Duration
24 hours (sunrise to sunrise)
Fasting Level
jalahar
Month & Paksha
Pausha · Shukla
Meaning of the Name
Putradaidentifies this Ekadashi's traditional name and devotional theme. The observance belongs to Pausha month, Shukla Paksha.
Significance
This is the most powerful Ekadashi for those seeking children. 'Putrada' specifically means 'giver of sons' but blesses with children according to divine will and family needs.
Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
The great sage Dalbhya was childless despite years of marriage. His wife was deeply saddened, and the sage performed various rituals without success. Finally, Lord Narada advised him to observe Putrada Ekadashi.
The sage and his wife observed the fast with complete faith, staying awake all night and worshipping Lord Vishnu. They donated food to Brahmins and helped other childless couples.
Within a year, they were blessed with a son who became a great sage himself. This son helped many other couples by teaching them about Putrada Ekadashi, thus continuing the divine blessing.
Food Rules
- Special prayers for children
- Worship Lord Vishnu with child-specific offerings
- Feed children and pregnant women
- Donate toys, clothes, and food for children
- Seek blessings from elderly women
- Strict grain avoidance
- No legumes or pulses
- Complete celibacy during observance
- Avoid negative thoughts about children
- Maintain hope and faith
Puja Vidhi
- 1
Step 1
Special prayers for children
- 2
Step 2
Worship Lord Vishnu with child-specific offerings
- 3
Step 3
Feed children and pregnant women
- 4
Step 4
Donate toys, clothes, and food for children
- 5
Step 5
Seek blessings from elderly women
- 6
Step 6
Visit temples with child deities
- 7
Step 7
Practice fertility-enhancing yoga and meditation
Smarta and Vaishnava Notes
HinduLab shows Smarta observance first on public calendar cards and displays Vaishnava alternates when the calculation returns a separate date. Follow your family sampradaya or local temple when their calendar differs.
Sacred Mantras
Mantra 1
पुत्रार्थं देहि मे देव सन्तानं परमेश्वर
Mantra 2
संतान गोपाल मंत्र
Mantra 3
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं ग्लौं देवकी सुत गोविन्द
Mantra 4
गर्भ रक्षा मंत्र
Chanting Guidelines: These mantras should be chanted with devotion and understanding. Begin with 108 repetitions and gradually increase. The best time for chanting is during Brahma Muhurta (before dawn).
Spiritual Benefits
Blessing of children for childless couples
Healthy pregnancy and childbirth
Protection of unborn children
Family lineage continuation
Joy and fulfillment of parenthood
Spiritual growth through family life
Related Deities
Alternative Names
Sources and tradition
How to read this Ekadashi guide
Traditional Ekadashi observances are described in Vaishnava texts and regional vrat traditions. Practices vary across sampradaya, family lineage, and local temple guidance. This article presents a general Hindu household observance, with Vaishnava notes where applicable.
Padma Purana
Uttara-khanda / Ekadashi Mahatmya / Putradā Ekādaśī, Uttara-khanda ch. 41, vv. 1-53
Supports the Pausha Shukla Putrada name and the Suketumat-Campakā son-obtaining katha.
Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda Ekadashi Mahatmya
Ekadashi Mahatmya chapters used in type-specific citation notes
Used for named Ekadashi kathas, devotional benefits, and observance context where a type page supplies chapter or verse detail.
Vaishnava and regional vrat traditions
Household, temple, and sampradaya practice
Used for practice framing such as family sampradaya, local temple guidance, and Smarta/Vaishnava distinctions.
HinduLab calculation methodology
Location-aware panchang, tithi, sunrise, and vrat timing rules
Explains how HinduLab combines astronomical calculations, Hindu calendar rules, city, timezone, sunrise, and sunset data.
HinduLab Hindu calendar and vrats source library
Editorial review, regional variation, and health disclaimer policies
Documents the trust policy used for panchang tools, vrat guides, Ekadashi rules, and health cautions.
Tradition notes
There are two Putrada Ekadashis in this taxonomy; use the month prefix to distinguish this Pausha observance. In Dhanur/Margazhi solar reckoning, Vaikuntha/Mukkoti Ekadashi may coincide with this lunar slot in some years/locations.
FAQs
When is the next Putrada Ekadashi?
For New Delhi, Delhi, India, the next calculated fasting date is 2026-08-23.
What should I eat on Putrada Ekadashi?
Avoid grains and pulses; choose Nirjala, Jalahar, Phalahari, or Anukalpa according to health and tradition.
Can Smarta and Vaishnava dates differ?
Yes. Local sunrise, tithi rules, Dwadashi availability, and sampradaya rules can create separate observance dates.
When should I do Parana for Putrada Ekadashi?
Parana is done on the next day after sunrise, preferably after Hari Vasara has ended when that timing applies. The comparison table shows the calculated Parana date and window when available.
Scientific Understanding
Modern Perspective
This Ekadashi occurs during winter when the body's hormonal cycles are naturally balanced. The season supports fertility and reproductive health through proper fasting and spiritual practices.