Putrada Ekadashi which is also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi and Pavitra Ekadashi is an auspicious Hindu religious vrat or ritual which occurs on the Ekadashi of the Shukla paksha of the Shravan month according to traditional Hindu calendar, or according to the Gregorian calendar in the waxing moon fortnight of the month of August.
This is known as the Shravan Putrada Ekadashi and the one which falls in the month of Paush as per traditional Hindu calendar or in December January is known as the Pausha Putrada Ekadashi.
Thus this Ekadashi is observed twice during a year. The Pausha Putrada Ekadashi is observed is popular in the Northern parts of India, while the rest of India follows and observed the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi more keenly.
In 2019 the Shrava Putrada Ekadashi is on the 11th of August.
- Legend of Putrada Ekadashi
According to the legend recounted by Lord Krishna to Yudhistira, there was a Kind Suketumaan and his wife, the queen Shaibyaa. They were however extremely restless and had no peace as they had no son. It is extremely important asper the Hindu religious beliefs to have a son, as it is them who it is believed will take care of them and also perform their last rites. Thus they were worried. Their worry on this kept increasing so much, that finally the king started falling sick and went to a jungle to seek solitude. There thirsty and hungry he came upon a beautiful lake, on the shores of which he saw sages doing their prayers. The sages were the ten Vishvadevas, Vasu, Satya, Kratu, Daksha, Kaala, Kaama, Dhriti, Pururavaa, Maadrava and Kuru. The sage ssuggested that he observes the Putrada Ekadashi as the meaning of the word Putrada itself means one which gives Putra. Thus a complete fast on that auspicious day and worshipping Lord Vishnu on the Dwadashi is mandatory for Putrada Ekadashi.
According to a different legend, Kind Mahijit, the ruler of Mahishmati was bereft of a child. He sought the advice of sage Lomesh, who ruled that the king’s misfortunes rose from his previous sins. The sage advised the king and his queen to observe the Putrada Ekadashi. They kept the fast and prayed to Lord Vishnu and finally were rewarded with a son who became the heir to the throne.
- Worshipping on Putrada Ekadashi
On this day devotees should have a cleansing bath and keep a fast. The fast is for 24 hours. In the evening the devotees worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, lamp and incense. On this auspicious day the devotees sleep in the room where the Gods are kept. On this auspicious occasion it is suggested that the devotees give alms to Brahmins.
Festivities around this observance include Jhulan Yatra where a beautiful swing is put up decorated with lovely flowers. On the last day of the Jhulan Yatra festival small idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are worshipped by the devotees.
- Benefits of observing Putrada Ekadashi
The benefit of Putrada Ekadashi is multiple. It definitely gives the result of conceiving a boy child as boys are supposed to do the last rites for their parents, which is of utmost importance to Hindus.