Putradā Ekādaśī (Pauṣa)
Purāṇic Glories & Sacred Lore · Pauṣa · Śukla Pakṣa
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa
Revealing transcendental glories
King Yudhiṣṭhira
Seeking liberation for all beings
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः
oṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
The Legend of Putradā Ekādaśī (Pauṣa)
The sacred Purāṇic dialogue between Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and King Yudhiṣṭhira revealing the transcendental glories and vows of this holy vrata.
Liberation from accumulated sins and attainment of Viṣṇuloka.
The Blessing of King Suketuman (Pauṣa Putradā Ekādaśī)
King Yudhiṣṭhira asked Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa:
“O Lord of all grace! Which Ekādaśī arrives in the bright fortnight of the month of Pauṣa (December–January)? What is its name, and how does it comfort those who long for children?”
Lord Kṛṣṇa replied with deep tenderness:
“O King! This holy day is named Pauṣa Putradā Ekādaśī—the giver of righteous children and the protector of lineages. In ancient times, King Suketuman and Queen Śaibyā experienced the miraculous grace of this day. Listen to their heartwarming story.”
The Sorrow of King Suketuman
In the ancient city of Bhadrāvatī, there ruled a virtuous king named Suketuman and his loving queen, Śaibyā. The king ruled with justice, and the queen served all with kindness. Yet, a deep sorrow overshadowed their lives: they had no child.
As the king grew older, sorrow weighed upon him. He thought: ‘Without an heir, who will offer loving water to our ancestors? When I depart, my lineage will be empty.’ Overcome by grief, the king rode out into the deep forest, seeking quiet and solace amidst nature.
The Holy Lake of the Viśvedevas
Wandering through the quiet wilderness, King Suketuman reached a beautiful, sunlit lake adorned with red and white lotuses. Swans glided across the clear waters, and the air was filled with sweet birdsong.
On the banks of the lake sat a group of venerable sages deeply absorbed in meditation. The king approached them with deep humility, prostrating before them and washing their holy feet.
The sages opened their radiant eyes and smiled: ‘O King, we are the ten Viśvedevas. We have come to this holy lake for our sacred bath. Your humility pleases us. What sorrow troubles your noble heart?’
King Suketuman folded his hands with tears in his eyes: ‘O revered masters! I have everything in life, but I am childless. My heart longs for a son to carry forward our family’s service to God and society. Please bless me.‘
The Sacred Promise
The sages smiled with profound fatherly love and said:
‘Today is the auspicious bright eleventh day of the month of Pauṣa—Pauṣa Putradā Ekādaśī! Observe a peaceful fast today with pure faith. Worship Lord Nārāyaṇa with love and pray for a child. By our blessings and the merit of this sacred day, your prayer will be answered.’
King Suketuman immediately observed the fast on the banks of the lake, remaining in prayer with the sages throughout the night. On Dvādaśī morning, he took their blessings and returned to his palace.
In due course, Queen Śaibyā gave birth to a radiant and noble prince, who grew up to be a wise, compassionate, and heroic king, bringing endless joy to his parents and subjects.
How to Observe Putrada Pausha Ekādaśī
- Morning Prayer for Family: Begin the morning with a peaceful bath and pray for the health, wisdom, and longevity of your children and family.
- Worship of Lord Nārāyaṇa: Offer fresh flowers, incense, and lamps to Lord Viṣṇu.
- Gentle Fasting: Observe a peaceful fast suited to your strength.
- Night Vigil: Spend the evening reading sacred stories or chanting the holy names.
- Dvādaśī Pāraṇā: Next morning on Dvādaśī, offer sweets or food to children and break your fast within the morning window.
Source: Padma Purāṇa, Uttara Khaṇḍa, Chapter 44, ‘Putradā Ekādaśī Mahātmyam’. Translated and retold in classical devotional prose for contemplation and daily observance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Putrada Ekadasi?
- Putrada Ekadasi is the ekādaśī tithi, the eleventh lunar day, of the waxing fortnight (śukla pakṣa) of Pauṣa. Its name signifies "the giver of progeny". Like every Ekadasi, it is observed by fasting and remembrance of Lord Viṣṇu. The sacred narrative and transcendental fruits (phalaśruti) of Putrada are preserved in Purāṇas.
- When is Putrada Ekadasi observed?
- Putrada Ekadasi falls on the ekādaśī tithi of the waxing fortnight of Pauṣa in the Hindu lunar calendar. The exact Gregorian date varies each year because the lunar calendar shifts relative to the solar year. Smārta and Vaiṣṇava observers occasionally fast on different civil days when the tithi spans two sunrises; see the timings table above for your locality's exact window.
- Who is worshipped on Putrada Ekadasi?
- Putrada Ekadasi, like all Ekadasis, is dedicated to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa / Mahāviṣṇu. Traditional devotional observances include chanting the Viṣṇu-sahasranāma, reading the corresponding chapter from Purāṇas, hearing the sacred katha, and meditating on the divine holy names.
- What is the spiritual fruit (phalaśruti) of observing Putrada Ekadasi?
- Canonical scriptures declare that observing Putrada Ekadasi bestows: Liberation from accumulated sins and attainment of Viṣṇuloka.. Across all sacred Ekadasis, the fast purifies consciousness, dissolves karmic impressions, and elevates the soul toward spiritual liberation.
- How is Putrada Ekadasi observed?
- A complete observance begins the prior evening (Daśamī) with a light sattvic meal, followed by a dedicated fast on Ekadasi day. Devotees may observe nirjala (without water), phalahāra (fruits, milk, and water), or a single sattvic meal according to physical capacity. Grains, rice, wheat, beans, onion, and garlic are strictly avoided. The fast concludes on Dvādaśī morning during the designated pāraṇa window with sacred Caraṇāmṛta and Tulasī.
- What is the difference between Smārta and Vaiṣṇava observance of Putrada Ekadasi?
- On most occasions, both traditions observe the fast on the identical date. A variation occurs during an atirikta Ekādaśī when the tithi spans two consecutive sunrises. Smārtas fast on the first day (Viddhā), while Vaiṣṇavas observe the fast on the subsequent morning (Śuddhā), ensuring adherence to Dvādaśī touching sunrise.