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जितिया व्रत कथा

Jitiya (Jivitputrika) Vrat Katha

Introduction Jivitputrika (Jitiya) is a difficult Nirjala (waterless) fast observed by mothers in Bihar, UP, and Nepal for their children’s safety.

5 min readvrat kathaAdiDevam guide

Introduction Jivitputrika (Jitiya) is a difficult Nirjala (waterless) fast observed by mothers in Bihar, UP, and Nepal for their children’s safety.

Introduction Jivitputrika (Jitiya) is a difficult Nirjala (waterless) fast observed by mothers in Bihar, UP, and Nepal for their children’s safety.

The Story (Vrat Katha) There lived a female Eagle (Cheel) and a female Fox (Siyar) near the Narmada river. They were friends. Seeing some women perform the Jitiya Vrat, they decided to fast too.

That night, the Fox became very hungry. She couldn’t control herself and secretly ate food, breaking her fast. The Eagle, however, remained steadfast and completed the fast without water.

In their next birth, both were born as human sisters. The Eagle-sister (now a Queen) had many healthy sons. The Fox-sister (now a minister’s wife) also had sons, but they all died in infancy.

Jealous, the Fox-sister tried to curse the Queen’s sons, but due to the merit of the Jitiya Vrat from the previous life, the Queen’s children remained safe. Eventually, the Queen reminded her sister of their past life as animals and the broken fast. The sister repented and started observing the Vrat correctly.

Conclusion This story emphasizes that a mother’s disciplined fasting acts as a shield for her children’s life.

Quick guide

Before you begin
CategoryVrat Katha
Deity / focusJivitputrika / Jimutavahana tradition
Use caseChildren’s long life, protection, and motherly devotion
Best timeJitiya / Jivitputrika vrat day
Main practiceObserve vrat, listen to Jitiya katha, and pray for children
LanguageHindi/Sanskrit devotional text with English guidance

Puja Vidhi

How to perform this puja
1
Sankalp

Take a vow and state your prayer intention.

2
Tulsi Arpan

Begin by offering Tulsi leaves — Vishnu is extremely pleased by Tulsi.

3
Panchamrit Abhishek

Bathe the idol or Shaligram with Panchamrit.

4
Yellow Cloth

Dress the idol in yellow cloth.

5
Katha Path

Read or listen to the complete vrat katha.

6
Vishnu Sahasranaam

Chant 108 names or the full Sahasranaam if possible.

7
Aarti

Perform Om Jai Jagdish Hare aarti and distribute prasad.

Samagri

Items for the vrat
Tulsi leaves
Yellow flowers
Yellow cloth
Yellow sweets (besan laddoo)
Sandalwood paste
Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
Incense sticks
Ghee lamp

Mantra

Vishnu mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Chant before katha or aarti while praying for protection, dharma, and peace.

Bhav

Benefits devotees pray for
Prayer for children’s health, safety, and long life
Emotional strength and steadiness for parents and family elders
Blessings for motherly protection and household wellbeing
Support for disciplined fasting and evening katha rituals
Gratitude for family bonds across generations

Care

Mistakes to avoid
Do not eat rice on Ekadashi — it is forbidden
Avoid eating after sunset on vrat days (if possible)
Do not eat onion, garlic, or meat during the fast
Do not break the fast without distributing prasad
Avoid sleeping during the day on Ekadashi

FAQ

Common questions
What is the significance of Ekadashi fasting?

Ekadashi is the most powerful day to please Vishnu. Fasting on this day is believed to remove sins accumulated over many lifetimes.

Can I drink water during Ekadashi?

Yes, water is allowed. Full Nirjala (waterless) Ekadashi is only for the Nirjala Ekadashi in summer — it's the most powerful but optional.

What food is allowed on Ekadashi?

Fruits, milk, nuts, sendha namak, sabudana, and Panchamrit are allowed. Avoid grains, beans, and certain spices.

Want this puja performed with your sankalp?

Share your name, gotra if known, and prayer intention. Experienced pandits will guide you toward the right seva.

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