Jivitputrika Vrat is a important fasting day in which mothers observe Nirjala fasting on the whole day and night for welfare, good health, happiness of their children.
Jivitputrika Vrat is observed on Krishna Paksha Ashtami in Ashwin month, as per Hindu lunar calendar. This fasting is mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh states. Jitiya fasting is also popular in Nepal.
Jivitputrika Vrat History:
It is believed that an eagle and a fox(female) lived in a jungle near the Narmada River. The eagle and fox were thick friends. One day, they saw several women performing puja and fasting. They also wanted to observe the Vrat. But Fox could not control his hunger. Therefore, she ate the food. On the other hand, the eagle was fasting with devotion. As a result, children born to Fox died a few days after birth. Meanwhile, the thermal waters of the Eagle have been blessed with a long life.
According to another story, Jimutavahana was a good king of Gandharva. Jimutvanhan gave his kingdom to his brothers and went to the forest to serve his father. He spend time looking after his father. One day he saw an old woman in mourning. When asked, she told him that she belonged to a family of snakes (Nagvanshaki) and that she had only one child. But because of an oath, Garuda is offered every day a snake as food and tomorrow is an opportunity for his son to become his food. Jimutavahana consoled her and promised to protect her son from Garuda. He decides to lie on the rock as food for Garuda. Later, Garuda came and attacked Jimutvahana with his nails. Garuda was surprised when Jimutavahana did not respond. Garuda asked for his identity. Jimutavahan described the whole scene. Garuda was pleased with Jimutvahana’s bravery and benevolence. He promised Jimutavahana to take no sacrifice of snakes. Jimutvahana saved the race of the serpent. Since then, fasting is observed for the well-being of children and a long life.
Jivitputrika Vrat shows the love and affection of mothers towards their childrens. The mother maintains a strict fast, without a drop of water for the prosperity of her children.
