Ekadashi In The Month Pausha (December–January)

🌙 Saphala Ekadashi – Krishna Paksha (Pausha Month)

Saphala Ekadashi (also spelled Safala Ekadashi) falls during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) in the month of Pausha (December–January). The word Saphala means “fruitful” or “successful.” Hence, this Ekadashi is believed to make one’s life successful, desires fulfilled, and sins destroyed through sincere devotion to Lord Vishnu.

It is one of the most auspicious Ekadashis, symbolizing how a life of faith and virtue leads to true success (saphalta) — both material and spiritual.

🕉️ Spiritual & Mythological Significance

The story of Saphala Ekadashi is narrated in the Brahmanda Purana. Once, there was a powerful and prosperous king named Mahaishmata, who had four sons. His eldest son, Lumpaka, was wicked, greedy, and disrespectful toward both his father and the divine laws.

Due to his sinful behavior — theft, indulgence, and disrespect toward the gods — the king banished Lumpaka from his kingdom. He began living in the forest, surviving by stealing from travelers.

One day, unknowingly, Lumpaka observed the Saphala Ekadashi fast. It was the Ekadashi tithi during which he could not find food and remained without eating or drinking throughout the day and night. The next morning, he collected some fruits and offered them to a sacred banyan tree (which symbolized Lord Vishnu).

Though he performed this act unintentionally, Lord Vishnu was deeply pleased with his simple offering and pure heart. The divine Lord appeared before Lumpaka and said:

“By observing the Saphala Ekadashi fast and worshipping Me, you have destroyed all your sins. Return to your father’s kingdom; rule it with righteousness and devotion.”

Lumpaka returned home, was forgiven by his father, and later became a wise and just ruler who devoted his life to Lord Vishnu.

Thus, the Saphala Ekadashi came to symbolize forgiveness, renewal, and transformation through the Lord’s grace.

🌼 Importance of Saphala Ekadashi

• Destroys Past Sins: Observing this Ekadashi cleanses the heart and removes the effects of past misdeeds.
• Brings Success: As the name suggests, it makes one’s life “fruitful” — spiritually and materially.
• Symbol of Renewal: It teaches that even a fallen soul can attain redemption through devotion.
• Grants Divine Blessings: Pleases Lord Vishnu, who bestows peace, prosperity, and happiness.

🪔 Rituals and Observances

1. Dashami (Day Before Ekadashi)

• Eat a simple sattvik meal before sunset.
• Avoid rice, lentils, meat, garlic, and onions.
• Prepare mentally and spiritually for the fast.

2. Ekadashi Day (Main Fast)

• Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
• Set up an image or idol of Lord Vishnu, preferably as Narayan or Krishna.
• Offer Tulsi leaves, sandalwood, lamp, incense, flowers, and fruits.
• Chant Vishnu mantras such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Observe Nirjala fast (without food and water) if possible, or Phalahar (fruits and milk) fast.
• Spend the day in bhajans, kirtans, and prayers.
• Refrain from negative speech, anger, or indulgence.
• At night, stay awake in Jagaran, singing devotional songs and remembering Lord Vishnu.

3. Dwadashi (Breaking the Fast)

• Break the fast after sunrise, after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• Feed Brahmins or poor devotees.
• Donate food, fruits, or clothes to those in need.

📜 Scriptural Reference

In the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna:

“He who observes Saphala Ekadashi with devotion obtains success in all undertakings. All sins are destroyed, and the devotee attains the highest abode — Vaikuntha.”

🌺 Spiritual Meaning

Saphala Ekadashi teaches that true success is not found in wealth or power but in devotion, righteousness, and humility. Even a sinner like Lumpaka can be purified and blessed when he turns toward Lord Vishnu with faith and sincerity.

The Ekadashi inspires us to awaken the divine within, to let go of arrogance, and to live a life of gratitude and purity.

