Today marks the sacred observance of Putrada Ekadashi. In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle, both from Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon).
The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and for Hindus, it is also a day of fasting, as it is considered highly auspicious for receiving his blessings and those of his consort, Goddess Lakshmi.
According to the Vedic calendar, the Ekadashi that occurs during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan (Sawan) is known as Putrada Ekadashi.
Each Ekadashi has its own significance. It is believed that observing Putrada Ekadashi brings prosperity and a long life to one’s children. Furthermore, it is said that observing this fast can bless childless couples with offspring.
Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
According to Drik Panchang, the following Vrat Katha is associated with Putrada Ekadashi.
At the beginning of the Dvapara Yuga, there was a city called Mahishmati, ruled by a king named Mahajita. Despite the wealth and splendour of his kingdom, the king was deeply unhappy, as he had no children. He believed that without a son, true happiness was unattainable in both this world and the next.
King Mahajita made many attempts to have a child, but all of them failed. As he grew older, his concern and sorrow deepened.
One day, he addressed his court: “I have not committed any sins. I have never taken wealth unjustly from my people, nor have I caused them any harm. I have always honoured the Gods and Brahmins.
I treat my subjects as if they were my own children. I have never been jealous and have always acted fairly. The laws in my kingdom are not made to create fear, but to ensure justice.
Despite all of this, I suffer. I do not understand why. I ask you all to help me find the cause of my suffering. Will I ever be free of this pain in this lifetime?”
Wishing to help the king, his ministers went to the forest in search of guidance from a sage. There, they were fortunate enough to meet the great and pious Maharishi Lomasha. They bowed respectfully and expressed their gratitude:
“O revered one, we are truly blessed to be in your presence.”
Sage Lomasha replied: “Honourable minister, I am pleased by your humility and conduct. Please tell me the reason for your visit. I will do my best to help, for our bodies are meant to perform good deeds.”
The minister responded: “O Rishivara, you are more capable than Brahma himself in understanding our troubles. King Mahajita of Mahishmati is virtuous and dearly loved by his people. He treats his subjects like his own children, yet he remains childless. This causes him great sorrow, which we, his people, also feel.
It is our duty to share in our king’s happiness and sorrow. We do not know the cause of his childlessness, which is why we have come to you. Now that we have found you, we believe our suffering will end. Please tell us what can be done so our king may have a son. This would be a great kindness to us all.”
Hearing their sincere plea, Sage Lomasha closed his eyes and meditated on the king’s past lives. After some time, he said: “O noble ones, in a past life your king was proud and committed sinful acts. He wandered from village to village. Once, on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, he had gone without food for two days. At noon, he came to a reservoir to drink water. There, a cow that had just given birth was also drinking. He drove the thirsty cow away so he could drink first.
That is the reason the king now suffers.
The merit from observing Ekadashi in his previous life earned him a royal birth in this one. However, the sin of turning away the thirsty cow caused his present childlessness.”
The courtiers were troubled and asked: “O revered sage, the scriptures say that good deeds can wash away past sins. Please show us a way to absolve the king of his past misdeeds so he may be blessed with a child.”
Sage Lomasha replied: “If all of you observe the Putrada Ekadashi fast during the Shukla Paksha of the month of Shravan, stay awake throughout the night, and dedicate the merit of this fast to your king, then he will be blessed with a son. His suffering will be removed as a result.”
The ministers thanked the sage with full hearts and returned to their kingdom with his blessings. They observed the fast of Putrada Ekadashi as instructed and, on the following day of Dwadashi, dedicated the merit of their penance to the king. As a result, the queen conceived and, after nine months, gave birth to a brilliant son.
This is why the Ekadashi is called Putrada Ekadashi, which means “giver of sons.”
Putrada Ekadashi 2025: Auspicious Timings
Brahma Muhurat: 4:02 AM to 4:42 AM
Vijay Muhurat: 2:39 PM to 3:35 PM
Godhuli Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 7:36 PM
Nishita Muhurat: Midnight to 12:40 AM