Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

Putrada Ekadashi is observed two times in a year. Ekadashi during Paush Shukla Paksha and Ekadashi during Shravan Shukla Paksha are known as Putrada Ekadashi.

Paush Shukla Paksha Ekadashi currently falls in month of December or January while Shravan Shukla Paksha Ekadashi currently falls in month of July or August in English calendar. Putrada Ekadashi during Paush month is more popular in North Indian states while people in other states give more importance to Putrada Ekadashi during Shravana month.

Benefits - Hinduism gives utmost importance to rituals performed at the time of the birth and the death. Hinduism prescribes certain rituals at the time of the death which should be performed by the son only. It is believed that funeral rites should be done by the son and it is must for the liberation of the soul. The son also performs duty of performing regular Shraddha to please the soul of the dead person either on the Earth or in the Heaven.

Not conceiving a boy child becomes a misery for couples who believe in the "life after death" concept of Hinduism. It is advised that couples who wish to conceive a boy child should observe Putrada Ekadashi fasting.

Shravan Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi or Pavitra Ekadashi especially among Vaishnava community.

Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence.

Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The most preferred time to break the fast is Pratahkal. One should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna. If due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one should do it after Madhyahna.

At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.