Putrada Ekadashi Shravan | Putrada Ekadashi Shravan – Vrat Katha, Vidhi, and Benefits 2026

Putrada Ekadashi Shravan – Introduction

Putrada Ekadashi Shravan is celebrated on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) of the month of Shravan. In 2026, this Ekadashi will fall on August 23rd. The name 'Putrada' means 'giver of sons'. It is believed that observing the fast of this Ekadashi bestows the boon of progeny. This Ekadashi is considered the best among all Ekadashis as it grants both the happiness of children and salvation.

Among all Ekadashis, Putrada Ekadashi holds a special place. It is considered extremely fruitful and meritorious. Observing this fast not only brings the joy of children but also fulfills all desires and ultimately leads to salvation. Hence, it is called the best Ekadashi.

Vrat Katha of Putrada Ekadashi Shravan

In the beginning of the Dvapara Yuga, there was a city named Mahishmati, ruled by a king named Mahajit. However, due to being childless, the king did not find joy in his kingdom. He believed that for those who have no children, both this world and the next are sorrowful.

The king made many efforts to attain the happiness of a son, but he did not have any children.

Seeing old age approaching, the king summoned the representatives of his subjects and said: "O subjects! My treasury does not contain wealth earned through injustice. I have never seized the wealth of gods or Brahmins. I have not taken anyone else's deposit. I have nurtured the subjects like my own children. I have punished offenders like sons and relatives. I have never hated anyone. I have considered everyone equal. I always worship the virtuous. Despite ruling righteously, I have no son. I am suffering greatly, what could be the reason?"

To ponder over King Mahajit's words, the ministers and representatives of the subjects went to the forest. There they met great sages and ascetics. They kept searching for a highly ascetic sage who could fulfill the king's noble wish.

In an ashram, they saw a very old, knowledgeable in Dharma, greatly ascetic, one whose mind was absorbed in the Supreme Being, one who fasted, had control over his senses, mind, and anger, one who knew the profound truths of eternal Dharma, and a Mahatma Lomash Muni who was an expert in all scriptures, whose one hair would fall only after the completion of a Kalpa (a cosmic cycle).

They all went and bowed to the sage. Seeing them, the sage asked why they had come. He assured them that he would undoubtedly help them. He said, "I was born only to benefit others, do not doubt this."

Hearing Lomash Muni's words, they all said: "O great sage! You are more capable than Brahma in understanding our matters. Therefore, please resolve our doubt. The righteous King Mahajit of Mahishmati Puri nurtures his subjects like his own children. Yet, he is distressed due to being childless."

They further said, "We are his subjects. Therefore, we are also distressed by his sorrow. We have full faith that our crisis will be resolved by your sight, as many troubles are removed merely by the sight of great souls. Now, please kindly tell us the way for the king to have a son."

Hearing this conversation, the sage closed his eyes for a moment and, after knowing the king's past life, said, "This king was a poor Vaishya (merchant) in his past life. Due to his poverty, he committed many bad deeds. He used to travel from one village to another for trade.

Once, on the twelfth day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Jyeshtha, at noon, when he had been hungry and thirsty for two days, he went to a reservoir to drink water. At the same spot, a cow, which had just calved and was thirsty, was drinking water.

The king pushed away the thirsty cow from drinking water and drank himself, which is why the king is suffering this sorrow. Because he remained hungry on Ekadashi, he became king, and because he prevented the thirsty cow from drinking water, he is suffering the sorrow of separation from his son." Hearing this, everyone said, "O sage! The scriptures also mention atonement for sins. Therefore, please suggest a way by which this sin of the king can be destroyed."

Lomash Muni said, "On the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan, which is also called Putrada Ekadashi, all of you should observe the fast and stay awake at night. This will surely destroy the king's past life sin, and the king will definitely be blessed with a son."

Hearing Lomash Muni's words, the entire subjects, along with the ministers, returned to the city. When the Shravan Shukla Ekadashi arrived, as per the sage's instructions, they all observed the Putrada Ekadashi fast and stayed awake at night.

After this, on the twelfth day, the merit of this fast was given to the king. Due to the effect of that merit, the queen conceived, and upon the completion of her term, a very radiant son was born to her.

Therefore, O king! This Shravan Shukla Ekadashi came to be known as Putrada. Hence, those who desire the happiness of children should definitely observe this fast. Listening to its glory frees one from all sins, and after enjoying the happiness of children in this world, one attains heaven in the next.

Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Method)

The fast begins from the night of Dashami (the tenth day). On Dashami, one should eat sattvic (pure) food and observe celibacy. Sleeping on the ground at night is considered best.

On the day of Ekadashi, wake up before sunrise and complete your ablutions. Then, bathe the idol of Lord Vishnu with Panchamrita (a mixture of five nectars) and worship Him with incense, lamps, offerings, etc. Definitely offer Tulsi leaves. Chant the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.

On the day of Dwadashi (the twelfth day), the Ekadashi fast is broken (Parana). The Parana should be done only after the Dwadashi Tithi begins. After worship and rituals, feed Brahmins and offer them Dakshina (monetary gift). Then, break the fast by consuming sattvic food yourself.

What to Eat and What Not to Eat During the Fast

During the Putrada Ekadashi Shravan fast, one can eat fruits, milk, yogurt, ghee, nuts, and dishes made from Kuttu flour, Singada flour, and sago. Salt can be consumed in the form of Sendha Namak (rock salt) during the fast.

Eating rice is forbidden during this fast. Additionally, any kind of lentils, garlic, onions, and non-vegetarian food should not be consumed at all. The reason for forbidding rice is the belief that eating rice on Ekadashi is displeasing to Lord Vishnu and destroys the merit of the fast.

Benefits of Putrada Ekadashi Shravan Vrat

• Absolution of Sins – By the grace of this fast, all kinds of sins of a person are destroyed. According to the Puranas, this fast also grants liberation from great sins like killing a cow.
• Attainment of Moksha – Devotees who observe this fast with devotion attain Vaikuntha Loka (the abode of Lord Vishnu) in the end and achieve Moksha (liberation).
• Worldly Gains – This fast is especially fruitful for obtaining progeny. Additionally, it bestows wealth, grains, happiness, prosperity, and long life.
• Health Benefits – Fasting provides rest to the body's digestive system and eliminates toxins, leading to improvements in physical and mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The spiritual significance of Putrada Ekadashi Shravan is unparalleled. Lord Vishnu blesses his devotees with the happiness of children, prosperity, and ultimately, salvation. This Ekadashi is considered the most powerful among all Ekadashis, fulfilling every desire of those who observe the fast with devotion.

Devotees should observe the Putrada Ekadashi Shravan fast with complete faith and devotion. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, all troubles are removed, and peace and happiness prevail in life. Jai Shri Hari! Jai Ekadashi Mata!