Another 'Putrada Ekadashi' also falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Shravana month, a different date from this one. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
According to the Padma Purana, King Suketuman ruled the city of Bhadravati, and his queen was named Champaka. Having no son to carry on the line for a long time, both were sunk in worry and grief, and even the king's ancestors grieved, wondering who would offer them tarpan after the king.
One day the king rode alone into a dense forest. At midday, tormented by hunger and thirst, he searched for water and reached a lake whose banks held the ashrams of sages, who were reciting the Vedas. They were the Vishvedevas, who had come for the Magh bath, since it was to begin five days later. They told the king that that very day was Putrada Ekadashi.
At the sages' word the king kept the Putrada Ekadashi fast with due rites that same day, broke it on Dwadashi, bowed to the sages and returned home. The queen then conceived and in time gave birth to a radiant son, who pleased his father with his virtues and became a protector of the people. According to the Purana, reading or hearing this mahatmya brings the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice.
How Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotee couples bathe in the morning and take the vow, observing a fruit-based fast through the day. An image or idol of Lord Vishnu is worshipped, and the Vishnu Sahasranama along with the legend of Putrada Ekadashi is recited.
There is a tradition of bhajan-kirtan and staying awake through the night, and the next day, on Dwadashi, the fast is broken within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat, after feeding Brahmins and giving alms.
This vow is observed especially by couples wishing for the joy of children, and is considered highly effective for the fulfillment of this wish through Lord Vishnu's grace.
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning, take the vow, and observe a fruit-based fast through the day. Worship Lord Vishnu and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama and the legend of Putrada Ekadashi. The next day, on Dwadashi, give alms and break the fast within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat.
About Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi is the vow observed on Pausha Shukla Ekadashi for the wish of children. This page covers the vow's significance, the legend of King Suketuman, and the vidhi for observing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pausha Putrada Ekadashi observed?
This vow is observed every year on Pausha Shukla Ekadashi.
How many times a year does Putrada Ekadashi occur?
There are two separate Ekadashis named 'Putrada Ekadashi', one in the Shukla Paksha of Pausha, and another in the Shukla Paksha of Shravana, both observed for the wish of children.
What is the legend of King Suketuman?
The childless King Suketuman met the Vishvedeva sages on the bank of a lake in the forest, and at their word kept the Putrada Ekadashi fast that very day. After he returned, Queen Champakaka conceived and they were blessed with a radiant son.
What should be done during Putrada Ekadashi Vrat?
One should observe a fruit-based fast, worship Lord Vishnu, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama and the Ekadashi legend, and break the fast the next day within the scripturally prescribed muhurat.