In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi Tithi is considered highly sacred for worshipping Lord Vishnu. Each of the Ekadashis observed throughout the year has its own religious significance. However, Putrada Ekadashi, which falls during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan Maas, is particularly associated with the blessings of children, their longevity, good health and the happiness and prosperity of the family.
According to religious beliefs, observing a fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu with devotion and proper rituals on this day can help devotees seek divine blessings and fulfill their heartfelt wishes.
Shravan Maas itself is considered an auspicious month for devotion to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Shravan Putrada Ekadashi holds special significance. Observing the fast, worshipping Lord Vishnu, listening to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha and serving those in need are believed to bring spiritual merit.
According to Drik Panchang, Shravan Putrada Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 23 August 2026. The Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 2:00 AM on 23 August and end at 4:18 AM on 24 August.
In the Sanatan tradition, the Udaya Tithi, or the date on which a Tithi prevails at sunrise, is given special importance when determining fasting and festival dates. Therefore, the Shravan Putrada Ekadashi fast will be observed on 23 August 2026.
Devotees observing the fast will perform the Parana, or breaking of the fast, on the following day during Dwadashi Tithi. According to the Panchang, the Parana can be performed between 1:53 PM and 4:24 PM on 24 August 2026.
The exact fasting and Parana timings may vary slightly depending on the location and local Panchang. Devotees are therefore advised to confirm the timings according to the Panchang applicable to their region.
The word ‘Putrada’ means ‘the giver of children’. For this reason, Putrada Ekadashi is traditionally considered especially significant for couples seeking the blessing of children.
According to religious beliefs, couples who observe the fast and worship Lord Vishnu with devotion and discipline on this day may seek blessings for children and family happiness.
Along with the blessing of children, this Ekadashi is also considered auspicious for the health, longevity and well-being of children and the prosperity of the family. Devotees pray to Lord Vishnu for their children’s bright future, good health and wisdom.
The Ekadashi fast is also believed to encourage self-discipline and spiritual reflection. Through fasting, prayer and remembrance of the Divine, devotees seek to calm the mind and move towards spiritual peace.
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi is also known in some traditions as Pavitra Ekadashi. According to religious beliefs, it is regarded as an Ekadashi that helps devotees seek forgiveness, spiritual purification and divine blessings.
On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and pray for peace and happiness in their families and the protection and well-being of their children. It is traditionally believed that observing the fast with sincere devotion can help a person overcome negative karma and receive the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Shravan Maas is traditionally dedicated to Lord Shiva. Therefore, worshipping Lord Shiva along with Lord Vishnu during this sacred month is also considered spiritually beneficial by devotees.
On the day of Putrada Ekadashi, devotees traditionally wake up before sunrise, take a bath and wear clean clothes. They then remember Lord Vishnu and take a Sankalp, or sacred vow, to observe the fast.
At the place of worship, a sacred platform may be prepared and covered with a yellow cloth. An image or idol of Lord Vishnu is then placed on it. Devotees may offer Gangajal and Panchamrit, followed by yellow clothes, sandalwood paste, flowers and Akshat.
Fruits, Naivedya and a lamp are also offered during the puja. Devotees may chant Vishnu mantras, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or repeat the name of Lord Vishnu. Listening to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha and performing the Aarti are also considered auspicious.
Depending on their health and personal capacity, devotees may observe a Nirjala fast or follow a fruit-based or light fasting diet. On the following day during Dwadashi, devotees traditionally worship Lord Vishnu, offer food to a Brahmin or a person in need, make a charitable contribution according to their capacity and then perform the Parana.
In Sanatan Dharma, charity and service are considered important alongside worship and fasting. Charity does not only mean giving money. It can also involve helping someone in need through food, education, essential support or acts of service.
Annadan, or offering food to those in need, is given special importance on Ekadashi. According to traditional beliefs, feeding a hungry person is considered an act of service to God. Therefore, on this sacred occasion, devotees may offer food and support to underprivileged, destitute, specially abled and needy people.
Lord Krishna also describes Yajna, Dana and Tapas as sacred duties in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita:
yagnyadanatapahkarm na tyajyam karyamev tat|
यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत्।
yagnyo danam tapaschaiv pavanani manishinam॥
यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम्॥
This teaches that acts of sacrifice, charity and spiritual discipline should not be abandoned, as they help purify and uplift a person.
A sacred occasion such as Putrada Ekadashi can be made even more meaningful by offering food to someone in need, helping a hungry person, or bringing happiness into the life of someone facing hardship.
On this Putrada Ekadashi 2026, devotees can support the Annadan Seva initiative of Narayan Seva Sansthan, which provides food and support to underprivileged, destitute, needy and specially abled people and children.
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi reminds us of the values of self-discipline, compassion, charity and selfless service. On this sacred day, devotees can pray to Lord Vishnu for the happiness of their families and the bright future of their children while also bringing hope into the life of someone in need.
True devotion is not only about remembering God but also about developing a spirit of service towards humanity. Therefore, along with fasting, worship and prayer, make a resolve to serve others on this Putrada Ekadashi.
May the blessings of Lord Narayan bring happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being into your life and family.
Q. When will Shravan Putrada Ekadashi be observed in 2026?
A. Shravan Putrada Ekadashi will be observed on 23 August 2026.
Q. Why is the Putrada Ekadashi fast observed?
A. According to religious beliefs, the Putrada Ekadashi fast is observed to seek blessings for children, including their well-being, longevity and good health, as well as happiness and prosperity for the family.
Q. Is Putrada Ekadashi only for couples wishing to have children?
A. No. According to religious traditions, anyone can observe this fast to worship Lord Vishnu and seek blessings for family happiness, the well-being of children and the fulfillment of their sincere wishes.
Q. When is the Ekadashi fast broken?
A. The Ekadashi fast is traditionally broken on the following day during the Dwadashi Tithi. Devotees should follow the Parana timings applicable to their location and local Panchang.