Ekadashi Today: Paush Putrada Ekadashi Vrat katha

Ekadashi Today: Paush Putrada Ekadashi Vrat katha

Arjuna bowed at the feet of Shri Krishna and reverently prayed, “O Madhusudan! Now please narrate the significance of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Paush. What is the name of this Ekadashi? What is its procedure? Which deity is worshipped on this day? Kindly answer all my questions in detail.”

In response to Arjuna’s questions, Shri Krishna said, “O Arjuna! The name of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of Paush month is Putrada Ekadashi. Its observance should be performed according to the procedure I have explained earlier. On this day, Lord Shri Hari should be worshipped. There is no other fast in this world as virtuous as the Putrada Ekadashi fast. The merit earned from this fast blesses the devotee with piety, wisdom, and prosperity. Let me narrate to you the legend associated with this Ekadashi; listen to it with devotion:

In ancient times, there was a king named Suketuman who ruled in the city of Bhadravati. He did not have any children. His wife’s name was Shaivya. The childlessness of the king deeply troubled his mind, as he wondered who would perform his last rites and offer oblations to his ancestors after him. His ancestors, too, were distressed and lamented that no one would offer them oblations after Suketuman. Despite being surrounded by relatives, his kingdom, elephants, horses, and other wealth, the king was unsatisfied because he was childless. Without a son, one cannot repay debts to their ancestors and gods. Thus, the king spent day and night in anguish over this thought.

One day, overwhelmed by his worries, he felt so sorrowful that he contemplated giving up his life. However, he reflected that committing suicide was a great sin, so he dismissed this thought from his mind. One day, immersed in these thoughts, he mounted his horse and set out towards the forest.

As the king rode his horse, he began observing the forest, the birds, and the trees. He saw deer, tigers, lions, monkeys, and other creatures roaming in the forest. He saw an elephant wandering with its calves and female elephants. In the forest, the king also noticed jackals howling harshly in some places and peacocks dancing with their families in others. Seeing these sights in the forest, the king became even more distressed, lamenting his lack of children. Lost in such thoughts, the afternoon passed.

He began to ponder, “I have performed numerous sacrifices and offered delicious food to Brahmins, yet why am I afflicted with this sorrow? What is the reason behind this? Whom shall I share my grief with? Who can resolve my distress?”

Lost in his thoughts, the king felt thirsty and began searching for water. After wandering for some distance, he came across a lake adorned with blooming lotuses. Cranes, swans, crocodiles, and other aquatic creatures were joyfully engaged in water sports. Around the lake, hermitages of sages were situated. Suddenly, the king felt his right limbs twitch, which he considered an auspicious omen. Feeling delighted, the king dismounted from his horse and bowed before the sages sitting by the lake.

The sages said, “O King! We are greatly pleased with you. Tell us your wish, and we shall fulfill it.”

The king inquired, “O revered sages! Who are you, and why are you residing here?”

The sages replied, “O King! Today is Putrada Ekadashi, which grants a noble son to those who desire progeny. Five days from today is the Magha Snan (sacred bath in the month of Magha), and we have come here to bathe in this lake.”

Also Read | Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Vrat 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance