Putrada Ekadashi 2024: Date, Vrat Katha & Vidhi, Puja Vidhi and Significance

The Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashis that occur every year, on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha, the waxing Moon phase, in the month of Shravan, according to the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to July-August in the Gregorian calendar. The Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is also popularly known as Pavitropana Ekadashi and Pavitra Ekadashi. There are two Putrada Ekadashis in a year; the other one is Pausha Putrada Ekadashi, which falls in the Shukla Paksha of Pausha Maas (December-January). Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Ekadashi Vrat (fast) on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is usually observed by both husband and wife in married couples.
It is a powerful Vrat to observe for receiving the blessings of begetting a son and offspring and for the fulfillment of material desires. Devotees believe that observing this fast with sincerity and devotion can bring prosperity and happiness to their families. Many also use this occasion to seek spiritual growth and strengthen their connection with Lord Vishnu.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2024: Date and Time (Tithi)
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi on Friday, August 16, 2024
On 17th Aug, Parana Time - 06:15 AM to 08:05 AM
On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 08:05 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 10:26 AM on Aug 15, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 09:39 AM on Aug 16, 2024

The fast must be broken after sunrise on the day following Ekadashi. It is important to note that one should break the fast (Parana) within the Dwadashi Tithi. Dwadashi ends at 09:39 AM on August 16, 2024. Another important consideration is that one must not break the fast-during Hari Vasara, which is the first quarter of Dwadashi. The best time to break the fast is Pratah Kala (morning).

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Significance

The Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat/fast is observed from the dawn of Ekadashi to the next day, Dwadashi. The Vrat is powerful and, when observed with sincerity, it blesses childless couples with progeny, especially with a son. The term Putrada means 'giver of a son.' Both the Pausha and Shravana Putrada Ekadashi fulfill the desires of devotees who wish to have a male child and are highly favorable for married couples facing challenges in having a child. The Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat is usually observed by both husband and wife. Observing this meritorious Ekadashi dissolves sins and secures a place for devotees at the feet of Lord Vishnu in His abode. Following all the rules and regulations, observing the fast, and worshipping Lord Shridhara/Vishnu brings unimaginable blessings and adds to the spiritual merits earned by devotees. The Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat bestows good health, material contentment, peace, good luck, happiness, abundance, and the protection of Lord Vishnu.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The story of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, or Pavitropana Ekadashi, is found in the Bhavishya Purana, in which Lord Krishna narrates it to King Yudhishthira to explain the importance of this auspicious Ekadashi.

The powerful King Mahijit of Mahishmati had everything and was loved by his subjects because of his compassionate behavior. However, he was in distress because he did not have any offspring. He wanted a son as his successor and wished to experience the happiness of being a father. He performed various Yajnas and rituals to be blessed with a child, a son who would eventually succeed to his throne. However, nothing worked. Disheartened, he wondered why he was childless despite his good conduct and living. He shared his feelings with his subjects in his court. Seeing their pious king's sadness, the subjects went to the jungle to find wise Sages/Rishis who would be able to give a solution to their king.

In the jungle, the subjects came across the wise sage Rishi Lomesh, who heard them and understood the misery of King Mahijit. Rishi Lomesh, with his psychic abilities, found out why the king was childless. He disclosed to the subjects that King Mahijit was a merchant in his previous life. Once, while travelling a long distance, he felt thirsty and went to a pond to drink water. There, he saw a cow and calf drinking water from the pond and chased them away to drink the water himself. The cow and her calf were very thirsty and had to go away without quenching their thirst. Sage Lomesh informed them that this sin had prevented the king from having a child.

The eager subjects of King Mahijit asked Rishi Lomesh for a solution for their king. The wise sage told them that King Mahijit and his queen should observe the Vrat on the Shravan Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, called Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, which would free him from this sin and bless him with a son. He also told the subjects to keep a fast on the auspicious Shravana Putrada Ekadashi and on Dwadashi, transferring all the fruits earned by observing the Vrat to their king so that it would rid him of his misery.

The subjects of King Mahijit told the king what Rishi Lomesh had said and advised. King Mahijit and his wife observed the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat with devotion to Lord Vishnu. His subjects observed the fast with sincerity and transferred their 'punya' to their king.

The sin of King Mahijit was removed and, soon after the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi fast, he was blessed with a son by the grace of Lord Vishnu.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Presiding Deity

Lord Shridhar is the presiding deity of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi. Shridhar is one of the names of Lord Vishnu, which means consort of Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi is also called Shri or Shree. The image of Lord Shridhar is depicted in the same way as Lord Vishnu, with a Shankh, Chakra, Gada, and Padma held in His four hands. Worshipping Lord Shridhar on the auspicious Shravana Putrada Ekadashi with devotion and pure intention brings miraculous blessings and protection from the Lord.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi / How to do Putrada Ekadashi Vrat?

The meritorious Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat starts early in the morning on Ekadashi day and lasts until the next day's Prana time when the fast can be broken. On Dashami (the day before Ekadashi), have only one 'sattvik' meal before sunset.

• On Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, take an early morning bath and follow the rituals to take Sankalp (intention) of observing the Vrat (fast). Devotees should specify whether they are keeping a partial or complete Vrat/fast. Fasting without drinking water or eating food, Nirjala Vrat, is the best Ekadashi Vrat to observe. One can also observe a partial fast by drinking water and abstaining from food. However, devotees should be aware of what their body and health can tolerate and fast accordingly. A fruit and milk diet is also a common way to observe the fast on this day.
• Invoke Lord Shridhar/Vishnu for the successful completion of the Vrat. Worship Lord Shridhar by following the Puja Vidhi.
  
