Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is one of the sacred Ekadashi observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It falls during the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of the Moon, in the Hindu month of Shravana. The word “Putrada” literally means “giver of a child” or “bestower of progeny,” and traditionally this Ekadashi has been considered especially significant for couples praying for the blessing of children.
However, the spiritual significance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi goes much beyond the desire for a child. Like other Ekadashi fasts, it is also associated with devotion to Lord Vishnu, self-control, purification of the mind, prayer, charity and spiritual discipline.
The traditional Vrat Katha of this Ekadashi tells the story of King Mahijit of Mahishmati, who had no child despite being a righteous ruler. His subjects approached the sage Lomasha for guidance, and the observance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi became the turning point in the king’s story.
When is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi in 2026? Why is it celebrated? Who should observe it? What is the complete story of King Mahijit? How should Lord Vishnu be worshipped? What can be eaten during the fast? When should the fast be broken? And is this Ekadashi only for couples who want children?
Here is a complete guide to Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026.
In India, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi will primarily be observed on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
It falls on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shravana Shukla Paksha.
In some Vaishnava traditions, the observance may fall on Monday, August 24, 2026, due to the specific rules used for Vaishnava Ekadashi and Vanjuli Mahadwadashi.
Ekadashi dates and Parana timings are determined according to the lunar Tithi, sunrise and specific religious rules. Therefore, devotees should always check the Panchang for their own city before beginning the fast or deciding the Parana time.
There are generally two Ekadashis in every lunar month—one during Krishna Paksha and another during Shukla Paksha.
The Ekadashi falling during the Shukla Paksha of the Shravana month is known as Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.
It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
“Putra” traditionally means son or child, while “Da” means giver. Therefore, Putrada can be understood as “the one that blesses with progeny.”
Historically, the traditional narratives particularly speak of the desire for a son because of the social and religious customs of earlier periods. In a modern devotional context, however, the observance can be understood more inclusively as a prayer for healthy children, parenthood, family happiness and the welfare of future generations, without preference for the gender of the child.
The main traditional belief associated with Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is that couples who sincerely worship Lord Vishnu and observe the fast may pray for the blessing of progeny.
At the same time, Ekadashi itself is considered an important day of spiritual discipline in Vaishnava traditions.
Worship of Lord Vishnu Prayer for progeny Family happiness Spiritual purification Self-control Charity and compassion Reduction of worldly attachments Prayer for peace and prosperity Development of devotion and faith
The deeper idea behind an Ekadashi fast is not simply to stop eating. It is to temporarily reduce worldly distractions and turn one's attention toward prayer, contemplation and spiritual discipline.
The name of this Ekadashi is directly connected with its traditional Vrat Katha.
According to the legend, King Mahijit had no child and was deeply distressed because he had no heir.
Following the guidance of Sage Lomasha, the people of his kingdom observed the Shravana Shukla Ekadashi fast and dedicated the spiritual merit of the observance to their king.
The queen subsequently conceived and gave birth to a son.
Because the Ekadashi became associated with the blessing of progeny, it came to be known as Putrada Ekadashi.
An important fact that many people do not know is that Putrada Ekadashi occurs twice in a year.
One is observed during Paush Shukla Paksha, usually falling in December or January.
The second is observed during Shravana Shukla Paksha, usually falling in July or August.
The latter is known specifically as Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.
In some traditions, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is also known as Pavitra Ekadashi or Pavitropana Ekadashi.
The relative popularity of the two Putrada Ekadashis can differ by region and religious tradition.
Lord Vishnu is the principal deity worshipped on Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.
Devotees may worship Lord Vishnu in any of His revered forms, according to their family or spiritual tradition.
Many devotees also worship Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Vishnu, praying for peace, harmony and prosperity in the household.
Tulsi holds special importance in Vishnu worship and is commonly offered during the puja where permitted by one's tradition.
The traditional story of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is narrated as a dialogue in which Arjuna asks Lord Krishna about the significance of the Ekadashi falling during the Shukla Paksha of Shravana.
Lord Krishna then narrates the story of King Mahijit.
According to the traditional account, there was once a prosperous kingdom called Mahishmati.
The kingdom was ruled by King Mahijit.
King Mahijit was regarded as a righteous ruler who cared for his subjects and performed his responsibilities sincerely.
His kingdom had prosperity and his subjects respected him.
Despite possessing wealth, power and a prosperous kingdom, however, the king remained unhappy.
The reason for his sorrow was that he had no child.
For a king in ancient times, having no heir was not only a personal concern but also a question of succession and the future stability of the kingdom.
