shravane shuklapakshe tu putrada nama vishruta,
ekadashi vanchitada kurudhvam tadvratam janah.
(Padma Puran, Uttar Khand, 55.32)
O men, observe the Ekadashi that falls in the bright half of the month of Shravan. It is called Putrada and gives desired results.
This timeless guidance, narrated by Sri Krishna, captures the true blessing of Shravan Putrada Ekadashi. Among the 24 sacred Ekadashis observed throughout the year, this one stands out, as it falls within the sacred month of Shravan. This auspicious day also marks the official commencement of the vibrant, five-day Jhulan Yatra (Swing Festival) celebrating the loving pastimes (Lilas) of Sri Krishna and Srimati Radha Rani.
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi, also known as Pavitropan Ekadashi, is observed on the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksh (bright fortnight) in the sacred month of Shravan. The word Putrada means "giver of sons," but the Puranas reveal that the punya (merit) generated on this sacred day extends far beyond lineage alone. It heals deep karmic blockages, restores peace to struggling households, and invites Lord Vishnu's preserving grace into every corner of life.
Highlights of the Blog:
- Shravan Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
- What does Putrada Ekadashi Katha teach us?
- Auspicious Muhurat for observance of Putrada Ekadashi
- Jhulan Yatra: A celebration of Divine Love
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
(Putrada Ekadashi katha of King Mahijit)
The Uttar Khand of Padma Puran mentions the ancient katha associated with Shravan Ekadashi, which Sri Krishna narrated to King Yudhishthir. He revealed that in the Dwapar Yug, a king named Mahijit ruled over the beautiful city of Mahishmati. He was a just and noble ruler, loved by the people, feared by wrongdoers, and respected by Rishis. Yet, despite all his glory and power, he remained sad because he had no child.
With each passing year, his wish for an heir deepened into pain. One day, sitting among his ministers and subjects in the royal court, he said, "I have not committed any bad karma in this life, never taken anyone else’s wealth, never betrayed anyone's trust, protected the good, and punished the corrupt ones. Why then am I left without the joy of a child, when I have tried to walk the path of dharm all my life?
Deeply moved by their king’s suffering, his loyal ministers, brahmins, and citizens entered the dense forests to seek answers from the divine Rishis. After visiting several ashrams, they found Rishi Lomas, a supreme ascetic whose lifespan extended across cosmic ages (a single hair fell from his body only after the completion of an entire Kalpa). The sage welcomed them warmly and listened to their sorrow. Closing his eyes in deep meditation, he revealed that the king was a poor merchant in his previous life.
“One day, while travelling, the king became thirsty and reached a pond to drink some water. Just then, a cow came there with her calf. She was also thirsty and started drinking the water first. But the merchant did not wait. He pushed the cow aside and drank the water before her. This one bad karma is the reason he has no child in this life. Whatever good he enjoys now, as a king, is because of some good deed from an even earlier life.”
The people were worried. They asked Rishi Lomas for a solution. To which he asked them and the King to observe the fast of Ekadashi that comes in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Shravan. He said that anyone who observes this fast with faith is blessed with a child. The people thanked the Rishi, went back and kept the fast with full devotion. They gave the merit of this sacred fast to the king. Soon after, the queen gave birth to a healthy and brilliant son.
Since then, people keep this fast every year on this day. Those who observe it with faith are freed from their bad karma and enjoy happiness through their children.
On this day, sweet cake and custard apple are offered to Sri Hari, and footwear is donated to the needy. On the auspicious occasion of Putrada Ekadashi, you too can invite the blessings and protection of Sri Krishna, the sustainer of the universe, into your life by performing a 10-minute Medium Yagna on the Sadhana app.
What Does Putrada Ekadashi Katha Teach Us?
The Padma Puran teaches us an important lesson through this katha. When we do wrong, we often fail to realise the bad karma we are generating. Sanatan scriptures remind us that even a small mistake can bring great pain later on.
That is why mindfulness in our daily choices matters so much. The weight of bad decisions can follow us across lifetimes. Ultimately, living honestly, keeping strong faith, and remembering that hurting another person's feelings is one of the worst mistakes we can make will always keep us on the right path.
Auspicious Muhurat For Observance of Putrada Ekadashi
The muhurat and timings of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026 are as follows:
- Ekadashi Tithi begins: 02:00 AM on 23 August 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi ends: 04:18 AM on 24 August 2026
- Important Muhurta: 09:09 AM to 10:46 AM on 23 August 2026
- Parana (fast-breaking) window: 24 August 2026, after sunrise, between approximately 01:41 PM and 04:16 PM
Jhulan Yatra: A Celebration of Divine Love
(Sakhis swaying Radha Rani and Sri Krishna on a decorated swing)
The celebration of the love of Sri Krishna and Shrimati Radha Rani in the auspicious month of Shravan, which is dedicated to Lord Shiv, makes this Ekadashi all the more important for the devotees. The festival honours divine leelas (pastimes) mentioned in the Sanatan scriptures such as the Shrimad Bhagavatam, Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, and Ved Vyasa’s Harivamsa.
According to traditional texts, during the monsoon month of Shravan, Radha Rani’s sakhis (close friends) used to hang a beautifully decorated jhula (swing) from a large Kadamb tree near the Yamuna River. They lovingly seated Srimati Radha Rani and Sri Krishna together on the swing. Taking turns, the friends gently pushed the swing, sang sweet monsoon songs, and offered them fresh fruits and delicious treats.
For devotees, this festival symbolises seva (intimate service) and samarpan (devotion). By pulling the decorated rope of the swing in temples today, in the Sakhya Bhav, the devotees feel they are serving Srimati Radha Rani and Sri Krishna directly. Jhulan Yatra highlights a very sweet, personal, and joyful relationship with the divine. This yatra is also a celebration of nature's rejuvenation in the monsoon season, the green landscapes, cooling rains, and the playful spirit (Lila) of God.
Jhulan Utsav, 2026
- Jhulan Utsav Start Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Jhulan Utsav End Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 (Shravan Purnima)
As the holy month of Shravan brings rain to the earth, Shravan Putrada Ekadashi brings a shower of divine blessings into our lives. More than just an ancient tradition, this sacred day is a reminder that sincerity, prayer, and selfless devotion can overcome even the toughest of obstacles. On this auspicious day, as Srimati Radha Rani and Sri Krishna swing in eternal joy, let us dedicate our minds and prayers to Sri Hari. May Lord Vishnu fulfil your heart's righteous desires, remove all unseen troubles, and bless your family with joy, health, and prosperity.