Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comJivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)
Jivitputrika Vrat, also called Jitiya, is the rigorous waterless fast observed by mothers on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami, for the long life and wellbeing of their children.
This vow falls during Pitru Paksha itself, and is observed especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Mithila region of Nepal. The Ashtami-Navami reckoning can shift by a day depending on the regional panchang, so check a local panchang.
Significance of Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)
The name Jivitputrika Vrat is linked to King Jimutavahan, an exceptionally compassionate and self-sacrificing king. According to legend, to end the cruel practice of Garuda devouring serpents (Nagas) as food, he vowed to offer his own life, and presented himself before Garuda in place of a young serpent, to save it.
Moved by Jimutavahan's sacrifice and compassion, Garuda gave up the practice of devouring serpents forever, and granted Jimutavahan his life back. In remembrance of this event, mothers observe this vow wishing for their children's long life and wellbeing, and listen to the legend of King Jimutavahan.
This vow is observed with immense devotion and dedication in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Mithila region of Nepal, and is counted, alongside Karva Chauth and Ahoi Ashtami, among the most rigorous vows for children's wellbeing.
How Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya) Is Celebrated
This vow is completed over three days. The first day is 'Nahay-Khay', when mothers bathe and eat a simple satvik meal. On the second day, Ashtami tithi, a complete waterless fast is observed, through the entire day and night, without taking any water or food.
On the day of the fast, mothers worship King Jimutavahan and Jitiya Mata, listen to the legend, and in some places, the episode of Jimutavahan, Garuda, and the serpent is also depicted. On the third day, the fast is broken after bathing in the morning.
This vow is regarded as especially rigorous, so elderly, pregnant, unwell, or very young women are traditionally granted an exemption, or they complete the vow's intent with only a fruit-based fast instead.
Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya) Puja Vidhi
On the first day, bathe as Nahay-Khay and eat a satvik meal. On the second day, Ashtami, observe a complete waterless fast, and worship King Jimutavahan and Jitiya Mata while listening to the legend. On the third day, bathe in the morning and break the fast. Unwell, elderly, or pregnant women may observe a fruit-based fast instead.
About Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)
Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya) is the vow observed by mothers on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami for their children's wellbeing. This page covers the vow's significance, the legend of King Jimutavahan, and the three-day ritual.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya) observed?
This vow is observed every year on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami, and falls during Pitru Paksha itself.
Why is Jitiya observed over three days?
The first day is Nahay-Khay, the second day is the complete waterless fast, and the third day is Paran, this sequence is part of the tradition of preparing the body for the rigorous fast and breaking it safely.
Who was King Jimutavahan?
King Jimutavahan was an exceptionally compassionate king, who offered himself in place of a young serpent to end the practice of Garuda devouring serpents, and moved by his sacrifice, Garuda gave up this practice.
Where is Jitiya most widely observed?
This vow is observed with the greatest devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Mithila region of Nepal.