Putrada Ekadashi occurs two times a year. The first one falls on Paush month and is celebrated in various Northern Indian states; on the other hand, the second one occurs in Shravan month and is celebrated throughout India. On this day, the devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a fast and worship their Supreme Lord. Even couples fast on this day without even having a drop of water. It’s believed that observing fast on this auspicious day would free the devotees from their sins. Even ISKCON temples in India celebrate this day with a great splurge. Want to know more about the importance of Putrada Ekadashi? Continue reading this post to find all the major details of this day, as well as the benefits of Ekadashi fasting.

What is the Significance of Putrada Ekadashi?

There’s a great significance of Putrada Ekadashi in Hinduism. Many people fast on this Ekadashi, as it’s considered one of the fruitful and promising days of Pausha month on Shukla Paksha.

In 2023, the Putrada Ekadashi will fall on January 2. On this holy day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu by offering fruits and prayers. Donating money and food on this day would help people to free themselves from sins while gaining wealth and good health. This fast is also beneficial for couples longing for a child.

What are the Glories of Putrada Ekadashi?

Once upon a time, Maharaj Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna, “O Lord, please tell me about the significance of Putrada Ekadashi fasting on Shukla Paksha, which Lord is worshipped on this day and what is the method to observe the fast.”

Lord Krishna then narrated the Putrada Ekadashi story to Maharaj Yudhishthira for the sake of human welfare. Putrada Ekadashi is the name given to the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in Paush month. All sins are destroyed by the fast of this Ekadashi. Therefore, one must pay attention to the Putrada Ekadashi tale.

In ancient history, Bhadravati City was ruled by a king named Suketuman. The King had no children, so he was worried that who will perform his Pind Daan when he passes away. Due to this, the King started to live a depressing life. He even started having thoughts of committing suicide. But again, he thought that suicide is considered a serious sin on earth. So, he erased this thought from his mind.

Saddened by such thoughts, the King one day started to move towards the forest on his horse. He observed the deer in the woodland. In the forest, lions, monkeys, etc. were also roaming. The King noticed that jackals were speaking hoarsely in some areas. Peacocks are dancing with their family somewhere. The King’s sadness increased as he watched these wild scenes, wondering why he doesn’t have a son.

The King began to wonder why despite making many sacrifices during his life, carrying out many good works and feeding Brahmins, he had not been blessed with a child. After being immersed in all these thoughts, the King started feeling thirsty. Riding the horse, he entered deeper into the forest. Along the way, he found a lake where crocodiles were playing in the water and lotus flowers were also blooming.

The King spotted them all and his left limbs started to twitch because he perceived them all as good omens. He then saw a nearby ashram belonging to a sage. After he bowed down to the great sages, they said that they were pleased with him and what could they do for him.

Further, the King asked them who you are and what you all doing there. The sages responded that today is the day of Putrada Ekadashi and on observing a fast on this day; a person can be blessed with a son. The King said, “But I am unfortunate because I have no son.”

All the sages said that today is Putrada Ekadashi and that you should fast. You will have a son in Lord Shri Hari’s favour. So, as per their instructions, the King fasted, sang Hare Krishna chanting and then broke his fast on the day of Dwadashi. And after submitting to the sages, he returned to his city.

By Lord Sri Hari’s grace, the queen became pregnant and nine months later the King welcomed a magnificent son into the world. As the prince grew older, he developed into an intelligent, successful, wealthy, attractive and obedient person. Therefore, everyone should follow the Putrada Ekadashi fast. Anyone who observes this fast as per instructions will undoubtedly have a son in this world; and through taking pleasure in its joys, he will eventually reach a higher planet.

Benefits of Keeping Fast on Putrada Ekadashi?

The holy texts advise followers to observe fast on this day to have children and ensure that their descendants enjoy long lives. By keeping the Shravana Putrada Ekadashi fast, one can remove barriers from their life and ensure that their offspring enjoy long lives. On this day, if you observe fast with the utmost sincerity and sing the Krishna mantra, child-related issues may be resolved. Couples must follow this fast if they want to delay having children or remain childless. When a couple of fasts are together, the fast will soon produce results. A blessing equating to the giving of several cows is bestowed upon those who read or listen to the significance and story of the fast with complete devotion.

Importance of Making Donations on Putrada Ekadashi

On Putrada Ekadasi, giving daan (donation) to the Vaishnavas, Brahmanas and poor is particularly auspicious since it lowers the donor’s karma rapidly, which will boost his life’s positive aspects.

The daan can be cash, goods, food or other items. You’ll feel good giving food to priests and the poor on this day. The devotees often prepare food without grains, offer it to the Lord and then give it to the poor on the same day, in place of giving them material items.

Conclusion

That’s how Hindus celebrate the holy day of Putrada Ekadashi. At the ISKCON temple, there’s a huge celebration on this day. Besides, this day is of great importance to couples who desire a child. They can fast on this day to be blessed with a child in the future. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. We hope that you’ll follow all the instructions and rituals of this day and Lord Vishnu will fulfil your desires.

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