Putrada
Ekadashi 2026
Putrada
Ekadashi, also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi and Pavitra
Ekadashi, is an important Ekadashi dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is
observed on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi Tithi) of Shukla Paksha during
the Hindu month of Shravana.
The
word Putrada means "giver of sons". According to Hindu
tradition, couples who sincerely observe this Ekadashi Vrat and worship Lord
Vishnu are believed to receive His blessings for progeny.
Putrada
Ekadashi 2026 Date
Putrada
Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The
festival falls during Shravana Shukla Paksha and is considered an
auspicious day for devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Significance
of Putrada Ekadashi
Putrada
Ekadashi is traditionally associated with the desire for children and family
prosperity. Devotees, particularly those wishing to have children, observe
the vrat with faith and devotion.
According
to the Bhavishya Purana, the significance of this Ekadashi was explained
by Lord Sri Krishna to King Yudhishthira.
Apart
from the traditional belief regarding progeny, devotees observe the fast
seeking Lord Vishnu's blessings, spiritual purification and liberation
(moksha).
Putrada
Ekadashi Vrat
Devotees
observe the customary rules associated with Ekadashi fasting on this
day. Depending on their health, age and family tradition, devotees may observe
different forms of fasting.
The
observance generally includes:
- Fasting on
Ekadashi
- Worshipping
Lord Vishnu
- Visiting
Vishnu temples
- Chanting
Vishnu mantras
- Reading or
listening to Vishnu-related scriptures
- Performing
charity
- Maintaining
spiritual discipline throughout the day
Some
devotees also observe Jagaran, remaining awake throughout the night
while praying and chanting devotional hymns.
Charity
on Putrada Ekadashi
Charitable
activities are considered an important part of Putrada Ekadashi.
It
is regarded as especially auspicious to feed poor children and elderly
people on this sacred day. Devotees may also offer food, clothes and other
necessities to those in need.
Charity
performed with sincerity and compassion is traditionally considered a way of
earning spiritual merit.
Putrada
Ekadashi Story
The
story associated with Putrada Ekadashi is connected with King Mahijit.
King
Mahijit's Sorrow
King
Mahijit was a powerful and successful ruler. Despite his prosperity and
victories, he was deeply troubled because he had no children.
The
absence of an heir became a constant source of sorrow for the king. He was also
worried about who would perform the traditional rites for him and honour his
ancestors after his death.
The
king performed numerous charitable acts and conducted various homas, yagnas
and yagas, but his desire for a child remained unfulfilled.
Eventually,
he sought the guidance of Sage Lomasa.
Sage
Lomasa Reveals the Cause
Sage
Lomasa was believed to possess the ability to perceive events of the past,
present and future. After hearing the king's story, the sage entered meditation
to discover the reason behind his childlessness.
The
sage learned that King Mahijit had been a merchant in his previous birth.
During
one journey, the merchant became extremely thirsty and went in search of water.
When he reached a lake, he saw a cow and its calf drinking water.
Because
of his own thirst, he drove the cow and calf away and drank the water himself.
According
to the legend, this act of preventing the thirsty cow and calf from drinking
water became a sin that affected his next birth.
Sage
Lomasa's Advice
Sage
Lomasa advised King Mahijit and his wife to observe the Pavitra Ekadashi
Vrat, now popularly known as Putrada Ekadashi, with devotion.
The
king and his wife followed the sage's instructions and observed the Ekadashi
fast sincerely.
According
to the legend, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, their wish was eventually
fulfilled and they were blessed with a healthy and handsome son.
The
story highlights the importance traditionally attached to compassion, charity,
devotion and observing Ekadashi with sincerity.
Spiritual
Importance of Putrada Ekadashi
Putrada
Ekadashi is not only associated with the desire for children. The observance
also emphasises the importance of devotion, self-control, charity and
spiritual purification.
Devotees
believe that sincerely observing the vrat can help remove negative influences,
strengthen one's devotion to Lord Vishnu and ultimately lead towards spiritual
liberation.
How
to Observe Putrada Ekadashi
Devotees
can observe Putrada Ekadashi according to their family traditions and personal
circumstances.
A
traditional observance may include:
1. Take
a bath and begin the day with prayers.
2. Worship
Lord Vishnu with flowers, fruits and other offerings.
3. Observe
the Ekadashi fast according to one's capacity.
4. Chant
the names or mantras of Lord Vishnu.
5. Visit
a Vishnu temple if possible.
6. Listen
to or read stories associated with Ekadashi.
7. Feed
poor children and elderly people.
8. Perform
charity.
9. Some
devotees observe night-long Jagaran with prayers and devotional songs.
10. Complete
the vrat according to the prescribed Dwadashi observance and one's family
tradition.
Those
who cannot undertake a strict fast should follow a suitable form of fasting
based on their health and traditional practice.
Putrada
Ekadashi 2026 – Quick Information
|
Details |
Information |
|
Festival |
Putrada
Ekadashi |
|
Other
Names |
Pavitropana
Ekadashi, Pavitra Ekadashi |
|
Year |
2026 |
|
Date |
August
23, 2026 |
|
Tithi |
Shukla
Paksha Ekadashi |
|
Hindu
Month |
Shravana |
|
Dedicated
To |
Lord
Vishnu |
|
Main
Practice |
Ekadashi
Vrat |
|
Important
Activities |
Vishnu
Puja, Temple Visit, Charity |
|
Traditional
Belief |
Blessings
for progeny and spiritual merit |
Frequently
Asked Questions
When
is Putrada Ekadashi in 2026?
Putrada
Ekadashi will be observed on August 23, 2026.
Who
is worshipped on Putrada Ekadashi?
Devotees
worship Lord Vishnu on Putrada Ekadashi and observe the Ekadashi Vrat
seeking His blessings.
Why
is Putrada Ekadashi important?
Putrada
Ekadashi is traditionally associated with the blessing of progeny.
Devotees also observe the vrat for spiritual purification, devotion and
liberation.
What
are the other names of Putrada Ekadashi?
Putrada
Ekadashi is also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi and Pavitra Ekadashi.
Can
unmarried people observe Putrada Ekadashi?
Yes.
Ekadashi is a devotional observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and people may
observe it according to their spiritual traditions and personal circumstances.
What
should devotees donate on Putrada Ekadashi?
Devotees
can offer food and other necessities to poor people. Feeding children
and elderly people is traditionally considered particularly auspicious on this
day.
Who
narrated the significance of Putrada Ekadashi?
According
to the traditional account in the Bhavishya Purana, Lord Sri Krishna
narrated the significance of the vrat to King Yudhishthira.
Who
was King Mahijit?
King
Mahijit was a prosperous and victorious ruler who was childless. According to
the Putrada Ekadashi legend, he observed the vrat on the advice of Sage Lomasa
and was eventually blessed with a son.
Conclusion
Putrada
Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on August 23.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this sacred Ekadashi is traditionally associated with
prayers for progeny, family well-being and spiritual progress.
Devotees
observe the Ekadashi Vrat, visit Vishnu temples, perform prayers and charity,
and some undertake night-long devotional observances. The inspiring story of King
Mahijit and Sage Lomasa emphasises the importance of devotion, compassion
and righteous conduct.
For devotees following the Vaishnava tradition, Putrada Ekadashi is an important opportunity to worship Lord Vishnu with faith and devotion and seek His divine blessings.