• Beans and grains are prohibited for devotees who are fasting by eating one meal on Ekadashi. Non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic are strictly not allowed on Ekadashi and Dwadashi.
• As per the rules, sleeping during the day or night while observing Ekadashi Vrat is prohibited. The devotees should chant or sing praises of Lord Vishnu, read the Bhagavad Gita and other holy books throughout the day and night.
• Reading or hearing the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha is a must on this pious day.
• Gossiping or thinking ill of others or oneself does not give the desired outcome of the Ekadashi Vrat.
• Abstinence from alcohol, drugs, tobacco, other addictions, and sex on Ekadashi and Dwadashi must be observed.
• Maintain calmness and avoid anger or aggression for the best outcome of observing the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat.
• Distribute Prasad to family members and as many people as possible on Dwadashi.
• On Dwadashi, give Dakshina and other items as charity to Brahmanas, and respectfully ask them for forgiveness for any offense. Donating to the needy is also advised to garner Lord Vishnu's blessings.
  
• Devotees who observe the fast should not eat food in other people's houses on the day after Ekadashi.
• For people who observe Shravana Putrada Vrat, when breaking the fast, they should say the prayer: 'O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat. Please shelter me.'
• After the prayer, the devotee should offer flowers and water at the lotus feet of Lord Shridhar/Vishnu and request the Lord to eat by chanting the eight-syllable mantra thrice: 'Om Namo Narayanaya.'
• On Dwadashi, only one meal should be eaten. Honey and urad dal (black lentil) should not be consumed.
• For devotees observing the fast, if due to some unavoidable reason they are not able to break the fast on Dwadashi during Prana time, then drinking water to signify the breaking of the fast is advised. Later, food can be eaten as per convenience.

Shravana Putrada Vrat (Fast) Benefits

• Observing Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat pleases Lord Vishnu/Shridhar.
• It is recommended to be observed by couples who are facing challenges in conceiving a child. Observing this Vrat blesses with a son.
• Shravana Putrada Vrat, when observed perfectly alleviates miseries, suffering, strife and brings abundance in all aspects of life and bestows a happy contented life.
• Observing Ekadashi Vrat relieves devotees of sins and paves the path to Moksha.
• This auspicious day of Ekadashi offers an opportunity for the devotees to focus only in Lord Shridhar/Vishnu, chant Mantras and sing His praises which helps to garner the blessings of the Lord and adds to the fruits earned by the devotee in his/her spiritual journey. Meditate while fasting to enhance spiritual awareness.
• Observing complete fast on Ekadashi detoxifies the body and rejuvenates the energies of the devotees.
• The Shravan Putrada Ekadashi Vrat is a potent way to garner the abundant blessings of Goddess Laxmi and Tulsiji.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (pooja Procedure)

The Shravana Putrada Ekadashi or Pavitropana Ekadashi is presided by Lord Shridhar (Vishnu). Worshipping Him on this auspicious day brings a benevolent blessing. Tulsi leaves or branches are an important offering for the Ekadashi Puja. In this Ekadashi Puja offering Padma (Lotus) to Goddess Laxmi brings more grace. Goddess Laxmi also symbolizes fertility.

• Early in the morning on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi after taking bath, the devotee should take the Sankalp of observing the Vrat/fast.
• Worship Lord Shridhar, by lighting Ghee lamp, offering Tulsi branch, fresh flowers. Apply Chandan/Kesar Tilak on the image/Idol.
• The Shaligram Shila should be worshipped by conducting Abhishek with Tulsi, Water and Panchamrit (mix of fresh Cow's milk, Honey, Curd, Ghee, Sugar), apply Chandan Tilak on the Shaligram, on this auspicious day, if the sacred stone is at home.
• On this day Goddess Laxmi (consort of Lord Vishnu) and Tulsiji is worshipped too.
• Offer Bhog to Lord Vishnu in your Puja Alter or the special Alter which can be created on a Chowki for this day.
• Chant Lord Vishnu/Shridhar Mantras, sing His praise and perform Aarti.
• Stay in a spiritual mode throughout the day and night. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered meritorious on this day. Sleeping during day is prohibited.
• In the evening perform Aarti, preferably along with family members.
• Stay awake at night and chant Mantras and sing Bhajan/Kirtan for Lord Shridhar(Vishnu).
• On Dwadashi, in the morning worship Lord Vishnu, offer Bhog, Tulsi leaves, flowers and thank Him for helping to observe the Vrat successfully.
• The devotee can break the fast along with family and friends during Prana time.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Puja Benefits

Worshipping Lord Vishnu's Shridhar form on Shravan Putrada Ekadashi or Pavitra Ekadashi/ Pavitropana Ekadashi, fulfils the wish of having an offspring and other desires. Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Puja brings peace, good health, good fortune, good luck, material contentment, worldly pleasures, spiritual progress, righteous living, harmonious relationships among family members, joy, abundance and invincible protection of Divine Lord. It also brings Goddess Laxmi's abundant blessings.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Mantra

On Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Lord Vishnu/Krishna Mantras are popularly chanted.

ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं ग्लौं देवकीसुत गोविन्द वासुदेव जगत्पते देहि मे तनयं कृष्ण त्वामहं शरणं गतः ।

(Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Gloum Devakisut Govinda Vasudev Jagatpate Dehi Me Tanayam Krishna Twamaham Sharanam Gatah)

Meaning:
O Lord Krishna, son of Devaki and Govinda, Lord of the universe, Grant me a son, O Krishna, I surrender unto You.