Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comShravana Putrada Ekadashi
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is observed on Shravana Shukla Ekadashi by those praying for the blessing of a child. Because of the rite of offering a pavitra, a sacred thread, to the Lord on the following Dwadashi, it is also called Pavitra Ekadashi.
This Ekadashi falls a few days before Raksha Bandhan (Shravana Purnima). There is also a Putrada Ekadashi in Pausha's bright fortnight, with a different story.
Significance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
In the Padma Purana, Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira that Putrada Ekadashi of Shravana's bright fortnight gives what one desires, and that merely hearing its story brings the fruit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. One who hears its glory gains the joy of a son in this world and heaven in the next.
According to the katha, Mahijit, the righteous king of Mahishmati, had no son. His people went to the sage Lomasha in the forest, who, after meditating, revealed that in a former birth as a merchant the king had driven a thirsty cow and calf from a step-well on a Jyeshtha afternoon and drunk the water himself.
At Lomasha's word, the people kept the vow of Shravana Shukla Putrada Ekadashi with the night vigil and offered its merit to the king. As soon as the merit was given, the queen conceived, and in time she gave birth to a radiant son.
How Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotees, especially couples praying for a child, bathe in the morning, take the vow, worship Lord Vishnu and hear the Putrada Ekadashi katha. A vigil is kept at night, as the people did in the katha.
The next day, on Dwadashi, comes Pavitraropana: a pavitra made of threefold thread of silk, cotton or kusha is offered to Lord Vasudeva and also given to one's teacher. According to the Padma Purana, for a Vaishnava who does not do this each year, the whole year's worship bears no fruit. Then the fast is broken within the prescribed parana muhurat.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Eat a simple sattvic meal on Dashami, and on Ekadashi bathe in the morning and take the vow of fasting. Worship Lord Vishnu, hear the Putrada Ekadashi katha and keep vigil at night. On Dwadashi offer a pavitra to Lord Vasudeva, honour the brahmins and your teacher, and break the fast within the parana muhurat.
About Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is the vow kept on Shravana Shukla Ekadashi for the blessing of a child. This page gives its date, the vidhi of the fast, the Pavitraropana rite and a summary of the Padma Purana's story of King Mahijit and the sage Lomasha.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi in 2027?
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi falls on Thursday, 12 August 2027. The parana time will be added here as the date approaches.
Why is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi observed?
According to the Padma Purana, this vow gives what one desires and the joy of a child. It was by the merit of this vow that Mahijit, the childless king of Mahishmati, was blessed with a son.
Why is it called Pavitra Ekadashi?
This same chapter of the Padma Purana gives the rite of offering Lord Vasudeva a pavitra, a sacred thread of threefold twist, on Shravana Shukla Dwadashi. Because of this Pavitraropana the Ekadashi is also called Pavitra Ekadashi.