✨ Essence of Saphala Ekadashi

Leads to moksha (liberation) and freedom from sins

Symbol of success, forgiveness, and renewal

Brings prosperity and peace through devotion to Lord Vishnu

A day to transform one’s heart and seek divine grace

🌙 Putrada Ekadashi – Shukla Paksha (Pausha Month)

Putrada Ekadashi — also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi or Pausa Putrada Ekadashi — occurs during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in the month of Pausha (December–January).
The word “Putrada” literally means “giver of sons” or “bestower of progeny.” It is believed that observing this Ekadashi with faith brings blessings for children, family happiness, and continuity of lineage.

However, the deeper spiritual meaning of Putrada is the bestowal of divine virtues and spiritual heirs — meaning that Lord Vishnu blesses devotees with the spiritual strength and wisdom to lead a righteous life and pass dharma (virtue) to the next generation.

🕉️ Spiritual & Mythological Significance

The story of Putrada Ekadashi is narrated in the Bhavishya Purana.
Once upon a time, there was a pious king named Suketuman who ruled the kingdom of Bhadravati. Despite his wealth and devotion, he was deeply saddened because he had no children. His queen Shaibya too shared his sorrow, as they feared their dynasty would end without an heir.

One day, tormented by grief, the king left his palace and wandered into the forest. After some time, he reached the ashram of several wise sages, who were performing penance on the banks of Manasarovar Lake.

Seeing the king’s despair, the sages inquired about his suffering. When he revealed his sorrow of being childless, the sages compassionately told him that it was Putrada Ekadashi, a most auspicious day dear to Lord Vishnu. They instructed him to observe a strict fast, worship Lord Vishnu with devotion, and pray for a worthy child.

The king and queen observed the fast as advised. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared in the king’s dream and blessed him, saying:

“Because you have observed Putrada Ekadashi with pure faith, you shall be blessed with a virtuous son who will continue your lineage and bring glory to your name.”

In due course, a radiant son was born to them — intelligent, righteous, and devoted. Thus, this Ekadashi came to be known as Putrada Ekadashi, the one that fulfills the heartfelt prayers of parents.

🌼 Importance of Putrada Ekadashi

• Blessing for Progeny: Devotees pray for a righteous and healthy child.
• Family Harmony: Promotes peace, love, and understanding within the household.
• Spiritual Inheritance: Bestows divine virtues and ensures continuation of righteous traditions.
• Purification of Sins: Fasting on this day purifies mind, body, and soul.
• Attainment of Moksha: Those who observe it with devotion ultimately attain Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu).

🪔 Rituals and Observances

1. Dashami (Day Before Ekadashi)

• Eat a light sattvik meal before sunset.
• Avoid rice, lentils, garlic, onions, and heavy foods.
• Maintain calmness, devotion, and self-restraint.

2. Ekadashi Day (Main Fast)

• Wake up before sunrise, take a purifying bath, and wear clean clothes.
• Decorate the altar with flowers and Tulsi leaves.
• Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, especially in His Janardana form.
• Offer incense, lamps, fruits, and sacred water.
• Chant mantras such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Observe Nirjala (without water) or Phalahar (fruits and milk) fast depending on capacity.
• Spend the day in devotional activities, bhajans, and meditation.
• Avoid anger, falsehood, and indulgence.
• At night, stay awake in Jagaran, singing Lord Vishnu’s praises.

3. Dwadashi (Breaking the Fast)

• Break the fast after sunrise the next morning.
• Offer food and charity to Brahmins or needy devotees.
• Pray for the welfare of family and ancestors.

📜 Scriptural Reference

In the Bhavishya Purana, Lord Krishna tells King Yudhishthira:

“He who observes Putrada Ekadashi with devotion is freed from all sins. By My grace, he obtains a virtuous child, happiness, and ultimately attains My eternal abode.”

🌺 Spiritual Meaning

Though this Ekadashi is often associated with the desire for children, its deeper essence lies in the birth of divine wisdom within the devotee.
Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe, grants spiritual progeny — pure thoughts, selfless deeds, and inner strength that carry forward the light of Dharma.

Putrada Ekadashi reminds us that the greatest inheritance we can give is not material wealth, but spiritual knowledge and devotion.

✨ Essence of Putrada Ekadashi

Leads to purification and liberation through Lord Vishnu’s grace

Symbol of fertility, blessings, and spiritual renewal

Ensures continuity of dharma and righteous legacy

Bestows peace, happiness, and family prosperity