especially Bal Gopal or Lord Narayana form, should be placed respectfully.
Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu.
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.
Listen to or read Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful state of mind.
Offer your respects to parents and other elders, especially Guru, seeking their heartfelt blessings on this sacred morning.
Observe fast during entire day according to individual health capacity. Healthy individuals can observe strict fast without water or taking only water. Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is difficult due to health reasons. Rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains must be avoided strictly. Heavy spices, regular salt, garlic, onion, tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol must be strictly avoided.
Perform evening Aarti with devotion, offer special Naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, pray for well-being of family and children, and maintain noble thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, falsehood, or harsh speech.
Break fast next day on Dwadashi tithi during scheduled Parana time. Fast should be broken after sunrise once Hari Vasara period concludes. Offer naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform short prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before eating regular food.
PS: Article re-formatted into blocks and Header Image changed