Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

Story of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

King Mahijit of Mahishmati was kind and generous, but he had no son, and this grief troubled him. The wise Sage Lomasha told him that in a past life he had once refused water to a thirsty cow at a pond, and that this was the reason for his childlessness. To remove it, the king and queen were to observe the Shravana Shukla Ekadashi. They kept the fast with devotion, and soon a son was born who grew into a just ruler.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

Also called Pavitropana Ekadashi. Couples wishing for a child, and parents praying for their children's wellbeing, keep this fast. There is a second Putrada Ekadashi in Pausha.

The tradition says that keeping Shravana Putrada Ekadashi gives the blessing of a worthy child. It falls in Shravana Shukla Paksha and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

How to keep Shravana Putrada Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.