Happy Shravana Putrada Ekadashi: 14th August,2016

Happy Shravana Putrada Ekadashi: 14th August,”2016

Ekadashi Tithi Begins = 16:35 on 13/Aug/2016
Ekadashi Tithi Ends = 17:32 on 14/Aug/2016

On 15th, Parana Time = 05:54 to 08:30

Putrada Ekadashi, also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi and Pavitra Ekadashi, is a holy day, which falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Vedic month of Shravana (July–August). This day is also known as “Shravana Putrada Ekadashi” to differentiate it from the other Putrada Ekadashi in Pausha (December–January), which is also called “Pausha Putrada Ekadashi”.

♥***The goal of having sons is so great that two Putrada ("giver of sons") Ekadashis are devoted to it. On this day, 24 hours fasting is observed and worship is offered to the Lord Vishnu (like other Ekadashis) by both husband and wife in particular, who do not have a son for a long time after marriage, to beget a male child. A son is considered entirely important in Vedic society as he takes care of the parents in their old age in life and by offering shraddha (ancestor rites) ensures well-being of his parents in the after-life.

This day is especially observed by Vaishnavas too to attain MOKSHA.

अश्वमेधसहस्राणि राजसूयशतानि च ।
एकादश्युपवासस्य कलां नार्हन्ति शोडशीम् ।।

Meaning:
Not even thousand Ashvamedha Yagas or hundred Rajasuya Yagas would match the fast on an Ekadashi Day.

♥*** LEGEND OF PUTRADA EKADASHI ***♥

The legend about Putrada Ekadashi is narrated by Lord Krishna to the King Yudhishthira in the Bhavishya Purana. King Mahijit was a rich and powerful ruler of Mahishmati, who had no children. He sought counsel of his council of learned men, sages (rishis) and Brahmins (priests), to find a solution to his problem. Unable to find a remedy, the council reached out to the omniscient learned sage Lomesh. Lomesh mediated found out that Mahijit's misfortune was a result of his sins in his previous birth. The sage said that Mahijit was a merchant in his previous birth. While travelling on business, the merchant became extremely thirsty once and reached the pond. There a cow and her calf were drinking water. The merchant drove them away and himself drank the water. This sin resulted in his childlessness, while his good deeds resulted in his birth as a king of a peaceful kingdom. Lomesh advised the King and the Queen to observe Ekadashi fast in Shravana on Pavitropana Ekadashi to get rid of his sin. As advised, the royal couple as well as his citizens kept a fast and offered prayers to Lord Vishnu and kept vigil throughout the night piously chanting his divine name. They also gave gifts of gold, jewels, clothes and money to the Brahmins. Their wish was fulfilled when a handsome son was born to them to subsequently become the heir to their kingdom.

Worship of Vishnu is a common rite on all Ekadashi days including the Putrada Ekadashi to get MOKSHA (salvation) and get rid of all sins.