Jivitputrika Fast Story

The tale revolves around the festival "Jivitputrika," which is dedicated to the well-being of children. The story focuses on a vulture and a jackaless living near the Narmada River. They were close friends and decided to observe a fasting ritual after seeing women perform the "Jitiya Fast." However, during the fast, the jackaless broke her vow due to hunger and ate the flesh of a deceased trader, while the vulture remained disciplined. As a result of their deeds, the vulture was reborn as a virtuous woman named Sheelavati, blessed with seven sons, while the jackaless, reborn as Kapuravati, faced sorrow as her children died at birth. Later, driven by jealousy, Kapuravati convinced her husband, a king, to kill Sheelavati's seven sons. But through the blessings of Lord Jimutvahana, Sheelavati's sons were revived, and the fruits Kapuravati sent as proof of their deaths turned into real fruits. Realizing her mistake, Kapuravati repented and learned about their past lives. After narrating their previous birth story under the same tree they once inhabited, Kapuravati passed away and attained salvation. The story concludes by seeking the blessings of Lord Jimutvahana for the protection of everyone's children. It's a sacred tale reminding us of devotion, repentance, and divine blessings.