King Mahijit became increasingly distressed.
He began wondering why he remained childless despite attempting to live a righteous life.
King Mahijit eventually called his ministers, priests and respected members of the kingdom.
He explained his sorrow to them.
According to the traditional narrative, the king said that he had tried to follow Dharma. He had not knowingly taken another person's wealth unjustly, had cared for his subjects and had attempted to rule fairly.
He therefore could not understand why he had remained without a child.
The king's words deeply affected his ministers and subjects.
They respected their ruler and wanted to find a solution to his suffering.
After discussion, they decided to seek guidance from spiritually accomplished sages.
The king's ministers and other representatives left the kingdom and travelled into the forest.
There they encountered sages engaged in spiritual practices.
Eventually, they met the great Sage Lomasha.
Lomasha Rishi was regarded as a spiritually advanced sage possessing great wisdom.
The representatives respectfully bowed before him and explained why they had come.
They told the sage about King Mahijit, describing him as a righteous and compassionate ruler.
They explained that despite his virtues, the king had no child and was deeply unhappy.
They requested Sage Lomasha to reveal the reason for the king's situation and suggest a spiritual remedy.
According to the Vrat Katha, Sage Lomasha entered a state of meditation and perceived the karmic reason behind the king's childlessness.
He explained that the cause was connected with an action performed by King Mahijit in a previous birth.
In that earlier birth, the king had been a merchant.
One day, while travelling, the merchant became extremely thirsty.
He found a pond and approached it to drink water.
At the same time, a cow and her calf had also come to the water.
Driven by his intense thirst, the merchant prevented or displaced the thirsty cow and calf and drank first.
Although this might appear to be a relatively small action, the traditional story presents it as an act lacking compassion toward vulnerable, thirsty creatures.
According to the karmic interpretation of the Vrat Katha, this act became the cause of the difficulty the king experienced in his later birth.
The story is therefore not merely about obtaining a child. It also teaches the importance of compassion, kindness and sensitivity toward other living beings.
After explaining the reason, Sage Lomasha gave the king's representatives a solution.
He told them about the sacred Shravana Shukla Putrada Ekadashi.
He advised them to observe the Ekadashi fast with devotion, worship Lord Vishnu, remain spiritually disciplined and perform the associated religious observances.
Most importantly, the sage instructed them to dedicate the merit of their observance to King Mahijit.
The ministers and subjects thanked the sage and returned to Mahishmati.
When Shravana Shukla Ekadashi arrived, the people followed Sage Lomasha's instructions.
They observed the Putrada Ekadashi fast and worshipped Lord Vishnu with devotion.
Traditional accounts also mention night vigil or Jagaran as part of the observance.
On Dwadashi, they dedicated the spiritual merit or Punya of their Ekadashi observance to King Mahijit.
According to the Vrat Katha, as a result of this accumulated merit and divine grace, the queen conceived.
After the appropriate period, she gave birth to a healthy and radiant son.
King Mahijit's sorrow came to an end and the kingdom rejoiced.
Because of this story, Shravana Shukla Ekadashi became famous as Putrada Ekadashi.
The story traditionally teaches that sincere devotion, compassion and spiritual merit can transform a person's life.
It is easy to interpret the story only as a promise of childbirth, but its spiritual message is broader.
King Mahijit's story revolves around karma, compassion, collective prayer and spiritual transformation.
The action described from his previous birth involved denying water to another living being when it was thirsty.
Water is essential for life.
The story therefore teaches that even when we are focused on our own needs, we should not completely ignore the suffering of others.
Another beautiful aspect of the story is that the king's subjects observed the fast for him.
This represents the idea of selfless prayer for another person's welfare.
Thus, the story combines personal responsibility with compassion and collective goodwill.
The puja can be performed at home with devotion. Elaborate arrangements are not necessary.
Ekadashi discipline traditionally begins from Dashami, the previous day.
Devotees may eat simple and sattvic food and avoid grains later according to their tradition.
One should also try to maintain calmness and avoid anger, unnecessary arguments and harmful behaviour.
Wake up early in the morning, preferably before or around sunrise.
Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
Clean the puja area.
Sit before Lord Vishnu and take a sincere Sankalp to observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi according to your physical capacity.
Those praying for parenthood may express their wish respectfully before the deity.
Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu in the puja area.
Light a diya and incense.
Flowers Fruits Tulsi leaves Sandalwood Incense Diya Panchamrit where customary Sweets or fasting-compatible offerings 5. Chant Vishnu Mantras
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
Devotees may chant it 11, 21 or 108 times according to their capacity.
