Introduction Jivitputrika (Jitiya) is a difficult Nirjala (waterless) fast observed by mothers in Bihar, UP, and Nepal for their children’s safety.

The Story (Vrat Katha) There lived a female Eagle (Cheel) and a female Fox (Siyar) near the Narmada river. They were friends. Seeing some women perform the Jitiya Vrat, they decided to fast too.

That night, the Fox became very hungry. She couldn’t control herself and secretly ate food, breaking her fast. The Eagle, however, remained steadfast and completed the fast without water.

In their next birth, both were born as human sisters. The Eagle-sister (now a Queen) had many healthy sons. The Fox-sister (now a minister’s wife) also had sons, but they all died in infancy.

Jealous, the Fox-sister tried to curse the Queen’s sons, but due to the merit of the Jitiya Vrat from the previous life, the Queen’s children remained safe. Eventually, the Queen reminded her sister of their past life as animals and the broken fast. The sister repented and started observing the Vrat correctly.

Conclusion This story emphasizes that a mother’s disciplined fasting acts as a shield for her children’s life.