The Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan is known as Putrada Ekadashi. This holy fast is believed to remove problems related to children and bring happiness to families. This year, Putrada Ekadashi will be observed on 5th August.
During this fast, devotees read the Ekadashi Vrat Katha about King Mahijit of Mahishmati City and how Muni Lomesh guided him to overcome his struggles.
The Story of King Mahijit and Putrada Ekadashi
In the Dwapar Yuga, there was a king named Mahijit who ruled Mahishmati City. Despite being a just and generous ruler, he was deeply unhappy because he had no son. He believed that without a child, life—whether on earth or in heaven—was meaningless.
The king performed many yajnas, havans, and charity works, hoping for a son, but nothing worked. As he grew older, his sorrow increased. One day, he gathered his ministers and scholars and said:
“I have never committed any sin in my life. My treasury has no wealth earned through injustice. I have never harmed temples, Brahmins, or my subjects. I rule with fairness, punish criminals, and serve saints. Yet, I remain childless. Why is this happening to me?”
The Search for a Solution
The ministers searched for wise sages who could help the king. Finally, they met Muni Lomesh, a great sage who knew the secrets of past lives. The ministers bowed before him and explained the king’s sorrow.
Muni Lomesh meditated and discovered the king’s past life. He revealed:
“In his previous birth, your king was a poor merchant. Due to poverty, he committed a grave sin. On Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, he was extremely thirsty. When he saw a cow drinking water from a pond, he pushed her away and drank the water himself. Because of this sin, he was cursed to remain childless in this life.”
The Blessing of Putrada Ekadashi
The ministers pleaded, “O Sage, please tell us how the king can be freed from this curse and be blessed with a son.”
Muni Lomesh replied:
“The Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in Shravan month is called Putrada Ekadashi. If the king observes this fast with devotion and stays awake all night in prayer, he will be blessed with a son.”
The king followed the sage’s advice and observed the Putrada Ekadashi fast with full faith. As a result, his queen became pregnant, and a bright, healthy son was born.
Why Observe Putrada Ekadashi Fast?
Blessings for children: Couples desiring a child observe this fast for divine blessings.
Removes past sins: The fast washes away sins from previous lives.
Brings salvation: Devotees who keep this fast with sincerity attain peace and liberation.
Conclusion
The Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha teaches us that faith and devotion can overcome life’s biggest challenges. By observing this sacred fast, devotees can seek happiness, prosperity, and the joy of parenthood.
This year, observe Putrada Ekadashi on 5th August and invite divine blessings into your life!
