Like many fasting festivals of Hinduism, one fast is Jivitputrika Vrat, also known as Jitiya or Jivitiya Vrat. This fast falls every year in the month of Ashwin and is kept in the wish of the long life of the child.
This fast is observed by mothers for three days and worships Lord Jimutavahana. One of the many traditions associated with this fast is the wearing of the Jitiya thread. This fast is considered complete when the fasting mothers hold this thread in their hands after performing the puja.
According to religious beliefs, this thread is considered an armor to protect offspring and is also considered good for the fate of the offspring. There are also some rules for tying this thread in the hand, and its importance is also very high. Let us tell you about the reasons for tying Jitiya thread in Jivitputrika Vrat.
Jitiya thread for the protection of the child
The mothers offer a red colored thread called Jitiya thread in front of Lord Jimutavahana at the time of worship and hold it in the hand after the puja is over. This thread is considered a protective shield for offspring. Along with tying this thread, mothers pray to God for the well-being of their children and wear the thread with the resolve that they will tie it for a certain time.
This thread is also considered a symbol of mother’s love for children. The Skanda Purana describes the story of Lord Jimutavahana and the Nagvansh and also writes how he saved the Nagvansh. For this reason, even today Lord Jimutavahana is worshiped in this fast and this special thread is worn.
Where is the Jitiya thread tied?
Mothers observing the Jivitputrika fast wear this red-yellow thread on the wrist or neck of the hand. A locket is threaded into it and it is held. Every year, a lump is more than the number of its offspring. This thread is red or yellow in color as it is considered a symbol of the prosperity of the house.
How long is it necessary to tie the Jitiya thread?
This thread must be tied for at least one day i.e. 24 hours after worship. You can also tie it for more than a day. Many mothers keep this thread tied for even a year.
If you’re unloading this thread, there are some rules for that as well. Like you should not take off this thread on Sunday or Tuesday and do not put it in the trash whenever you take it off. You should reverently float this thread in a river or keep it under a tree.
If you also observe Jitiya fast, then it is necessary to wear Jitiya thread in the neck or wrist for its perfection. It is a symbol of the good wishes of the child and is also considered necessary for the safety of the house.
