Bhagwan Krishna

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi: Beat Karmic Obstacles to Parenthood

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शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं
विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम् ।
लक्ष्मीकान्तं कमलनयनं योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यं
वन्दे विष्णुं भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम् ॥

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi falls during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Shravana month (July-August). It is deeply auspicious Ekadashi observed by devotees of Bhagawan Vishnu, especially couples seeking healthy lineage, protection for children, and domestic bliss. Devotees dedicate this day to worship Bhagawan Vishnu with complete devotion to erase obstacles in progeny and achieve spiritual fulfillment.

Meaning and Significance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

Understanding name itself reveals divine blessing of this sacred day. In Sanskrit, Putra means son or child, while Da means giver. Therefore, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi translates to 11th day in Shravana month that bestows progeny and protects children.

Having virtuous child is considered major blessing in human life as children carry forward family legacy and perform ancestral rites. Observing fast on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi with pure heart removes negative karmic blockages delaying parenthood. Scriptures state that observing this fast grants merit equivalent to performing grand sacrifices, blessing devotees with healthy children, family happiness, and ultimate liberation or Moksha.

Legend associated with Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving prosperous king named Mahijit who ruled kingdom of Mahishmati. King Mahijit was wealthy, just, and kind ruler who looked after his subjects like own family. However, despite enjoying all worldly comforts, king felt deep sorrow because he had no children to continue his royal line.

Distressed by lack of heir, King Mahijit called assembly of learned Brahmins, ministers, and wise citizens. King humbly asked why he remained childless despite never committing evil deeds or misusing royal power. Wise citizens and Brahmins decided to seek advice of great Sage Lomasa, who lived in deep forest performing severe penance.

Sage Lomasa listened to plight of king and used his yogic vision to see past life of King Mahijit. Sage revealed that in previous birth, king was poor merchant who committed sinful act. On hot summer day of Jyeshtha month, thirsty merchant reached lake to drink water. At same time, thirsty cow with newborn calf arrived to drink water. Driven by selfishness, merchant drove cow away and drank water himself.

Sage Lomasa explained that while merchant gained royal status in present life due to past good deeds, sin of torturing thirsty cow and calf left him childless. To neutralize this past karma, Sage Lomasa advised citizens, ministers, and royal family to observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi fast in Shukla Paksha of Shravana month with complete devotion and transfer spiritual merit (Punya) to King Mahijit.

Subjects returned to capital and observed strict fast on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi along with king. They worshiped Bhagawan Vishnu with complete faith and offered collective merit to king. By divine grace of Bhagawan Vishnu, queen soon conceived and gave birth to beautiful, healthy son. Whole kingdom celebrated with joy and peace was restored.

Rituals to be performed on Shravana 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 in the form of Balakrishna should be placed respectfully.

Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu.

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Shravana 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, 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.

Indira Ekadashi: Ancestral Peace and Spiritual Liberation

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यस्य स्मरणमात्रेण जन्मसंसारबन्धनात् ।
विमुच्यते नमस्तस्मै विष्णवे प्रभविष्णवे ॥

Indira Ekadashi is observef during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Ashwin month (September-October) according to Amanta calendar or Bhadrapada month according to Purnimanta calendar. It occurs during Pitru Paksha, sacred fortnight dedicated to ancestors. Devotees dedicate this day to worship Bhagawan Vishnu to grant spiritual liberation and heavenly abode to deceased ancestors while cleansing personal sins and negative karma.

Meaning and Significance of Indira Ekadashi

In Sanskrit, Indira refers to Goddess Lakshmi and divine prosperity, while also carrying connection to King Indrasena who first demonstrated power of this sacred fast. Therefore, Indira Ekadashi translates to 11th day that brings divine grace, ancestral peace, and spiritual liberation.

Human life carries subtle obligations toward ancestors, known as Pitru Rina. Unfulfilled desires or sins of departed ancestors can sometimes cause obstacles and hardships for living generations. Observing fast on Indira Ekadashi during Pitru Paksha with pure heart acts as powerful spiritual offering. Scriptures state that observing this fast and transferring its spiritual merit frees ancestors from lower realms like Yamaloka, guiding them directly to Vishnu Loka while bestowing peace and prosperity on family.

Legend associated with Indira Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving pious King Indrasena who ruled kingdom of Mahishmati. King Indrasena was virtuous ruler, deeply devoted to Bhagawan Vishnu, and looked after his subjects with love and justice. His kingdom enjoyed peace, abundance, and spiritual harmony.