The name of Lord Vishnu may also be repeated throughout the day.
Reading or listening to the story of King Mahijit and Sage Lomasha is an important devotional part of the observance.
The purpose of Ekadashi is not merely dietary restriction.
Vishnu worship Mantra chanting Meditation Reading sacred literature Bhajan and Kirtan Charity Helping someone in need 8. Night Vigil
Some devotees observe Jagaran, remaining awake at night while remembering Lord Vishnu through prayer, bhajans and sacred reading.
This depends upon health and personal capacity and should not be forced.
Ekadashi fasting practices differ across families and traditions.
Fresh fruits Milk Curd Nuts Coconut Potatoes Sweet potatoes Singhara Sabudana Certain fasting preparations permitted by one's tradition
Some traditions also use Samak rice and Kuttu flour, while practices regarding these items can vary.
The most widely observed Ekadashi restriction is the avoidance of grains and pulses.
Rice Wheat Regular flour Lentils Beans Chickpeas Grain-based foods
Many devotees also avoid onion, garlic, meat, fish, eggs and alcohol as part of maintaining a sattvic observance.
The exact rules can differ according to Sampradaya and family tradition.
Not everyone has to observe the same level of fasting.
Traditional forms include fasting only with water, consuming milk-based foods, taking fruits, or eating one permitted fasting meal.
The level of fasting should be selected according to one's health, age and physical capacity.
A person should not harm their health in an attempt to perform a stricter fast.
Pregnant women, children, elderly people, people with diabetes or other medical conditions, and those taking regular medication should prioritise medical requirements and professional advice.
Spiritual devotion is not measured simply by how long someone remains without food.
Parana means breaking the Ekadashi fast.
The fast is traditionally broken on Dwadashi, the day after Ekadashi, during the prescribed Parana period.
Traditional Ekadashi rules state that Parana should generally be performed after sunrise and within Dwadashi Tithi, while avoiding Hari Vasara.
Hari Vasara refers to the first quarter of Dwadashi and is generally avoided for breaking the fast.
Because sunrise and Tithi timings depend upon geographical location, Parana time must be checked for the devotee's city.
This is particularly important for people strictly following traditional Ekadashi rules.
After completing morning prayers on Dwadashi, the fast may be broken during the appropriate Parana period.
The method differs by tradition.
Many devotees begin with water, Tulsi-associated Prasad, fruit or a simple sattvic meal.
Heavy overeating immediately after a long fast should be avoided.
No.
Although the Vrat Katha particularly associates this Ekadashi with the blessing of progeny, any devotee of Lord Vishnu may observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.
Healthy children Family harmony Spiritual growth Peace of mind Protection of children Wisdom Devotion to Lord Vishnu Strength to overcome harmful habits General family well-being
Parents may also pray for the health, character, education and spiritual well-being of their existing children.
Yes.
A couple praying for parenthood may observe the Ekadashi together if both wish to do so.
They may jointly perform Vishnu Puja, read the Vrat Katha and pray for a healthy child and harmonious family life.
However, there is no requirement that both partners must fast for the prayer to have spiritual meaning.
Traditional texts and stories use the language of obtaining a son, reflecting the social and ritual structures of earlier periods.
Today, it is important to understand this in an inclusive and responsible manner.
A child's value does not depend on gender.
Therefore, modern devotees may approach Putrada Ekadashi as a prayer for the blessing of a healthy child, safe parenthood and family happiness, rather than as a ritual for preferring a male child over a female child.
Because the festival concerns progeny, people sometimes connect it with astrological questions related to childbirth.
In Vedic astrology, matters of children are traditionally studied primarily through the 5th house, its lord, Jupiter as a natural significator associated with children, relevant planetary influences, divisional charts where applicable, and planetary Dashas.
However, no single planetary position should be used to declare that someone will or will not have children.
Astrology should also never replace medical evaluation for fertility or reproductive concerns.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi can be observed as a spiritual practice and prayer, but it should not be presented as a guaranteed medical treatment for infertility.
Faith and medical care can be approached responsibly without confusing the roles of the two.
Charity is considered a meaningful part of many Hindu religious observances.
On Putrada Ekadashi, devotees may donate according to their capacity.
Feed someone in need Donate food Help children in need Support education Assist elderly people Care for animals Donate clothes or essential items
The story of King Mahijit itself highlights compassion toward living beings, making acts of kindness particularly meaningful in the spirit of the festival.
