Putrada Ekadashi 21 Jan | 15 Aug 2024 : Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time

Acharya Ridhima Agarwal

3 months ago

Putrada Ekadashi - 21 Jan 2024 and 15 Aug 2024

Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time

Putrada Ekadashi 21 Jan 2024 : Date and Time

Pausha, Shukla Paksh Ekadashi

Ekadashi tithi begins : Jan 20, 2024 – 1:56 PM (IST)

Ekadashi tithi ends : Jan 21, 2024 – 1:56 PM (IST)

Parana Time : Jan 22, 2024 – 7:56 AM – 9:40 AM (IST)

Dwadashi ending time : Jan 22, 2024 – 2:21 PM (IST)

Putrada Ekadashi 15 Aug 2024 : Date and Time

Shravan, Shukla Paksh Ekadashi

Ekadashi tithi begins : Aug 15, 2024 – 5:56 AM (IST)

Ekadashi tithi ends : Aug 16, 2024 – 5:09 AM (IST)

Parana Time : Aug 16, 2024 – 2:35 PM – 5:29 PM (IST)

Hari Vasara ending time : Aug 16, 2024 – 10:46 AM (IST)

Putrada Ekadashi Story (Katha)

Yudhishthira asked, “Sri Krishna, you have described the auspicious ‘Saphala’ Ekadashi. Now, please tell us about the significance of the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight. What is its name? What is the method to observe it? Which deity is worshipped on this day?”

Lord Krishna said, “O King, I will now describe the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight of the month of Pausha. Listen carefully as I narrate it for the benefit of the world. This Ekadashi is called ‘Putrada,’ which means ‘giver of sons.’ It is an excellent day that removes all sins. Lord Narayana, who grants all desires and perfections, is the presiding deity of this Ekadashi. There is no other day in all the three worlds, including all living beings, that is superior to this day.

In ancient times, there was a king named Suketuman who ruled the city of Bhadravati. His queen’s name was Champa. Despite a long period, the king and queen had no progeny. This caused them great sorrow and worry. Their ancestors drank the water offered to them by the king and queen with heavy hearts, fearing that there would be no one to offer them oblations after the king’s demise. The couple’s constant concern and grief troubled their ancestors as they worried about their lineage and the continuation of their offerings.

To perform the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi vrat, follow the prescribed rituals with utmost dedication. On this day, Lord Narayana, the bestower of all desires and perfections, is worshipped. Observing this Ekadashi with devotion fulfills all desires, especially the wish for a son. Thus, ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi is highly revered for its power to grant offspring and to remove all sins. The importance of this Ekadashi is unmatched, and observing it with faith brings immense benefits and divine grace.”

One day, King Suketuman, while riding his horse, ventured deep into the forest. Neither the priest nor anyone else was aware of his whereabouts. As he wandered through the dense forest, which was inhabited by deer and birds, he heard the cries of jackals and other animals. Various birds and deer appeared along his path. As he observed his surroundings, midday approached, and he became afflicted with hunger and thirst. In search of water, he roamed around and, by some divine blessing, he discovered a splendid lake surrounded by many sages’ ashrams. The sight of the beautiful hermitages delighted the king. At that moment, he received auspicious omens. His right eye and right hand twitched, indicating good fortune.

Many sages were reciting the Vedas by the lake’s edge, and the sight of them filled the king with joy. Dismounting from his horse, he stood before the sages and greeted each one individually with great respect. These sages were adherents of noble vows. When the king repeatedly bowed to them with folded hands, the sages said, “O King, we are pleased with you.”

The spiritual significance of this encounter highlights the transformative power of divine blessings and the virtues of humility and reverence. By following the sages’ advice, King Suketuman’s devotion led him to discover the auspicious ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi, which promises the fulfillment of all desires, particularly the blessing of progeny. Observing this sacred day with sincere devotion brings immense spiritual benefits, removes all sins, and ensures divine grace and prosperity.

The king asked, “Who are you? What are your names, and why have you gathered here? Please tell me truthfully.” The sages replied, “O King, we are the Visvedevas. We have come here to bathe. The month of Magha is approaching, and in five days, the Magha bath will begin. Today is the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi, which grants sons to those who observe the fast.” The king said, “Visvedevas, if you are pleased with me, please grant me a son.” The sages replied, “O King, today is the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi, renowned for bestowing sons. You should observe this excellent fast. By the grace of Lord Keshava, you will surely be blessed with a son.”

Lord Krishna said, “Yudhishthira, following the advice of the sages, the king observed the supreme fast. According to the instructions of the great sages, he performed the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi fast with devotion. After breaking the fast on Dwadashi, he repeatedly bowed his head at the feet of the sages and returned home. Subsequently, the queen conceived. At the time of delivery, the virtuous king was blessed with a radiant son, who delighted his father with his qualities and became the protector of the people. Therefore, O King, the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi fast must be observed. I have described it for the welfare of the people. Those who observe the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi fast with a focused mind will be blessed with sons in this world and will attain heaven after death. Reading and hearing this glory grants the merits of the Agnistoma Yajna.”

Spiritual Significance of Putrada Ekadashi

Putrada Ekadashi, celebrated during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Pausha and Shravan, is a highly revered day in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name “Putrada” translates to “giver of sons,” and it is believed that observing a fast on this auspicious day blesses childless couples with progeny, thus fulfilling their heartfelt desires for offspring.

The spiritual significance of Putrada Ekadashi is profound. Devotees believe that observing a fast and engaging in devotional activities on this day pleases Lord Vishnu, who bestows his divine blessings on the devotees. The rituals of this Ekadashi include taking an early morning bath, offering prayers and performing puja with fruits, flowers, incense, and lamps. Reciting sacred texts like the Vishnu Sahasranama and the Bhagavad Gita, along with singing devotional hymns and kirtans, are essential aspects of the observance.

The legend of Putrada Ekadashi, as narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira in the Bhavishya Purana, highlights its importance. The story revolves around King Suketuman of Bhadravati and his queen, who were distressed due to their childlessness. In their quest for an heir, they undertook the Putrada Ekadashi fast, as advised by the sages in the forest. Moved by their sincere devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed them with a radiant son, thereby alleviating their sorrows and fulfilling their desires.

Observing Putrada Ekadashi is believed to bring numerous spiritual benefits. It is said to cleanse the devotee’s soul, remove past sins, and lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Furthermore, it promotes family harmony and progeny, ensuring the continuation of family lineage and traditions. Devotees also believe that the vrata (fast) on this day helps in attaining moksha (liberation) by earning the grace of Lord Vishnu.

In essence, Putrada Ekadashi is a day of immense spiritual significance, marked by devotion, purity, and the sincere pursuit of divine blessings for progeny and overall well-being. By observing this Ekadashi with true faith and dedication, devotees are believed to receive Lord Vishnu’s favor, leading to a life filled with spiritual and material prosperity.