One day, divine sage Narada visited royal court of King Indrasena. King welcomed sage with great respect and worshiped him. Sage Narada informed king that during his journey to Yamaloka, he met father of King Indrasena. Sage revealed that due to some mistake committed in past life, father of king was stuck in court of Yamaraja and undergoing suffering. Father of king had requested Sage Narada to send message to his son Indrasena to observe Indira Ekadashi fast and donate its merit so that he could break free from Yamaloka.

Hearing about suffering of his father, King Indrasena was overcome with sorrow and humbly asked Sage Narada for exact procedure to observe Indira Ekadashi fast. Sage Narada instructed king to take bath in morning of Ashvina Krishna Dashami, perform Shraddha rituals for ancestors, and prepare for fast. On Ekadashi day, king was advised to observe strict fast, worship Bhagawan Shaligram or Vishnu form with devotion, offer prayers, and keep night vigil. Sage further asked king to perform Shraddha rites again on Ekadashi, feed righteous Brahmins, and offer spiritual merit of fast to his father.

King Indrasena along with his family and ministers strictly followed instructions of Sage Narada on Indira Ekadashi. They observed fast with deep faith and dedicated all spiritual virtue to departed father. By divine grace of Lord Hari, father of king was instantly liberated from Yamaloka, boarded divine chariot, and ascended to Vaikuntha Dham. King Indrasena ruled righteously for many years and eventually attained supreme abode of Bhagawan Vishnu.

Rituals to be performed on Indira 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, specifically Shaligram or Hrishikesha 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 Indira Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful state of mind.

Perform Tarpan and Shraddha rituals in honor of deceased ancestors, offering prayers to Bhagawan Vishnu for their eternal peace and liberation.

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, feed righteous Brahmins or needy people, 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.

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Mokshada Ekadashi: Gateway to Eternal Liberation

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सशङ्खचक्रं सकिरीटकुण्डलं सपीतवस्त्रं सरसीरुहेक्षणम् ।
सहारवक्ष:स्थलशोभिकौस्तुभश्रियं नमामि विष्णुं शिरसा चतुर्भुजम् ॥

Mokshada Ekadashi occurs during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Margashirsha month (November-December).This highly auspicious day also coincides with Gita Jayanti, day when Bhagawan Krishna imparted eternal wisdom of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on battlefield of Kurukshetra. Devotees dedicate this day to worship Bhagawan Vishnu to attain spiritual freedom, clear ancestral karmic debts, and secure place in Vaikuntha.

Meaning and Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi

In Sanskrit, Mokshada means bestower of Moksha or ultimate liberation. Therefore, Mokshada Ekadashi translates to 11th day that grants freedom from endless cycle of birth and death.

Human life often suffers due to ignorance, attachment, and weight of past sins. Observing fast on Mokshada Ekadashi with pure heart acts as powerful spiritual remedy that dissolves lifelong karma. Scriptures mention that spiritual merit earned on this day can be transferred to deceased ancestors suffering in lower realms, granting them instant elevation to heavenly abodes. Passing through divine Vaikuntha Dwara (gateway to eternal abode) on this day symbolizes soul triumph over worldly bondages.

Legend associated with Mokshada Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving saintly King Vaikhanasa who ruled prosperous city of Champaka. King Vaikhanasa was compassionate ruler who treated subjects like his own children and spent time in spiritual contemplation.

One night, King Vaikhanasa saw distressing dream where his deceased father was trapped in hellish realm called Naraka, suffering severe torment due to past bad karma. Troubled by vision, king called learned Brahmins, scholars, and royal priest next morning to find solution. Wise scholars advised king to seek guidance of enlightened Sage Parvata, who lived in nearby forest ashram.

King Vaikhanasa visited ashram of Sage Parvata and described painful dream of his father. Sage Parvata closed eyes and entered deep meditation to see past life of king father. Sage revealed that father had committed severe sin of neglecting his wife in previous birth, leading to his current suffering in Naraka. King humbly asked sage for spiritual remedy to rescue his father.

Sage Parvata instructed King Vaikhanasa to observe strict fast on Mokshada Ekadashi in Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month along with family members and offer spiritual merit to father. King returned to his palace and strictly observed Mokshada Ekadashi fast with complete devotion, following all sacred rites. Upon completing fast, king dedicated all spiritual virtue earned to his father. Immediately, father of king was released from hellish torment, received divine body, and ascended to Vaikuntha while showering heartfelt blessings on his devoted son.

Rituals to be performed on Mokshada 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, along with sacred book Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, 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 verses from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Mokshada Ekadashi Katha and Gita Jayanti discourse 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, visit Vishnu temple to pass through Vaikuntha Dwara if possible, offer special Naivedya, 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