Anger Harsh speech Dishonesty Unnecessary arguments Intoxicants Violence Disrespect toward others Excessive indulgence Deliberately harming living beings
The purpose is to purify both food and behaviour.
A person who fasts from food but spends the entire day in anger, conflict or harmful behaviour misses an important part of the spiritual meaning of Ekadashi.
At its deepest level, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi teaches that spiritual practice should transform behaviour.
The story of King Mahijit begins with a karmic lesson about compassion.
It then moves toward collective prayer, devotion and correction.
The king's people do not merely complain about his problem—they seek wisdom and perform a selfless spiritual act for his welfare.
Compassion: Do not ignore another living being's suffering.
Karma: Actions have consequences.
Devotion: Turn toward the Divine with sincerity rather than fear.
Selflessness: Prayer and good actions performed for others also have spiritual value.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is a sacred Vishnu observance that combines devotion, fasting, compassion, family prayer and spiritual discipline.
In 2026, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi will primarily be observed in India on Sunday, August 23, while certain Vaishnava traditions observe it on the following day according to their Ekadashi rules.
The traditional Vrat Katha of King Mahijit, his previous-life action, Sage Lomasha and the collective fast performed by the king's subjects explains why this Ekadashi became associated with the blessing of progeny.
Yet its message goes beyond childbirth.
The festival teaches that devotion should be accompanied by compassion, that our actions matter, and that spiritual discipline is not merely about avoiding food—it is also about controlling anger, harmful behaviour and selfishness.
Couples may pray for the blessing of a healthy child, parents may pray for their children's welfare, and any devotee may observe the day for spiritual growth and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Ultimately, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi reminds devotees that true religious practice combines prayer with compassion, self-control and kindness toward all living beings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. When is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi in 2026?
In India, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi will primarily be observed on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Vaishnava observance can fall on Monday, August 24, 2026, depending on applicable Panchang rules.
Lord Vishnu is the principal deity worshipped on this Ekadashi. Goddess Lakshmi may also be worshipped with Lord Vishnu according to family tradition.
“Putrada” means one associated with the blessing of progeny. The name is linked with the traditional story of King Mahijit, whose queen conceived after the spiritual merit of the Ekadashi observance was dedicated to him.
The principal Vrat Katha concerns King Mahijit of Mahishmati. Sage Lomasha revealed a karmic reason for the king's childlessness and advised the observance of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi. The people observed the fast and dedicated its merit to the king, after which the queen conceived according to the traditional story.
Lomasha Rishi is the sage in the traditional Putrada Ekadashi story who explains the karmic cause of King Mahijit's problem and recommends the Ekadashi observance.
Yes. One Putrada Ekadashi occurs during Paush Shukla Paksha, and the other occurs during Shravana Shukla Paksha.
It is also known in some traditions as Pavitra Ekadashi or Pavitropana Ekadashi.
Yes. It is a Vishnu Ekadashi and is not restricted to married couples. Anyone may worship Lord Vishnu and observe the fast according to their faith and capacity.
Yes. Parents may pray for the health, happiness, education, character and spiritual well-being of their children.
Yes. Couples praying for parenthood may worship Lord Vishnu and observe the fast together if they wish.
Depending on family tradition, fasting foods may include fruits, milk, nuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, Sabudana and other permitted Vrat foods.
Grains and pulses are commonly avoided, including regular rice, wheat, lentils and beans. Additional restrictions vary by religious and family tradition.
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
It may be chanted according to one's devotion and capacity.
Parana is the ritual breaking of the Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi. It should be performed during the appropriate time calculated for one's location.
Yes. The level of fasting can be adapted to health and physical capacity. Devotion, prayer and self-control remain central to the observance.
Pregnant women should prioritise nutrition and medical guidance. A strict food or water fast should not be undertaken merely because of religious pressure. Prayer and Vishnu worship can be performed without compromising health.
No religious observance should be presented as a medical guarantee of pregnancy. Putrada Ekadashi is a traditional spiritual observance and prayer. Couples experiencing fertility concerns should also seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Traditional narratives use the language of a son because of historical social and ritual customs. In a modern context, devotees can appropriately pray for a healthy child and happy parenthood regardless of gender.
Food, clothes, essential items or financial assistance may be given according to one's capacity. Helping children, families in need, elderly people and other vulnerable individuals is also meaningful.
Its deeper message is that devotion should be accompanied by compassion, self-control and responsible actions. The story of King Mahijit particularly emphasises karma, kindness toward living beings, collective prayer and spiritual transformation.