Sravana Putradha Ekadashi is the eleventh day from the Amavasya day (Shukla Paksha Ekadashi) which occurs on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi Tithi of the Shravan month as per both the Amantha and the Purnimantha Calendars.
In the year 2023, it occurs on Sunday, 27th August 2023. The exact duration of the Ekadashi Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
The Vrat is also called as Pavithra Ekadashi and Pavithropana Ekadashi.
Legend
As per the legend, the Sravana Putradha Ekadashi is being observed for begetting progeny. The Vrat is observed by couple seeking children.
King Mahijith
Once there was a mighty King named Mahijith. He was a good ruler and he was revered by all. His only sorrow was that he did not have any progeny.
Consultation
The King had consulted the scholars and sages in his kingdom to ascertain the reason or cause for having no children. They could not ascertain why that blessing was elusive. Though they have suggested remedies to follow some rituals, none of them worked.
Sage Lomesh
The King had come across the Sage Lomesh. The King had told his predicament to the Sage. The Sage had ascertained through his penance powers that the King was childless due to the sin committed in the previous birth
Past sin
As per Sage Lomesh, Mahijith in his previous birth was a merchant. During one of his sojourns from the market, he went to a pond to drink some water. There, a cow and its calf were drinking water. Not wanting to share the water with them, the merchant had chased away the cow and its calf depriving them of water.
This unkind action on his part had resulted in having no progeny in his current birth.
Remedy
Sage Lomesh had advised the King to observe Vrat on Shravana Shukla Paksha Ekadashi and pray to Sri Maha Vishnu. The King the queen did observe the Vrat and worshipped Sri Vishnu. Later they were blessed with the son.
Rituals
The general rituals followed for Ekadashi Vrats are given below:
-The exact time of dawn of Ekadashi tithi is ascertained either from family elders / astrologers. It is mentioned in the Holy Almanac (Panchang) as well. Even daily Calendars provide the information.
-The idol or picture of Sri Vishnu is decorated with flowers. Incense sticks are lit. Diyas are lit with ghee. Pujas are done with tulsi leaves.
– The items such as Jambira fruit (goose berry), Pomegranate, Mangoes, Guava, Betal nuts and leaves, Coconut, Varieties of nuts and Cloves and other aromatic spices are offered in Puja subject to availability.
Slokas or stotras of Sri Maha Vishnu including Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama are recited with devotion. Srimad Bhagavad Gitaa is also recited.
-Special Puja is done for Sri Lakshmi Devi as well.
-The Vrat Katha is read and recited.
-At the end of the puja, aarti is done. Prasad is distributed to the family members.
-Devotees of Bhagwan Maha Vishnu observe strict fasting from the dawn of Ekadashi.
-They do not sleep on the night of Ekadashi. At this time, tales of Sri Maha Vishnu are recited by the elders. Others listen to the stories.
-Various bhajans and kirtans are held.
-The fast shall continue till the sunrise of the next day, i.e., Dwadashi.
-Those devotees who cannot do fasting due to medical or other reasons can take sattvic food. Mostly prasadams and fruits are partaken.
-Making daan / donation to the needy on Ekadashi day is believed to please Sri Maha Vishnu.
-On Dwadashi day, unless it happens to be another Vrat day, a nutritious meal is partaken to balance the internal physical effects of fasting on the previous day. It is considered pious to forego eating of brinjal on Dwadashi day.
Benefits
-Alleviation of all the sins both intentional and unintentional.
– blessed with progeny
-Fulfillment of the wishes
Importance should be given to the sincere prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu.
The synopsis of Kamada Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, Apara Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi and Kamika Ekadashi are narrated in the previous articles.
