Ekadashi Tithi Begins: at 10:26 AM on Aug 15, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 09:39 AM on Aug 16, 2024
Parana Time – On 17th Aug, 06:15 AM to 08:05 AM
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
When an individual passes away, it is customary for their son to perform their last rites. The son’s role in executing these rites is essential for the salvation of the departed soul and to conduct the Shradh ceremony, which is believed to facilitate the soul’s journey to paradise. Additionally, the couple may observe a Nirjala Vrat together on this day, abstaining from consuming even a drop of water. Devotees also typically observe the Ekadashi fast on this occasion, followed by worshipping Lord Vishnu. It is believed that through these rituals, one may receive blessings and have their wishes fulfilled by the divine Lord.
According to ancient texts, observing a fast on this day is believed to facilitate fertility and ensure the longevity of offspring. This observance is associated with overcoming life’s obstacles and ensuring the well-being of one’s children through the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi fast. Keeping the fast with utmost sincerity may lead to the resolution of child-related issues. Conversely, couples seeking to avoid parenthood are advised to observe this fast. Fasting together as a couple is said to yield positive results. Furthermore, those who devoutly read or listen to the significance and story behind the fast are believed to receive blessings akin to the merit of donating several cows.
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha:
In ancient times, the city of Bhadravatipuri was governed by King Suketuman. Despite the grandeur of his wedding ceremony, the king and queen remained childless for a significant period. Their concern over who would perform their final rites and ancestral rituals weighed heavily on their minds. One day, consumed by distress, the king ventured into the wilderness on horseback. After traversing for hours, he stumbled upon a tranquil pond nestled deep within the forest, near which lay an ashram inhabited by sages.
Upon quenching his thirst, the king approached the ashram where he witnessed the sages immersed in the recitation of Vedas. Inquiring about the purpose behind their chants, the sages enlightened him that it was Putrada Ekadashi, a day when fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu bestows the blessing of a child. Filled with elation, the king resolved to observe the Putrada Ekadashi fast then and there. Consequently, on Putrada Ekadashi, he fasted and offered prayers to Gopal, the child avatar of Vishnu.
In a miraculous turn of events, the queen gave birth to a baby boy on Dwadashi, the day following the fast. Henceforth, the royal couple faithfully observed the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi vrat as a token of gratitude for their blessing.