Putrada Ekadasi: Tithi, Significance, Vrat and Rituals
There are very few occasions as auspicious as Ekadasi in Hinduism and Putrad Ekadasi is one of the most significant ones, dedicated to Narayan, or Shri Hari Vishnu. Observed on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waxing moon, Putrada Ekadasi is celebrated twice a year, one, which falls in the Hindu calendar month of Shravan (July or August, according to the English calendar), and the other one is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Pausha (December or January, according to the English calendar). Putrada Ekadasi observed in the month of Shravan (Sawan) is called Shravan Shukla Pautrada Ekadashi and the one observed in Paush (Poush) is known as Paush Shukla Putrada Ekadashi.
The Putrada Ekadasi is usually performed by a childless couple hoping to have a child, especially a male. However, observing Ekadasi Vrat also helps people get rid of sins and attain salvation (Moksha).
Shravan Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi or Pavitra Ekadashi, especially among the Vaishnava community.
Putrada Ekadasi Vrat Katha
Recitation of Ekadashi Vrat Katha is an important part of the day as the Vrat concludes only after the recitation or listening to the Ekadashi Katha. In the Bhavishya Purana, the story is mentioned as a narration by Lord Krishna to Dharmraj Yudhishthira. It is as follows:
A king by the name of Suketu ruled the city of Bhadravatipuri in ancient times.
There was a big celebration of the king’s marriage. But even after several years of marriage, he was still childless. The king and queen frequently worried about who would perform their last rites once they passed away and who would do their ancestors’ Tarpan. The king used to contemplate this throughout the day. Then, one day, the worried king mounted his horse and headed into the forest. He finally made it to the centre of the dense jungle after some time. After a lengthy journey, he walked close to the pond to quench his thirst. He caught a glimpse of a sage-populated ashram.
The king drank some water before heading to the ashram, where he witnessed Rishis reciting the Vedas. The sages informed the king that today was Putrada Ekadashi when he inquired as to the reason for reciting the Vedas. A son is a blessing for anyone who fasts and worships Lord Vishnu on this day. When the king learned this, he was ecstatic and vowed to observe the Putrada Ekadashi fast simultaneously. The king observed a fast and paid homage to Gopal, a child form of Vishnu, on Putrada Ekadashi. After that, on the day of Dwadashi, the queen gave birth to a boy. The pair then started observing the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat after that.
Putrada Ekadasi Tithi
- Shravana Putrada Ekadashi on Sunday, August 27, 2023
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 12:08 AM on Aug 27, 2023
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 09:32 PM on Aug 27, 2023
- On 28th Aug, Parana Time – 05:18 AM to 07:50 AM
- On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – 06:22 PM
NOTE: This tithi may change as per the pachanga you follow, and also depends on your location. So, make sure, you consult your local pujari or pandit for exact timing to observe Putrada Ekadasi!
Significance of Putrada Ekadasi
It is said that on the day of this Ekadasi, the path to heaven opens. When a devotee fasts on this particular day, it is considered equivalent to doing penance for 1,000 years. By performing fasts or Vrat on this Ekadasi regularly, devotees can get rid of a restless mind and gain wealth. Besides, one gains health benefits, such as getting rid of mental problems.
The problems related to children can also end. They are protected and receive a longer life. Observing this Vrat is considered equal to performing a bath in the Ganges. It offers one divine salvation, and the sins of past karmas are written off.
Most importantly, it fulfils devotees’ desires to be blessed with a child. In case you are facing a childbirth issue and want to know more about that, you can talk to our astrologers.
Rituals To Be Observed on Putrada Ekadasi
- Wake up early, take a bath, and light a ghee lamp in front of the idol or picture of Shri Hari Vishu at your place.
- You can also meditate in front of the deity.
- While worshipping, include Tulsi flowers and holy Ganga Jal.
- If you have health issues, you can consume fruits in the evening.
- Perform the recitation of Vishnu Purana.
- Recite Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Mantra, Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram, or Vishnu Ashtottaram during puja.
- The next day, donate food to the needy as Dakshina.
Note: Perform Shravana Putrada Ekadashi fast Parana on the very next day of Ekadashi after sunrise. It is mandatory to perform the Parana within the duration of Dwadashi Tithi. Doing so afterwards can cause ill effects.
Things One Should Refrain from Doing on Putrada Ekadasi
- Do not consume gram, greens, paan, or lentils on Dashami night.
- Do not perform any sort of bad deed, such as telling a lie or any other tamasic karma. Your mind and intentions should be pure.
- Any tamasic activity, such as consuming meat and alcohol or engaging in gambling, is strictly prohibited.
Putrada Ekadasi is one of the most sacred Vrats. Besides Shravan Putrada Ekadasi, there are 23 Ekadashi Vrats that fall on Shukla and Krishna Paksha in a year. All of these are significant. To know more about them, you can always chat with our astrologers. They can help you gain insight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do individuals break their fast-following Putrada Ekadasi?
A: The time to break the fast is the very next day morning after sunrise on the Dwadashi (12th day of Shravan Shukla Paksha). People should drink water to break their fast before having a straightforward meal. You can talk to a professional astrologer or pandit to gain more information on this.
Q: Do you recite any particular prayers or mantras on Putrada Ekadasi?
A: Devotees frequently recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Bhagwan Vishnu), the Vishnu Stotras, and other prayers devoted to Shri Vishnu. These help one get the blessings of God.
