Sputrada Ekadashi
Pavitra Ekadashi, also known as Pavitropana or Shravan Putrada Ekadashi, is observed during the waxing phase of the moon in the sacred month of Shravan (July–August). In many regions such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, this Ekadashi is known specifically as Putrada Ekadashi because it blesses devotees with children—especially sons—and removes long-standing sins.
The importance of this Ekadashi is found in the Bhavishyottara Purana as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Yudhisthira. Yudhisthira asked which Ekadashi grants the blessing of a good, healthy child and everlasting fame.
Lord Krishna narrated the story of King Mahijit, who ruled Mahishmatipuri during the beginning of Dwapar Yuga. The king was powerful, successful, and righteous, but he was deeply unhappy because he had no son to continue his lineage. He performed numerous charities, sacrifices, and rituals, yet nothing solved his sorrow.
One day, King Mahijit approached Sage Lomasa—an enlightened sage born from the hair of Lord Brahma. The sage meditated and revealed the cause: In his previous birth, Mahijit was a merchant. Once, when a thirsty cow and her newborn calf approached a lake to drink water, he selfishly drove them away to drink first. This sin became the reason for his childlessness in his present life, despite his many good deeds.
Hearing this, the king pleaded for a remedy. Sage Lomasa advised him to observe the sacred Putrada Ekadashi Vrat. With full devotion, the king performed the vrat, and by its divine merit, he was blessed with a noble and healthy son who later ruled the kingdom gloriously.
There is a widely held belief that couples desiring children should observe this Ekadashi with full faith. It not only grants children but also purifies devotees from past sins. All grains are avoided on this day, and many observe night vigil, singing bhajans and remembering the Lord.
Additionally, the famous Jhulan Yatra—the swing festival of Shree Krishna, Shree Radha, and Shree Jagannath—begins on this very Ekadashi and concludes on Shravan Purnima.