Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is a highly revered Hindu fasting day, especially sacred for couples yearning for a child. In 2025, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi will be observed on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Falling during the Shravana month (usually in July or August), this Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds deep emotional and spiritual significance, particularly for parents or couples seeking progeny.
What is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi?
The word “Putrada” means “giver of sons” or progeny. So, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi literally means the Ekadashi that grants sons (or children in a broader sense) during the month of Shravana. There is another Ekadashi with the same name in the Pausha month (December–January), but the one in Shravana is more widely observed in North India. This Ekadashi is observed on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi tithi) of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Shravana.
Significance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
In Hindu tradition, a child, especially a son, is considered vital for continuing the family lineage, performing shraddha rituals for ancestors, and maintaining the family’s spiritual heritage. Hence, couples without children often turn to spiritual observances for blessings.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is observed to:
- Pray for healthy, virtuous children
- Seek blessings from Lord Vishnu for fertility and family happiness
- Clear past karmic obstacles that may be hindering childbirth
- Ensure the well-being and prosperity of existing children
The Padma Purana, one of the sacred Hindu texts, glorifies this Ekadashi as highly meritorious. ChatGPT said:
Devotees fast and stay awake the whole night in devotion to Lord Vishnu to remove sins and receive divine blessings for progeny and peace in family life.
Rituals and Observance
Observing Shravana Putrada Ekadashi involves dedication, discipline, and devotion. Here’s how it is traditionally followed:
1. Fasting
Devotees observe a strict fast starting from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on the next day (Dwadashi). There are three types of fasts:
- Nirjala (without water) – extremely strict
- Phalahar (fruit and milk only)
- Satvik food once before sunset – for those unable to fast strictly
2. Worship of Lord Vishnu
- Early morning bath and clean clothing
- Offerings of tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, incense, diyas, and fruits to Lord Vishnu
- Chanting or listening to Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita
3. Jagran (Staying Awake All Night)
Devotees often stay awake the entire night, singing bhajans and kirtans in praise of Vishnu.
4. Charity and Kindness
Devotees are encouraged to give daan (charity), especially to Brahmins or the needy. Donations can include food, clothes, money, or anything helpful.
5. Breaking the Fast (Parana)
Devotees break the fast on Dwadashi tithi after they offer food and dakshina to a Brahmin or feed the poor.
The Story of King Mahajit (The Legend Behind the Fast)
The significance of this Ekadashi is closely linked to an ancient story mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana. Here’s a short and compelling version of it:
Long ago, there lived a noble king named Mahajit, who ruled the kingdom of Mahishmati. He was a righteous, generous, and devoted king, beloved by his people. Despite having everything, wealth, prosperity, a stable reign, King Mahajit and his queen were childless, which left them deeply saddened. In search of a solution, the king invited learned sages and consulted wise astrologers. One such sage, Lomesh Muni, revealed that due to sins in his previous life, Mahajit was born childless in this life. To overcome the curse, the sage advised the king and queen to observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi with utmost devotion, fasting, praying, staying awake at night, and worshipping Lord Vishnu sincerely. The royal couple followed all the rituals diligently. Pleased with their devotion and penance, Lord Vishnu blessed them with a noble son who grew up to be a brave and wise ruler himself.
Why You Should Observe It
Whether you’re praying for children, peace in the family, or simply looking to grow spiritually, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi offers an opportunity for emotional healing, karmic cleansing, and divine connection. It’s not just about asking for something; it’s about surrendering, trusting the process, and aligning with a higher purpose.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2025 Calendar Info:
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 02:13 AM on August 9
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 12:05 AM on August 10
Parana (Breaking Fast): Morning of Sunday, August 10, 2025 after 06:00 AM (timing may vary by location)
Conclusion
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is more than a religious observance, it is an act of faith, hope, and renewal. With its focus on family, blessings, and Vishnu bhakti, it reminds us that when you surrender with love, the divine always answers. Whether you’re fasting with a desire in your heart or simply to connect spiritually, this Ekadashi has the power to bless, heal, and transform.
