The Glories of Pavitropana Ekadashi

Pavitropana Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious days, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the supreme proprietor of all the universes. While every Ekadashi is dear to Lord Vishnu, Pavitropana Ekadashi holds special significance as it marks the beginning of the Jhulan Yatra festival, which continues for an entire month. This sacred day is also known as Shravan Shukla Ekadashi, as it falls during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan, according to the Vedic calendar.

The story of King Mahijita

There is a beautiful story behind Pavitropana Ekadashi, as narrated by Lord Krishna himself to Maharaja Yudhishthira, about a sincere King named Mahijita who ruled during the Dwapar-Yuga in Mahismati-puri. The king was deeply loved by his people due to his spotless character. He treated his subjects like family, followed the path of righteousness, refrained from all forms of sin, and never sought wealth through dishonest means. Furthermore, he punished wrongdoers and generously rewarded those who lived virtuously. But he had no child to succeed him. This troubled both the king and his people.

Out of love and concern for their king, the brahmana advisers in the royal assembly resolved to seek a solution by consulting wise sages. After approaching many, they eventually met the great and austere sage Lomasa Rishi, renowned for his ability to perceive the past, present, and future. They offered him respectful obeisances and humbly explained the king’s situation in detail. Upon hearing their plea, Lomasa Rishi entered a deep meditative state and immediately understood the events from the king’s previous life.

Sage Lomasa’s Guidance

Rishi said “In his past life, your king was a merchant who travelled across many villages for trade. One day, while he was thus travelling for his business, he felt very thirsty and came across a pond. As he was about to drink, a cow and her newborn calf also arrived, both feeling extremely thirsty. Instead of waiting, the merchant rudely pushed them aside and drank first. This act of disrespect toward the cow and her newborn calf is the reason the king has no children now. However, the good deeds he performed in that life have allowed him to rule over a peaceful and prosperous kingdom.”

The brahmana advisers humbly asked Lomasa Rishi how to overcome such an unfortunate situation. In response, the sage advised that both the king and his subjects should observe a fast on Shravan Shukla Ekadashi, with full dedication and devotion to Lord Vishnu. He explained the proper procedure for observing the fast and instructed them to offer the spiritual merit gained from it to the king.

With hope in their hearts, the brahmanas returned and shared the sage’s guidance with the king. Upon hearing it, the king was overjoyed and followed the instructions with great faith and respect. The subjects also observed the fast, and as instructed, everyone offered the merits to their king. By the mercy of Lord Vishnu, the king was soon blessed with a beautiful son. This is why the Ekadashi is also known as Shravan Putrada Ekadashi.

Observance of Pavitropana Ekadashi

The scriptures reveal that sincere observance of Pavitropana Ekadashi, with a devotional attitude is as good as performing great sacrifices and visiting pilgrimage sites. This fast also offers purification from past sins. The observance includes avoiding grains, legumes and pulses, chanting additional rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra, reading scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, offering prayers to the Lord for advancement on the spiritual path, and visiting a temple of Lord Krishna or serving the deities of the Lord. By engaging in these devotional activities, one prioritizes spiritual life, which is very pleasing to the Lord. One may also offer charity or perform various other services in the name of Lord Vishnu.

The Pavitra Thread Offering

A unique feature of this Ekadashi is the offering of sanctified threads and garlands to Lord Krishna. These sacred threads are called 'Pavitra' in Sanskrit, which is why this Ekadashi is known as Pavitra Ekadashi.

A Prayer on Pavitropana Ekadashi

This year this auspicious tithi is falling on 5^th August and the fast is to be broken on the next day that is 6^th August between 06:21 am – 10:35 am. As we observe this fast and offer prayers to the Lord on Pavitra Ekadashi, may He bless our hearts with purity and devotion. Let our thoughts, words, and actions become pleasing to the Lord and our lives be centered around loving and serving Him.