Pausha Putrada Ekadashi

Putrada Ekadashi
Also calledPausha Putrada Ekadashi
Observed byHindus
TypeHindu
SignificanceFor having a son
ObservancesPrayers and religious rituals, including puja to Vishnu
DateDecided by the lunar calendar

Putrada Ekadashi (lit. "ekadashi that is the giver of sons") is a Hindu holy day, which falls on the 11th lunar day (ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Pausha (December–January). This day is also known as Pausha Putrada Ekadashi, to differentiate it from the other Putrada Ekadashi in Shravana (July–August), which is also called Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.[2] Couples fast on this day and worship the god Vishnu for a good son.[3] This day is especially observed by Vaishnavas, followers of Vishnu. A son is considered entirely important in Hindu 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. While each ekadashi is prescribed for certain goals, the goal of having sons is so great that two Putrada ("giver of sons") ekadashis are devoted to it. Rest of the goals do not enjoy this privilege.[4][5]

  1. ^ Ekadashi Dates Calendar 2017
  2. ^ "Shravana Putrada Ekadashi". Drik Panchang .com. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  3. ^ Dr. Bhojraj Dwivedi (2006). Religious basis of Hindu beliefs. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. p. 172. ISBN 978-81-288-1239-2.
  4. ^ James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: Volume Two. The Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 540–1. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4.
  5. ^ Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M. ABC-CLIO. pp. 218–9. ISBN 9781598842050. Retrieved 16 November 2012.