Putrada Ekadashi 2026 - Vrat Vidhi, Katha & Significance

Putrada Ekadashi falls on the eleventh tithi (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon), and is observed twice a year - once in the month of Shravana (Jul-Aug), called Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, and once in Pausha (Dec-Jan), called Pausha Putrada Ekadashi. Both are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name Putrada means 'giver of progeny', as the vrat is kept chiefly for the blessing of healthy children and a happy lineage. Please confirm the exact 2026 dates and parana times for your city on the Vandnaa Panchang.

Putrada Ekadashi is held in great affection by couples and parents. It is believed to bless the devout with virtuous, healthy and long-lived children, and to protect existing children and the whole family from harm. Beyond progeny, like all Ekadashis it purifies the mind, dissolves sins and draws the grace of Lord Vishnu. The blessing of a child here is understood in a broad, gentle sense - good progeny, continuity, and the joy and harmony of family life - and the vrat is equally rewarding for any sincere devotee seeking Vishnu's grace.

The katha tells of King Mahijit of Mahishmati, who was prosperous and just but deeply sorrowful, as he had no child to continue his lineage. On the advice of his ministers, he sought out sages in the forest. The wise Lomasha Rishi revealed that a past-life fault was the cause and counselled the king and queen to observe the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi vrat with full devotion to Lord Vishnu. The royal couple, along with their subjects, fasted and worshipped sincerely. By Vishnu's grace, the queen was soon blessed with a noble son, showing the vrat's power to fulfil the heartfelt longing for a child.

Like every Ekadashi, the fast runs from sunrise on Ekadashi to parana on the next day. Allowed for a phalahar fast: fruits, milk, water, and vrat foods such as sabudana, kuttu/singhara flour, potato and rock salt. Avoided strictly: rice, all grains and pulses, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Some keep a nirjala or water-only fast as health permits. Maintain truthfulness, calm and kindness through the day; avoid anger, harsh speech and idleness, spending the time in Vishnu worship.

1. On Dashami, take a simple satvik meal and make a sankalp to observe the fast. 2. On Ekadashi, wake before sunrise, bathe and wear clean clothes. 3. Install Lord Vishnu (or Bal Gopal / Krishna) and light a ghee lamp and incense. 4. Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, fruits, panchamrit and sweets with devotion. 5. Chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya and read the Putrada Ekadashi katha; couples praying for a child do so with a calm, hopeful heart. 6. Perform Vishnu aarti and, if possible, keep a night jagran with bhajans. 7. On Dwadashi morning, worship again, feed and give daan to a Brahmin or the needy, then break the fast at parana time.

While Putrada Ekadashi is loved by those longing for children, it is best kept as a vrat of faith, patience and inner peace, not pressure or anxiety. Its true gift is closeness to Lord Vishnu, a calm mind and a harmonious home, with the blessing of children seen as part of his larger grace. Couples should keep the fast joyfully, support each other, and continue any medical care alongside their prayers. Confirm the exact Ekadashi dates and parana on the Vandnaa Panchang.