According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Sawan is known as Putrada Ekadashi. This year, this sacred date falls today, i.e., August 5th. Devotees observe this fast to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. This day is considered especially auspicious for attaining the happiness of having children.
As per religious tradition, along with fasting on this day, it is very important to worship Lakshmi-Narayan and perform the Aarti of Ekadashi Mata. It is believed that the devotee who observes the fast with complete rules and devotion gets relief from problems related to happiness, prosperity, and children in life.
Worship Considered Incomplete Without Aarti
Worship holds special significance on Putrada Ekadashi, but according to religious beliefs, this worship is considered incomplete without performing the Aarti of Ekadashi Mata. Aarti is not only a symbol of faith, but it is also an important medium to please the deities.
On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and take a pledge to fast. Then, in the house, worship is performed by lighting a lamp in front of the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. During the Aarti, the Aarti is recited in a pure environment, which makes the atmosphere of the entire house devotional.
Text of Ekadashi Mata's Aarti
Reciting the Aarti of Ekadashi Mata is a tradition for many devotees, which they do every Ekadashi. All the Ekadashis of the year are mentioned in this Aarti. Also, it expresses the feeling that the Ekadashi fast leads to salvation, happiness, and merit.
At the beginning of the Aarti, "Jai" is chanted for Ekadashi Mata, and it is said that the person who fasts on this day attains both power and liberation through Vishnu Puja. After this, the names of the Ekadashis that come month after month and their importance are listed in the Aarti.
The Aarti mentions Ekadashis like Utpanna of Margashirsha, Saphala of Paush, Shattila of Magh, Kamada of Chaitra, Varuthini of Baisakh, Yogini of Ashadh, Kamika of Shravan, Aja of Bhadrapada, Indira of Ashwin, Rama and Devotthani of Kartik, Mokshada of Margashirsha, and Padmini etc.
Spiritual Message Hidden in the Aarti
The Aarti of Ekadashi is not only a religious tradition, but it also contains a deep spiritual message. At the end of the Aarti, it is said that any devotee who recites this Aarti with devotion attains heaven. In every phase of the Aarti, the glory of devotion, knowledge, and fasting has been praised.
By singing this Aarti, devotees pray that Ekadashi Mata destroys their sins and that they receive the blessings of Vishnu. The lyrics of the Aarti are simple but the emotions are very profound. It establishes an intimate relationship between the devotee and God.
Preparation and Rules of the Fast
Devotees observing the Putrada Ekadashi fast consume sattvic food from the night of the previous day, i.e., the Dashami Tithi. On the day of Ekadashi, a waterless or fruit-only fast is observed. During the puja, Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, yellow clothes, Panchamrit, incense, lamp, Akshat (unbroken rice), and Gangajal are used.
It is considered auspicious to narrate the story of Lord Vishnu and sing Bhajans and Kirtans at night. The next day, i.e., on Dwadashi, the fast is completed by feeding Brahmins and giving them donations.
Special Preparations Being Made in Temples and Homes
Special preparations are being made in temples for this Ekadashi. In many places, special tableaux of Lakshmi-Narayan are being decorated. At the same time, devotees also clean their homes and decorate the place of worship. Banana leaves, mango leaves, and Rangoli are being used for the puja.
Women observing the fast collect the puja items a day in advance and start the puja from the morning of the fast day itself. In many places, the Aarti of Ekadashi is also organized collectively, where devotees sing the Aarti together and receive Prasad.
This Date is Considered Special for Obtaining Children
It is clear from the name Putrada Ekadashi that this fast is observed for the desire of having children. It is believed that couples who desire the happiness of having children, if they fast methodically on this day and perform the Aarti of Ekadashi Mata, they get special results.
It is also mentioned in the Puranas that the fast of this day is rewarding and by the special grace of Lord Vishnu, one gets freedom from the difficulties of life. The Aarti of Ekadashi Mata is an integral part of this fast, which gives completeness to the entire fast.
