Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

History

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, observed during the Shravana month (July-August). The term "Putrada" means "giver of sons," and this Ekadashi is especially important for couples desiring to have a son. According to Hindu beliefs, observing a fast and performing rituals on this day can bless childless couples with progeny. The significance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is detailed in the Bhavishya Purana, where Lord Krishna narrates its importance to King Yudhishthira.

Mythological Origins

As per the legends, there was a king named Mahijit who ruled the kingdom of Mahishmati. Despite having everything, he and his queen were unhappy because they had no children. The king consulted his royal priest, who advised him to observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi. The king and queen observed the fast with utmost devotion, and soon they were blessed with a son. This story highlights the importance and efficacy of this Ekadashi in fulfilling the desire for offspring.

Rituals

Fasting

Fasting on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious. Devotees typically observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, cereals, and beans. Some may undertake a nirjala fast (without water), while others may consume fruits, milk, and nuts.

Puja and Prayers

1. Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes. They set up an altar with an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.

2. Offering and Arti: Devotees offer flowers, fruits, incense, lamps, and tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu. Performing Arti (a ritual of worship with light) is an integral part of the puja.

3. Chanting Mantras: Devotees chant Vishnu mantras and recite prayers such as the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) and other hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Night Vigil

Many devotees stay awake all night, engaging in prayers, reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, and singing devotional songs. This night vigil is known as Jagran.

Bhog (Offerings)

Special offerings are prepared for Lord Vishnu on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi. These offerings are later distributed as prasad (blessed food) among family members and other devotees. Common offerings include:

• Fruits: Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and grapes.

• Sweets: Traditional sweets like laddus, pedas, and kheer (rice pudding).

• Milk Products: Items like butter, ghee, and milk-based sweets.

• Tulsi Leaves: Considered highly sacred and offered to Lord Vishnu.

Temples

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is celebrated with great fervor in Vishnu temples across India and other parts of the world. Some of the most notable temples include:

1. Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand: One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, this temple sees thousands of devotees on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.

2. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: Known for its grand celebrations and rituals.

3. Jagannath Temple, Puri: A major center of Vaishnavism, this temple hosts special pujas and processions on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.

4. Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala: One of the most visited temples, where special rituals and prasad are offered on this day.

Arti (Ritual of Light):

Arti is an essential part of the worship ritual on Ekadashi. It involves the waving of lit lamps before the deity to the accompaniment of devotional songs.

1. Lighting the Lamps: Lamps filled with ghee or oil are lit.

2. Singing Bhajans: Devotional songs and bhajans praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

3. Waving the Lamp: The lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.

4. Ringing Bells: Bells are rung continuously during the Arti to invite positive vibrations.

5. Offering Flowers: Flowers and incense are also offered during the Arti.

6. Distributing Prasad: After the Arti, the offerings (bhog) are distributed as prasad among the devotees.

Mantras:

Chanting mantras is an integral part of the Ekadashi observance. Some important mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are:

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

ॐ नारायणाय नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..! ..

Watch : Shree Vishnu Amritwani

Summary:

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is a spiritually significant day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed with strict fasting, prayer, and various rituals. Devotees prepare special offerings (bhog), visit temples, perform Arti, and chant mantras to honor Lord Vishnu. These practices help devotees purify their minds and souls, seek divine blessings, and strive for spiritual liberation. Observing Ekadashi with devotion is believed to bestow immense spiritual benefits, including the forgiveness of sins, fulfillment of desires, and progress on the path to Moksha.