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The 11th day of the waxing phase of the Moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Shravana (July–August) is observed as Shravana Putrada Ekadasi. It is one of the two Putrada Ekadasis in a year, the other one being Pausha Putrada Ekadasi. The day is also known as Pavitropana Ekadasi or Pavitra Ekadasi.
Bhavishya Purana mentions about Shravana Putrada Ekadasi as a tale narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira, the eldest among the Pandavas in Mahabharata.
Once, there was a King named Mahijit who ruled Mahishmati. The king was in deep sorrow of being childless and asked for advice from many priests. The noblemen at his royal court asked him to approach Saint Lomesh for a solution. Saint Lomesh, through his meditation, found the reason behind his misery. In his previous birth, the king was a rude merchant who valued only money. Once during a journey, he felt thirsty. He went to a nearby pond where a cow and her calf were drinking water. Out of thirst, he drove them away and drank the water. The sage explained that this was the reason for him being childless in this birth.
The sage further advised the King and the Queen to observe Shravana Putrada Ekadasi Vrat, and soon the couple was blessed with a beautiful son.
'Putrada' means 'giver of a son.' This Ekadasi is hugely significant for childless couples. Worshipping Lord Vishnu whole-heartedly with a fast blesses one with progeny. Devotees are also bestowed with salvation and are blessed to get rid of all the sins committed. Shravana Putrada Ekadasi is fervently observed in the Eastern and Southern parts of India.
The famous Jhulan festival, celebrated for five days, also starts on this Ekadasi. Lord Krishna and his lover Radha are worshipped by placing their idols on swings decorated with flowers. This festival ends on Shravan Purnima (Full Moon Day).
Couples yearning for a son must observe strict fasting for Lord Vishnu earnestly. However, partial fast can be followed by eating fruits and milk. Consuming grains, pulses, and spices must be avoided. Couples who are seeking the blessing of children must fast only on Ekadasi. While devotees who seek Moksha (salvation) like sanyasis, widows, and the elderly should fast on Dasami (10th Moon) and Ekadasi.
Lord Vishnu is worshipped by offering flowers, fruits, Panchamrit (a mixture of 5 ingredients), and other Pooja items. Ardent devotees keep vigil through the night by chanting Vishnu mantra and singing bhajans in praise of the Lord.
The fast is broken by offering Aarti (light offering) to Lord Vishnu and donating food to pious brahmins.
As per sacred texts, observing Shravana Putrada Ekadasi Vrat can bestow the following blessings:
The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.
Any form of ceremonial or organized worship can generally be termed a pooja. Rituals like an abhishekam, alankaram, archana, etc. can qualify to be so called. A pooja, in the present context, can be taken to specify an archana.
Lord Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe and one among the Trinity. Performing a sacred homa to Lord Vishnu can bestow you with wealth, good health, happiness, and prosperity.
Maha Vishnu is the protector of this Universe; he guards all the living beings on this earth plane. When you worship him, you will be gifted with long life, prosperity, peace, happiness and success. Impediments will no longer stand on your way of achievements.
