**Exact Dates for 2024:**
- **Date:** August 1, 2024 (Thursday)
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#### **Significance of Sarva Putrada Ekadashi**
Sarva Putrada Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious and widely revered Ekadashi fasts observed by Hindus. It occurs on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Sawan (July-August). This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is particularly significant for childless couples seeking divine blessings for progeny.
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#### **The Story of Sarva Putrada Ekadashi**
The legend associated with Sarva Putrada Ekadashi dates back to ancient times and is vividly mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana. King Mahijit of the Bhadravati kingdom was distressed due to the lack of an heir. Upon seeking guidance, the royal priest advised the king and queen to observe the Sarva Putrada Ekadashi fast with utmost devotion.
On this auspicious day, they performed the rituals, fasted, and prayed with sincere hearts. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed them, and soon a son was born to the royal couple. This story underlines the potency of this Ekadashi and its ability to fulfill the wishes of those yearning for children.
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#### **Benefits of Observing Sarva Putrada Ekadashi**
1. **Divine Blessings for Progeny:** The primary benefit is receiving blessings for an offspring, especially for those longing for a child.
2. **Spiritual Upliftment:** Observing the fast aids in spiritual growth and deepens one's devotion to Lord Vishnu.
3. **Removal of Sins:** It is believed that fasting on Ekadashi helps in absolving sins and purifying the soul.
4. **Harmony and Prosperity:** The fast brings peace, prosperity, and harmony to one’s family life.
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#### **How to Observe Sarva Putrada Ekadashi**
**Preparation:**
1. **Purify the House and Altar:** Clean your home and prepare a small altar with a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu.
2. **Collect Necessary Items:** Gather items such as fruits, flowers, ghee lamps, incense sticks, and offerings for the rituals.
**Rituals on Ekadashi:**
1. **Morning Rituals:**
- **Bathing:** Take a holy bath early in the morning.
- **Sankalp:** Pledge to observe the fast with devotion and sincerity.
- **Prayer:** Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a ghee lamp, incense sticks, and offering fresh flowers.
2. **Fasting:**
- **Strict Fast:** Ideally, the fast should be observed without consuming any food or water (Nirjala fast). However, due to health constraints, a partial fast (consuming fruits and milk) can also be undertaken.
- **Abstain from Grains:** Avoid grains, cereals, and legumes. Stick to dairy products, fruits, and nuts if necessary.
3. **Daytime Activities:**
- **Chanting and Meditation:** Spend time chanting Vishnu mantras and meditating on Lord Vishnu’s divine form.
- **Reading Scriptures:** Read sacred texts like the Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita.
4. **Evening Rituals:**
- **Aarti and Bhajans:** Perform evening aarti with devotion and sing bhajans (devotional songs).
- **Story Recitation:** Recite the legend of Sarva Putrada Ekadashi to understand its significance.
5. **Night Vigil:**
- **Jagran:** Stay awake through the night, singing hymns and chanting Lord Vishnu’s names. It is believed that staying awake brings immense blessings.
6. **Parana:**
- The fast ends the next day (Dwadashi) after sunrise and before the end of the Dwadashi tithi. Perform a concluding prayer and then break the fast with light, sattvic food.
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Words alone cannot encapsulate the divine joy and fulfillment that come with observing Sarva Putrada Ekadashi. May Lord Vishnu shower his choicest blessings upon you and your family, bestowing peace, prosperity, and progeny.
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Putra-Ekadashi, observed on the 11th lunar day of Shravana month’s waxing moon, is a revered Hindu fasting ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Particularly important for those seeking progeny, this sacred day involves fasting, prayers, and reading related scriptures. Observing this fast with devotion is believed to bring the blessings of children, spiritual growth, and the fulfillment of desires.
Preparations for Putra-Ekadashi include cleansing the home, purifying oneself, and taking a vow (Sankalp) to fast sincerely, aiming for the blessings of progeny. The fast can be a complete (Nirjala Vrat) or partial one, avoiding grains and non-vegetarian foods, and includes worship through offering flowers, chanting Vishnu hymns, and reading scriptures. The fast is broken the next day after sunrise with prayers, and doing charity enhances the fast's benefits.
The next Putra-Ekadashi will be observed on August 14, 2024, with the specific timings provided for different regions including India, Europe, and the United States. We invite you to join us in this sacred celebration, embracing the spirituality and joy that Putra-Ekadashi brings, connecting with family, friends, and community in devotion and prayer.
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