It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Hindu month of Shravana and holds special importance for devotees seeking blessings for children, family happiness, prosperity and spiritual well-being.

The word Putrada means "giver of children." Traditionally, married couples who wish to have children observe this Vrat and pray to Lord Vishnu for divine blessings.

However, Putrada Ekadashi is not limited only to those seeking progeny. Devotees may observe this sacred Vrat for spiritual purification, devotion, family welfare and the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

For personalised guidance regarding childbirth and family matters, you can get your horoscope analysed by an Astro Expert at Astroshastra.

What is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi?

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi falls during the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of the Moon, in the month of Shravana.

Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day and is traditionally considered an important day for fasting, prayer and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Among the various Ekadashi observances, Putrada Ekadashi has a particular association with progeny and family welfare.

Devotees traditionally spend the day in prayer, fasting, Vishnu Puja, mantra chanting, reading sacred scriptures and charity.

You can also explore Astroshastra's Special Vows, Fasts and Religious Observances for information about other Hindu fasting traditions.

Significance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

Putrada Ekadashi has several layers of traditional spiritual significance.

Blessings for Progeny

The primary traditional significance of Putrada Ekadashi is associated with children and progeny. Couples who desire children may observe this Vrat with sincere devotion and prayer.

Worship of Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu is the principal deity worshipped on Ekadashi. Devotees may offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits and other traditional offerings.

Spiritual Purification

Fasting is traditionally considered a means of developing self-control and directing the mind toward spiritual practices.

Family Welfare

Devotees may pray for peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness within the family.

Charity and Seva

Charity is an important part of many Hindu Vrats. Offering food, clothing or other useful items to those in need can form part of the day's devotional practice.

Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The traditional story associated with Putrada Ekadashi revolves around King Mahijit.

King Mahijit was a righteous and prosperous ruler, but he was deeply troubled because he had no child.

He approached learned sages seeking guidance regarding his situation. After studying his circumstances, the sages advised him to observe Putrada Ekadashi with sincere devotion.

The king and his subjects followed the prescribed observances, including fasting, prayer and worship of Lord Vishnu.

According to the traditional Katha, the observance eventually resulted in the king receiving the blessing of a son.

The story is traditionally understood as an example of the importance of devotion, faith, charity and sincere spiritual practice.

The Putrada Ekadashi Katha is also discussed in Astroshastra's Putrada Ekadashi article.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

Devotees can follow their family tradition or Guru's guidance. A simple traditional Puja can be performed as follows.

1. Take a Holy Bath

Wake up early and take a bath before beginning the day's religious activities.

2. Clean the Puja Area

Clean the place of worship and prepare a clean Puja space.

3. Place Lord Vishnu's Image or Idol

Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu and decorate the Puja area with flowers.

4. Take a Sankalp

Take a Sankalp to observe Putrada Ekadashi Vrat with devotion.

5. Light a Diya

Light a lamp and incense before Lord Vishnu.

6. Offer Tulsi

Offer fresh Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits and other traditional offerings to Lord Vishnu.

7. Chant Vishnu Mantras

Chant Lord Vishnu's name or recite:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Devotees may also read the Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita.

8. Read the Vrat Katha

Read or listen to the traditional Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

9. Perform Aarti

Complete the Puja with Lord Vishnu Aarti and prayer.

Putrada Ekadashi Fasting Rules

The method of fasting may vary according to individual traditions and Sampradayas.

Some devotees observe a strict fast, while others follow a Phalahar fast.

Common fasting practices include:

• Avoiding grains
• Avoiding pulses
• Eating permitted fruits and fasting foods
• Drinking milk where permitted
• Chanting Vishnu Mantras
• Avoiding unnecessary anger and negative thoughts
• Spending time in prayer and meditation
• Performing charity

People who cannot safely fast should not undertake a strict fast merely for religious reasons. Spiritual practices can be adapted according to one's circumstances.

What Can Be Eaten During Putrada Ekadashi?

Those following a traditional Phalahar fast may consume foods permitted by their family tradition.

Commonly used fasting foods include:

• Fruits
• Milk
• Nuts
• Sabudana
• Singhara
• Kuttu
• Samak
• Potatoes
• Rock salt

Fasting rules can vary considerably between regional and religious traditions, so devotees should follow the practices prescribed by their family or spiritual tradition.

What Should Be Avoided During Putrada Ekadashi?

Devotees traditionally avoid:

• Grains
• Pulses
• Meat and non-vegetarian food
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Excessive indulgence
• Anger and negative speech

The deeper purpose of Ekadashi fasting is self-discipline and devotion, rather than simply avoiding particular foods.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Mantra

A popular mantra dedicated to Lord Vishnu is:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Devotees may chant this mantra during Puja or throughout the day according to their spiritual practice.

