Jivitputrika Vrat Katha: Story of King Jimutavahana, Garuda and Shankhachuda Naga

Jivitputrika Vrat Katha: Story of King Jimutavahana, Garuda and Shankhachuda Naga (image: canva)

Jivitputrika Vrat, also known as Jitiya Vrat, is a sacred Hindu fast observed by mothers for the long life, well-being, and prosperity of their children. The significance of this vrat is deeply connected with the story of King Jimutavahana, the Pakshiraja Garuda, and the Shankhachuda Naga, as described in the Bhavishya Purana and Skanda Purana. This vrat katha teaches lessons of sacrifice, compassion, and divine protection.

Jivitputrika Vrat Katha

Once, King Jimutavahana was roaming near the seashore forest with his brother-in-law Mitravasa. There, he saw a young man being led to a sacrificial rock, followed by his weeping mother. Jimutavahana, moved by compassion, asked the young man about his sorrow.

The youth revealed that his name was Shankhachuda, a Naga, who had been chosen as food for Garuda, the mighty bird and enemy of snakes. As per an agreement made between Garuda and the serpent king Vasuki, one snake was sent daily for Garuda’s meal to save the serpent race from total destruction. That day, it was Shankhachuda’s turn.

The Story of Garuda and the Nagas

The youth narrated the ancient tale of Kadru and Vinata, the wives of Sage Kashyapa. A dispute arose between them over the color of the Sun God’s horses. Kadru, with the help of her serpent sons, deceived Vinata and made her a slave. To free his mother, Garuda agreed to bring Amrit (nectar of immortality) from the ocean for the Nagas.

With his unmatched strength, Garuda brought Amrit but tricked the Nagas by placing it on kusa grass, allowing Indra to steal it back. In licking the kusa, the Nagas’ tongues split into two. From then, Garuda received the boon to make snakes his food, leading to constant enmity between Garuda and the serpent race.

Hearing Shankhachuda’s plight, King Jimutavahana was deeply moved. He condemned Vasuki for sacrificing his own subjects and decided to sacrifice his own life instead. He took Shankhachuda’s place on the sacrificial rock.

When Garuda arrived, he carried Jimutavahana away and began devouring him. However, Jimutavahana remained calm and even encouraged Garuda to complete his meal. Astonished by his courage and selflessness, Garuda realized he had before him not a snake but a noble human king offering himself for another’s life.

At that moment, Shankhachuda arrived, crying out to stop the sacrifice, and revealed the truth. Realizing his grave mistake, Garuda was filled with remorse. On Jimutavahana’s advice, he renounced eating snakes and prayed for forgiveness.

Moved by Jimutavahana’s sacrifice, Goddess Parvati (Mata Gauri) appeared and sprinkled Amrit, healing his wounds and restoring his body with divine radiance. She also revived the snakes previously eaten by Garuda, granting them freedom from fear.

Thus, King Jimutavahana’s compassion saved the serpent race, and his glory spread across the three worlds.

Significance of Jivitputrika Vrat

The Jivitputrika Vrat Katha emphasizes the values of sacrifice, compassion, and maternal devotion. Mothers observe this vrat with faith, seeking the blessings of long life, health, and prosperity for their children. The story of King Jimutavahana remains central to the observance, inspiring devotees to uphold values of selflessness and dharma.