Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya)जीवित्पुत्रिका व्रत
Devoted to Jimutavahana, with Surya and the sacred kite-jackal legend · Annually on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami (September-October), primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern UP, and Nepal
Significance
Jivitputrika Vrat, popularly called Jitiya, is one of the most rigorous fasts observed by mothers for the long life, health, and prosperity of their children. Spanning three days with a central nirjala day, it commemorates the selfless sacrifice of Prince Jimutavahana of the Gandharva lineage. The vrat is considered second in austerity only to Chhath Puja in the Mithila and Bhojpuri regions.
Who Observes
Married mothers, primarily from Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Nepal Terai, and the Mithilanchal region, who undertake the vrat for the welfare of their sons and daughters.
Fasting Rules (Upvas Niyam)
- •Day one Nahay-Khay involves bathing and eating a single sattvic meal
- •Day two Khur-Jitiya begins strict nirjala fast from pre-dawn for 24+ hours
- •No water, no food, no fruit accepted during the central fasting day
- •Avoid speaking harshly, sleeping during day, or touching impure objects
- •Day three Parana begins after sunrise with prescribed traditional foods
- •Mothers traditionally consume noni saag, marua roti, and rice on parana day
Rituals (Puja Vidhi)
- Create a small ritual pond or use a tulsi platform for puja setup
- Install a clay or kusha-grass idol of Jimutavahana with red cloth
- Place figures of a chil (kite) and siyarin (jackal) made of cow dung beside him
- Listen to the Jitiya katha narrating Jimutavahana sacrifice and Garuda boon
- Offer flowers, sindoor, rice, and lamps while chanting his name
- Touch childrens heads with blessed water and tie sacred thread on their wrists
Prasad
Noni saag (jute leaves), marua (ragi) roti, rice, jhor, and seasonal fruits
Benefits (Phal)
The vrat is believed to grant children long life, robust health, intelligence, success, and protection from untimely death and disease. It removes graha doshas affecting offspring, brings prosperity to the lineage, strengthens the mother-child bond across lifetimes, and accumulates immense punya for the family. Mothers who observe it with full devotion are promised that their children will outlive them, never face premature loss, and flourish in every sphere of life.
Primary Mantra
Vrat Katha (Story Origin)
Prince Jimutavahana, a compassionate Gandharva ruler, encountered a grieving Naga mother whose son was the days appointed sacrifice to Garuda, the king of birds. Moved beyond measure, Jimutavahana wrapped himself in the red cloth meant for the Naga youth and offered his own body to Garuda. When Garuda discovered the deception and learned of his selflessness, he was so transformed that he renounced his daily feeding on serpents forever. Pleased, the gods granted Jimutavahana the boon that any mother fasting in his name on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami would have her children blessed with long life and prosperity eternally.
Book a pandit for Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya) udyapan or katha
Concluding ceremony, havan, or full katha recitation at your home or remotely with video proof.