Glories of Vaikuntha Ekādaśī / Putrada Ekadasi

Date and Time of Vaikuntha Ekadasi in Mumbai

Vaikuntha Ekadasi fast will be observed from 31 Dec 2025 07:11 AM to 1 Jan 7:10 AM  and Ekadasi fast needs to be broken on 1 Jan 2026 from 07:11 AM to 10:51 AM. 

Vaikuntha Ekadasi is also known as Putrada Ekadasi

Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja Inquires About the Ekādaśī

The pious and saintly Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said,

“Oh Lord, You have so nicely explained to us the wonderful glories of the Saphalā Ekādaśī. Now please be merciful to me and explain the Ekādaśī that occurs in the light fortnight of this month.”

Lord Kṛṣṇa Introduces Putrada Ekādaśī

Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied:

“Oh saintly king, I shall now tell you how to observe fasting on the Pauṣa–śukla Ekādaśī…

This Ekādaśī is called Putradā, which destroys all sins and elevates one to the spiritual abode.”

The Supreme Lord Nārāyaṇa — Worshipable Deity of This Ekādaśī

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead Śrī Nārāyaṇa is the worshipable deity of this Ekādaśī, and He happily fulfills all desires for His faithful devotees.”

Introduction to the Historical Account

“Oh King, now I shall narrate to you the history of Putradā Ekādaśī, which removes all sins and makes one famous and learned.”

King Suketumāna and Queen Śaibyā — Their Distress Without a Son

There was once a kingdom named Bhadrāvatī, ruled by King Suketumāna and Queen Śaibyā.

Because they had no son, the king spent his days in deep anxiety…

Anxiety for Offspring and Fear of Becoming Ghosts

The king and queen feared that without a descendant, no one would offer them tarpana after death.

Their forefathers too expressed worry, deepening the royal couple’s misery.

King Suketumāna’s Crisis and Hopelessness

King Suketumāna became so depressed that he even considered suicide but refrained, knowing it leads to hellish rebirth.

The King Leaves the Palace to Seek a Solution

At last, overwhelmed by sorrow, he mounted his horse and rode alone into a dense forest, unseen by anyone—not even by his brāhmaṇas or priests.

Wandering Through the Forest

He wandered among trees and animals—fig, bel, palm, jackfruit, deer, elephants, lions, monkeys.

Seeing all creatures with their mates and offspring made him even more miserable.

Hunger, Thirst, and the King’s Desperation

By midday he was exhausted, tormented by hunger and thirst.

He lamented his unknown sins and wondered why he was suffering despite his pious life.

Discovery of a Sacred Lotus Pond

By his pious credits, he discovered a beautiful lotus-filled pond with swans, cranes, and nearby hermitages of saintly sages.

King Suketumāna Meets the Ten Viśvadevas

Seeing ten sages chanting japa, the king humbly paid obeisances.

They blessed him and asked the purpose of his visit.

The Sages Reveal Their Identity

The sages replied:

“We are the Viśvadevas—Vasu, Satya, Kratu, Dakṣa, Kāla, Kāma, Dhṛti, Pururavā, Mādrava, and Kuru.

We have come here to bathe, for today is Putradā Ekādaśī.”

Meaning of Putradā Ekādaśī — The Giver of a Pious Son

The king begged for a son.

The sages answered:

“The very meaning of Putradā is ‘giver of a putra (pious son).’

If you observe this Ekādaśī with full faith, you will be blessed with a son.”

The King Observes Putradā Ekādaśī

On their instruction, the king observed the fast strictly according to the rules and regulations.

On Dvādaśī he broke the fast and offered repeated obeisances.

The Divine Result — Queen Śaibyā Conceives

Upon returning to his palace and uniting with the queen, she soon became pregnant.

In due course, a beautiful, brilliant son was born—exactly as predicted.

The Prince Becomes a Great Ruler

The boy grew into a heroic prince.

King Suketumāna, overjoyed, appointed him the successor.

The prince ruled with compassion just like his father.

The Great Benefits of Observing Putradā Ekādaśī

Lord Kṛṣṇa concluded:

“Oh Yudhiṣṭhira, one who desires to fulfill any cherished wish should strictly observe Putradā Ekādaśī.

Such a person becomes blessed with a son and eventually attains liberation.”

Merit of Hearing or Reciting These Glories

“Anyone who reads or hears the glories of Putradā Ekādaśī obtains the same merit as performing a horse sacrifice.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Pauṣa–śukla Ekādaśī, Putradā Ekādaśī, from the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa.