Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O protector of the world, O ocean of mercy, I desire to hear from You the name of the Ekadasi which occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Pauṣa (December–January). Please tell me the process by which one should observe it and describe its glories in detail.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, your question is glorious. I shall tell you about this Ekadasi, which destroys all sins and grants all desires, including the blessing of a worthy son. This sacred day is known as Putradā Ekadasi.
Whoever observes this fast with faith and devotion becomes free from all sinful reactions and attains happiness in this life and the next. The worshipable Deity on this day is Lord Nārāyaṇa. Now hear from Me an ancient history related to this Ekadasi.”
The Story of King Suketuman
“In ancient times, in the city of Bhadravatī, there ruled a king named Suketuman. He was righteous, just, and devoted to Lord Viṣṇu. His queen was named Śaibya, who was beautiful, chaste, and devoted to her husband.
Although they possessed immense wealth, jewels, and subjects who loved them, the royal couple had no son. Without a son, their hearts were full of sorrow. A son is considered essential for continuing one’s lineage and for offering oblations to ancestors. Therefore, both the king and queen constantly prayed to Lord Viṣṇu for a child.”
The King’s Despair
“One day, overwhelmed with grief, King Suketuman went to his inner chambers and began to lament, ‘Alas! My house is empty without a son. When I die, who will perform the śrāddha ceremony and offer oblations for my soul? Without a son, all my ancestors must remain unsatisfied. My wealth, my kingdom, and my fame are useless without an heir.’
In deep sorrow, the king mounted his horse and rode away into the forest, desiring to find peace or an answer to his pain. The forest was vast, filled with roaring tigers, deer, and birds. The king wandered for a long time, losing all sense of direction. Weary and hungry, he dismounted near a sacred lake surrounded by many trees and hermitages.”
The Encounter with the Sages
“As the king looked around, he saw many sages with matted hair and wearing bark garments, engaged in meditation and austerities. Their faces shone with divine light. Bowing before them with folded hands, the king said, ‘O noble sages, please tell me who you are. I am King Suketuman of Bhadravatī, lost in this forest and tormented by sorrow.
Though I possess a prosperous kingdom and wealth, I have no son. Without a son, my ancestors cannot be satisfied. Please show me a way to obtain a son.’
The sages replied with compassion, ‘O king, we are the sons of Kaśyapa Muni, and we dwell here to perform austerities. Today is the sacred day of Putradā Ekadasi, which can fulfill all desires. By observing this fast with devotion and faith, you will be blessed with a virtuous son who will continue your lineage and bring you happiness.’”
Observance and Blessing
“Hearing their words, the king felt great relief and joy. He resolved to observe the fast with sincerity. Under the guidance of the sages, he bathed in the holy lake, worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with flowers, lamps, and incense, and remained fasting throughout the day and night.
He stayed awake all night, chanting the holy names of the Lord and listening to the glories of Viṣṇu. The next morning, he offered food and gifts to the sages and prayed, ‘O Lord Nārāyaṇa, O merciful one, please bless me with a righteous son who will bring joy to my heart and deliver my ancestors.’
The sages blessed the king, saying, ‘O fortunate one, your desire shall soon be fulfilled. The Supreme Lord is pleased with your devotion.’ The king then returned to his palace.”
The Birth of the Son
“After some time, by the grace of Lord Viṣṇu, Queen Śaibya conceived and gave birth to a beautiful son. The child was radiant like the moon and possessed divine qualities. The king and queen were overjoyed and named him Śuketa.
In due course, the prince grew up to become a brave, intelligent, and virtuous ruler, beloved by all. King Suketuman, having achieved his cherished desire through the observance of Putradā Ekadasi, continued to fast on this day every year with devotion.”
The Glory of Putradā Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this sacred Ekadasi with devotion and faith obtains all desires. The childless are blessed with sons, the impoverished gain prosperity, and the sorrowful find peace.
By fasting on this day, one attains the merit of performing great sacrifices. Whoever listens to or recites the glories of this day with faith attains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice.
Therefore, O king, observe this Ekadasi regularly and instruct others to do the same. The vow of Putradā Ekadasi grants both material happiness and ultimate liberation.”
Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this Ekadasi and worships Lord Viṣṇu becomes free from all sins and attains the heavenly abode. Simply by hearing its glories, one attains the result of donating one thousand cows in charity.
Thus, this sacred day destroys all sorrows, fulfills all desires, and bestows the ultimate blessing of divine happiness.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Putradā Ekadasi is described in the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa and the Padma Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of King Suketuman of Bhadravatī, who was blessed with a virtuous son through the observance of this sacred vow.