Other devotional practices include:

• Vishnu Sahasranama
• Bhagavad Gita reading
• Vishnu Aarti
• Meditation
• Naam Japa

Importance of Tulsi on Putrada Ekadashi

Tulsi holds a highly revered position in Vaishnava tradition and is traditionally offered to Lord Vishnu.

Devotees may offer fresh Tulsi leaves during Vishnu Puja on Ekadashi.

Tulsi can therefore form an important part of Putrada Ekadashi worship.

Putrada Ekadashi for Progeny

Putrada Ekadashi is particularly significant for couples who wish to have children.

Traditionally, couples may observe the Vrat together and pray to Lord Vishnu for blessings of healthy progeny and family happiness.

However, Putrada Ekadashi should be understood as a religious and spiritual practice, not as a guaranteed treatment for infertility or reproductive problems.

From an astrological perspective, matters relating to childbirth require an individual horoscope analysis.

Astrologers traditionally examine factors such as the 5th house, 5th lord, Jupiter, relevant divisional charts and planetary periods.

For individual analysis, consult an Astro Expert at Astroshastra.

Putrada Ekadashi and Astrology

Vedic astrology considers the 5th house particularly important for matters concerning:

• Children
• Progeny
• Intelligence
• Creativity
• Past-life merit
• Mantra and spiritual practices

Jupiter is also an important significator for children and expansion.

Therefore, if someone is observing Putrada Ekadashi specifically for childbirth, an astrologer may examine the complete horoscope rather than relying only on a general Vrat.

You can also explore Astroshastra's Astrology Articles for more information about Vedic astrology and planetary influences.

Charity on Putrada Ekadashi

Charity and Seva are traditionally considered important devotional practices.

Depending upon one's capacity, devotees may donate:

• Food
• Fruits
• Clothes
• Religious books
• Money
• Educational materials
• Other useful necessities

The purpose should be sincere service and compassion rather than simply expecting a material reward.

Spiritual Benefits of Putrada Ekadashi

According to traditional Hindu belief, observing Putrada Ekadashi with sincerity may support:

• Devotion toward Lord Vishnu
• Spiritual discipline
• Mental peace
• Self-control
• Family harmony
• Positive spiritual outlook
• Prayers for progeny
• Charitable and compassionate activities

These are traditional religious beliefs, and individual experiences may vary.

How to Observe Putrada Ekadashi at Home

A simple home observance can include:

Morning

Take a bath, clean the Puja area and take a Sankalp.

During the Day

Observe the chosen form of fasting, chant Vishnu Mantras and read devotional literature.

Evening

Perform Lord Vishnu Puja, offer Tulsi and flowers, and read the Putrada Ekadashi Katha.

Night

Continue devotional activities according to your tradition.

Dwadashi

Break the fast during the prescribed Parana period according to the local Panchang and your tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi?

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi observed during the Hindu month of Shravana. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is traditionally associated with prayers for progeny and family welfare.

Who can observe Putrada Ekadashi?

Devotees may observe Putrada Ekadashi according to their family, regional or spiritual tradition. Married couples seeking blessings for children traditionally consider this Vrat particularly significant.

Which God is worshipped on Putrada Ekadashi?

Lord Vishnu is the principal deity worshipped on Putrada Ekadashi.

What is the Putrada Ekadashi Mantra?

A popular mantra is:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

Can unmarried people observe Putrada Ekadashi?

Yes. Ekadashi is a devotional observance and unmarried devotees may observe it according to their spiritual tradition.

Can women observe Putrada Ekadashi?

Yes. Women may observe the Vrat according to their health, personal circumstances and family tradition.

What should be offered to Lord Vishnu on Putrada Ekadashi?

Devotees traditionally offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, water and other appropriate Puja offerings.

Is Putrada Ekadashi a remedy for infertility?

Putrada Ekadashi is a traditional spiritual practice associated with prayers for progeny. It should not be considered a medical treatment or guarantee of conception. Those experiencing fertility problems should seek appropriate medical advice.

What is the story of Putrada Ekadashi?

The traditional Vrat Katha tells the story of King Mahijit, who was childless and was advised to observe Putrada Ekadashi with devotion and prayer.

When should the Putrada Ekadashi fast be broken?

The fast is traditionally broken during the prescribed Dwadashi Parana period. The exact timing depends upon the location and Panchang.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is a sacred Vishnu Vrat that combines fasting, prayer, devotion, charity and spiritual discipline.

Its special association with progeny and family welfare makes it particularly meaningful for couples praying for children. At the same time, anyone wishing to deepen their devotion to Lord Vishnu can observe this Ekadashi according to their spiritual tradition.

The essence of Putrada Ekadashi is not merely fasting but faith, self-control, devotion and sincere prayer.

For personalised guidance regarding childbirth, family matters or your horoscope, get your Kundli analysed by an Astro Expert at Astroshastra.

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