Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratam: Five day Vishnu Puja in Karthika Month

Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratam is a five-day vratham observed in Karthika Krishna Paksham in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In 2012, Paitha Mahakruchcha vratham begins on December 5 and ends on December 9.

Usually, this vrata starts on Kartika Krishna Saptami and ends on Kartika Krishna Ekadashi (Utpanna Ekadasi / Utpatti Ekadasi).

During the vrata, Lord Vishnu is worshipped and on each day a type of food is consumed by devotees. The legend or vratha katha of Paitha Mahakricha vrata is mentioned in the prominent Hindu scripture of vrathas known as “Chaturvarga Chintamani”.

Here are the details of food to take on each day during Paitha Mahakracha vrata:

Kartik Krishna Saptami – December 5, 2012 – Water

Kartik Krishna Astami – December 6, 2012 – milk

Kartik Krishna Navami – December 7, 2012 – curd

Kartik Krishna Dashami – December 8, 2012 – ghee

On Kartik Krishna Ekadashi (Utpatti Ekadashi or Utpanna Ekadasi) the upavasam is broken with performing Vishnu puja.

Written by Naveen Kumar Sanagala