Jitiya Vrat: A Mother's Devotion for Her Child's Well-being

Jivitputrika Vrat, commonly referred to as Jitiya Vrat, is a solemn fast held by mothers for the health of their children.
Mothers observe Jitiya Vrat to ensure their children's long life, safety, good health, and happiness. It is also called the Jivitputrika Vrat. This vrat is mostly observed in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Jitiya Vrat is observed on Ashtami (the eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the Ashwin month. On this day, mothers fast without water and honour the Gandharva ruler Jimutvahana.

Table of Contents

1. Jitiya Vrat Date and time
2. Jitiya 2024 Muhurat
3. Jitiya 2024 Parana time
4. The importance of Jitiya Vrat
5. Historical Background
6. Rituals for Jivitputrika Vrat
A. Pre- Vrat preparations
B. Nirjala fasting and its rules
7. Pooja Vidhi and Offerings
8. The Importance of Fasting for Jivitputrika Vrat
9. Legendary stories and beliefs 

Jitiya Vrat Date and Time

According to the Vedic calendar, this year's Jitiya Vrat will take place on Tuesday, September 25. The Ashtami Tithi (date) of the Krishna Paksha in the Ashwin month begins on September 24 at 11:34 PM and will finish on September 25 at 12:10 p.m. According to the Udaya Tithi (the date when the tithi is visible), Jitiya Vrat will be performed on Wednesday, September 25. 

Jitiya 2024 Muhurat

Women who are fasting on Jitiya Vrat should complete their regular rituals and bathe between 4:36 AM and 5:23 AM during Brahma Muhurta. Sunrise is at 6:11 a.m., therefore do the Jitiya Vrat puja after that. The Labh-Udyati Muhurat (auspicious hour for growth and progress) will occur between 6:11 AM and 7:41 AM. The Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurat (most auspicious period) will be from 7:41 AM to 9:12 AM. Women may have fruits, sweets, tea, and water before daybreak on the day of the vrat. After that, they have to observe a Nirjala Vrat until the next sunrise. 

Jitiya 2024 Parana Time.

For Parana (breaking the fast), mothers can do puja, recitation, and donation after daybreak on Thursday, September 26. The sunrise on this day is at 6:12 a.m. If you have any health concerns, talk to a priest about other possibilities. 

The importance of Jitiya Vrat

The legendary account of the Jivitputrika Vrat states that it is done for the protection, good health, and happiness of one's offspring. In current times, mothers practise this vrat with dedication, following all of the laws and restrictions.

Historical Background

The Jivitputrika Vrat is a long-standing Hindu custom, with evidence of its observance extending back decades. It is a day dedicated to children's health and longevity, during which mothers fast with dedication and optimism. The vrat has been painstakingly observed year after year, with each generation passing on the customs and essence of this holy day. While the actual origins of Jivitputrika Vrat are lost in time, its significance has endured, embodying the everlasting virtues of parental love and sacrifice.

Rituals for Jivitputrika Vrat

Pre-Vrat preparations

Personal purification is the first step in the Jivitputrika Vrat preparation process. Devotees begin the day with a bath and properly clean the Pooja area to ensure a sacred environment for worship. Some people conduct a fast on Dasami, the day before the Vrat, to spiritually prepare for the upcoming observance. A ritualistic setup is formed by spreading rice over a specific area and placing an earthen pot, or Kalash, on top of it. This pot is covered with a red cloth, which represents heavenly energy, and an icon of Lord Vishnu sits atop the Kalash.
The preparations end up with a dedication to a strict fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is accompanied by continuous recitation of the Vishnu mantra. This act of devotion is said to cleanse one of sin and accumulated karma. 

Nirjala Fasting and its Rules

Jivitputrika Vrat is a day when mothers fast for their children's health by refraining from both food and water from dawn to sunrise. This fast is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami, which falls in the month of Ashwin on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Pooja Vidhi & Offerings

Purnima Puja Vidhi is a set of rites conducted on the full moon day, which is regarded particularly auspicious in Hindu culture. This ritual is intended to evoke heavenly favours and is distinguished by painstaking preparation, god invocation, and a series of sacrifices and prayers that conclude in meditation. The procedure is designed to promote spiritual growth and ensure the well-being of individuals and their families. To perform the Pooja Vidhi, one must first cleanse himself with a bath and clean the chosen space. A Kalash, or clay pot, is put on a bed of rice and covered with a crimson cloth, with Lord Vishnu's statue above it. Devotees participate in a rigorous fast, which typically begins from the previous day, and sing the Vishnu Mantra all day. This act of devotion is said to cleanse one of sin and negative karma. Sacred books such as the "Bhagavad Gita" and "Vishnu Sahasranamam" are also read at this time. 

The Importance of Fasting for Jivitputrika Vrat

Spiritual Benefits for Children's Wellbeing - Jivitputrika Vrat is strongly founded in a desire to ensure the well-being of one's offspring. Devotees believe that by fasting, they can conjure heavenly benefits for their children's health, longevity, and wealth. The fast demonstrates a parent's unwavering love and willingness to make sacrifices for their child's future.
Encourages a spiritual connection between parent and kid.
Instills values like discipline and self-control in the observer, which are subsequently passed down to the children.
Creates a sacred and peaceful atmosphere in the home, which has a good influence on the child's surroundings.

Legendary Stories and Beliefs

The legendary stories surrounding Jivitputrika Vrat are firmly embedded in Hindu texts and customs. One such story tells the devotion of a mother who performed the Vrat to protect her children, demonstrating the vrat’s ability to save children's lives. Another story tells of King Harishchandra, who experienced numerous trials and sufferings, but his constancy and honesty eventually led to divine intervention and the restoration of his realm and family.These legends not only give a spiritual background, but also teach moral teachings about the value of truth, sacrifice, and parental love. The Vrat is thus viewed as a way for parents to convey their unconditional love and concern for their children's well-being.