In one year, devotees observe 24 Ekadashi fasts, according to the Hindu Vedic calendar. Each month, two Ekadashi fasts are observed. Especially during the month of Sawan, this particular Ekadashi fast holds a lot of significance, it is known as the Putrada Ekadashi. As per the beliefs, the Putrada Ekadashi fast is observed so that a couple can embrace parenthood. Pandit Sanjay Upadhyay, a renowned astrologer from Kashi says for the month of Sawan, the Ekadashi date is August 15 and it will start from 6 am. The next day on August 16, it will end at 5:15 am. Putrada Ekadashi fast will be observed on August 15.
According to the Pandit Upadhyay, on the day of Putrada Ekadashi, a believer should bathe in the morning during the Brahma Muhurat. Then they should pledge fasting and engage in the worship of Lord Vishnu. On this day, a yellow cloth is to be laid on the Lord’s throne with a picture of Lord Vishnu. Then, he is to be offered flowers, a peda and worshipped using a ghee diya.
On Putrada Ekadashi, donating stuff like clothes, food-money, basil plants and peacock feathers is considered to be very auspicious. The beliefs state that engaging in charity work brings happiness and prosperity in a household. One may get rid of any financial problems for life, as Goddess Lakshmi will shower her grace. Remember to donate according to your capacity.
How did the Putrada Ekadashi fast begin?
Pandit Upadhyay says that it involves King Mahijit from the Mahishmati Kingdom (present day Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh). The King had no children and frustrated by this reality he called a meeting with his subjects and Brahmins. They started a penance for the King’s situation and met Lomas Rishi. He told them about the Putrada Ekadashi during the Sawan month, leading the King, his subjects and Brahmins to observe a fast.
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