व्रत · Vrat & Vrat Katha
Putrada Ekadashi
पुत्रदा एकादशी
The ekadashi of sons — for childless couples and the protection of children
- When
- Twice a year — Pausha Shukla Ekadashi (Dec–Jan) and Shravana Shukla Ekadashi (Jul–Aug)
- पौष शुक्ल एकादशी और श्रावण शुक्ल एकादशी
- Deity
- Lord Vishnu (worshipped as Narayana)
- भगवान विष्णु (नारायण)
- Purpose
- For childless couples seeking sons, for the longevity and wellbeing of existing children, for protection from threats to progeny
About this vrat
Putrada Ekadashi (पुत्रदा एकादशी) — literally "the giver of sons" — is observed twice a year on the Shukla Ekadashi of Pausha (December–January) and Shravana (July–August). It is the principal ekadashi observed by childless couples seeking the blessing of children, by parents seeking the longevity and dharmic conduct of existing children, and by households facing any threat to the progeny line. The Padma Purana records the vrat in detail; both observances are described, and tradition holds that observing both in the same year multiplies the merit substantially.
The vrat is observed with standard ekadashi pattern but with particular emphasis on the recitation of the Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha and the offering of milk, kheer, and tulsi to Lord Narayana.
Putrada Ekadashi — Katha
The legendary story recited as part of the vrat. Read aloud during the morning puja.
The Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha is the story of King Suketuman, a virtuous ruler of Bhadravati who had wealth, dharma, and a devoted queen Shaibya, but no son. Year after year passed; queens and consorts produced no heir; the burden of childlessness sat heavy upon the king's heart.
Unable to bear his despair, King Suketuman left the palace alone, abandoned his royal robes, and entered the deep forest to wander as a renunciate. After seven days without food, near collapse, he came to a clearing where a great gathering of sages was performing a yajna. He prostrated and asked their grace.
The lead sage said: "Maharaj, today is no ordinary day — today is the Pausha Shukla Ekadashi, the Putrada Ekadashi, the most sacred day of the year for those who seek progeny. Observe the vrat with us this very day. Worship Lord Narayana with full sincerity; recite his name through the night; offer the merit of the vrat at the feet of his consort Lakshmi for her blessing of fertility."
King Suketuman, with no food, no possessions, observed the Putrada Ekadashi vrat with the sages. He fasted nirjala through the day; he sang Vishnu's name through the night; he offered every fragment of the merit at the feet of Lakshmi-Narayana. The sages sent him back to the kingdom the next morning. Within months, the queen was pregnant. In due time, she gave birth to a son — radiant, intelligent, dharmic from his earliest years — who would in time succeed his father as a great king of Bhadravati.
The katha closes with the affirmation that no childlessness is so settled that the merit of a sincere Putrada Ekadashi vrat cannot move Lord Narayana's grace.
Vrat Vidhi — How to observe
- Begin from Dashami evening. Standard ekadashi preparation.
- Pre-dawn bath and sankalpa on Ekadashi. Wear yellow. Take a clear sankalpa for a child — for a son, for the wellbeing of an existing child, or for any threat to the progeny line.
- Worship Lord Narayana. Set up a Vishnu/Narayana murti. Offer tulsi, yellow flowers, akshat, fruit, kheer. Light a ghee diya.
- Recite the Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Read the King Suketuman katha aloud. Add the Vishnu Sahasranama and 'Om Namo Narayanaya' 108 times.
- Hold the sankalpa silently. Through the day, hold the wish in your heart without speaking it.
- Maintain the fast. Standard rules. Many couples fast nirjala for maximum intensity.
- Parana on Dwadashi morning.
- Repeat both Putrada Ekadashis in the year. Tradition recommends both Pausha and Shravana for the strongest fruit.
Mantras
ॐ नमो नारायणाय
Om Namo Narayanaya
Salutations to Lord Narayana.
ॐ देवकीनन्दनाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि । तन्नो कृष्णः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Devakinandanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dheemahi · Tanno Krishnah Prachodayat
We meditate upon Krishna, son of Devaki, the divine Vasudeva — may he illumine our path. (The Krishna Gayatri.)
Udyapan — The concluding ceremony
For couples observing Putrada Ekadashi for a child, the udyapan happens when the child is born. On the next available Putrada Ekadashi: bring the newborn to the puja for the first time, offer kheer at the deity's feet on the child's behalf, feed eleven brahmins, donate yellow cloth and milk to a Vishnu temple. Resolve to continue annual observance for the child's wellbeing through childhood.
Frequently asked questions
What is Putrada Ekadashi?
Putrada Ekadashi — 'the giver of sons' — is observed twice a year on the Shukla Ekadashi of Pausha (Dec–Jan) and the Shukla Ekadashi of Shravana (Jul–Aug). It is the principal ekadashi for childless couples seeking children, for the wellbeing of existing children, and for protection from threats to the progeny line.
Why are there two Putrada Ekadashis in a year?
Both observances are valid Putrada Ekadashis. Tradition records that both Pausha Shukla Ekadashi (winter) and Shravana Shukla Ekadashi (monsoon) carry the unique progeny-granting merit. Couples seeking children traditionally observe both in the same year for the strongest fruit.
Can the Putrada Ekadashi vrat help with infertility?
The traditional katha of King Suketuman speaks of the vrat reaching couples in profound childlessness. Many devotees observe consecutively for 3–7 years before the child arrives. The vrat is not a substitute for medical treatment — observe both in parallel.
Does Putrada Ekadashi only grant sons, or can it grant daughters?
While the name traditionally refers to sons (putra), modern observance interprets the vrat as granting children of any gender. Many contemporary couples observe Putrada for a child of any gender and report the same fruits the traditional katha describes.
What is the relationship between Putrada Ekadashi and Vaikuntha Ekadashi?
The Pausha Shukla Putrada Ekadashi falls on the same date as Vaikuntha Ekadashi. The same tithi carries two distinct devotional emphases — Vaikuntha for direct passage to Vaikuntha (south Indian tradition); Putrada for children (north Indian tradition). Many devotees combine both intentions in a single observance.
Should women observe Putrada Ekadashi during their monthly cycle?
Traditional practice asks women to pause the vrat during the menstrual cycle and perform an extra observance the next month. The husband may continue even when the wife pauses; both contribute to the family's collective sankalpa.