The Story
The Bhavishya Purana narrates the story of King Suketuman of the prosperous kingdom of Bhadravati. Though righteous in every respect, the king was bereft of an heir — a sorrow that gnawed at his heart and threatened the continuity of his dharmic lineage. Neither elaborate yagnas nor pilgrimages to sacred tirthas brought him the blessing he sought.
Wandering in despair to a forest ashrama, Suketuman encountered a gathering of sages who counseled him to observe Putrada Ekadashi— the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravana. “Putrada” means “giver of sons,” and the sages declared that sincere fasting and devotion to Sriman Narayana on this day would surely grant him progeny. The king observed the vrata with unwavering faith, and in due course was blessed with a noble son who became a worthy successor to the throne.
Bhavishya Purana
“He who observes Putrada Ekadashi with devotion to Vishnu shall be blessed with worthy progeny, the continuity of lineage, and the prosperity that flows from dharmic family life.”
Sri Vaishnava Significance
In the Vedic tradition, progeny is not valued for worldly continuity alone but as the means by which Bhagavad Kainkaryam— service to the Lord — is transmitted across generations. A son or daughter raised in the Acharya parampara carries forward the lineage of devotion. Putrada Ekadashi thus represents Narayana's compassion toward the grihastha (householder) who seeks not personal glory but the perpetuation of dharma through family.
This Ekadashi falls during the sacred month of Shravana, a period already suffused with Vishnu worship, making it especially potent for those who approach the Lord with a pure heart and selfless intention.
How We Observe
Upavasa
A complete fast from sunrise on Ekadashi through sunrise on Dvadashi, with the mind absorbed in Narayana smarana.
Vishnu Puja
Special worship of Lord Vishnu with tulasi, flowers, and the chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama and Ashtakshari Mantra.
Night Vigil
Devotees remain awake through the night, reciting the Divya Prabandham and meditating upon the Lord's compassion toward families.
Dvadashi Paranam
The fast is broken on Dvadashi morning with tulasi water and prasadam, completing the vrata with gratitude.
Based on the Bhavishya Purana and the teachings of the Sri Vaishnava Acharyas. Published for educational and devotional purposes by JETNJ — Sanjeevani Jeeyar Asramam.
