Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026: Date, Vrat Timings & Parana

Written By Tanya Singh , Astrology Writer & Content Specialist | Astrologically Reviewed By: Anand Sagar Pathak , Jyotish Acharya from Bharti Vidya Bhawan, Expertise: Vedic Astrology,Tarot Reading.
Last Updated : Aug 16, 2026
Published on: Aug 16, 2026

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Sunday, August 23. The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 2:00 AM on August 23 and ends at 4:18 AM on August 24. For devotees following the Vaishnava tradition, the observance falls on Monday, August 24.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is one of the two annual Putrada Ekadashis. It falls during Shukla Paksha of the Shravana month and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The festival is traditionally associated with children, family continuity, parental hopes and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Its Vrat Katha tells the story of King Mahajit, whose sincere observance of Ekadashi eventually helped fulfil his long-standing wish for a child.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026: Date and Timings

Detail Timing
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Sunday, August 23
Ekadashi Tithi Begins 2:00 AM, August 23
Ekadashi Tithi Ends 4:18 AM, August 24
Parana Monday, August 24
Parana Time 1:41 PM to 4:16 PM
Hari Vasara Ends 10:49 AM, August 24
Vaishnava Putrada Ekadashi Monday, August 24
Vaishnava Parana 5:55 AM to 6:20 AM, August 25

The timings provided here are for New Delhi. Local Ekadashi and Parana timings can differ.

 

Why Is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Important?

Putrada Ekadashi is traditionally observed by devotees who pray for children, family well-being and the fulfilment of parental hopes.

There are two Putrada Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar:

  • Pausha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi
  • Shravana Shukla Paksha Ekadashi

The Pausha Putrada Ekadashi is traditionally more prominent in many North Indian communities, while Shravana Putrada Ekadashi has particular importance in several other regions and among Vaishnava devotees.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi or Pavitra Ekadashi in some Vaishnava traditions.

 

What Is the Story Behind Putrada Ekadashi?

The Vrat Katha centres on King Mahajit, who had wealth and prosperity but remained deeply troubled because he had no child.

He wanted to understand why this was happening and sought guidance.

The story eventually connects his situation with the observance of Putrada Ekadashi. Through the merit associated with the fast and sincere devotion to Lord Vishnu, the king’s long-standing wish for a child was fulfilled.

This is why the story remains central to the festival. It gives Putrada Ekadashi a human dimension. The focus is not simply on observing a fast, but on faith, prayer and a deeply held family wish.

 

Who Should Observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi?

Traditionally, Putrada Ekadashi is especially associated with couples who wish to have children.

The tradition connects the fast with the desire for a son because of older Hindu beliefs about lineage and ancestral rites. Today, the story is better understood within its historical religious context. Devotees may observe the fast while praying for healthy children, family happiness and well-being.

The Vrat should be followed according to one’s health, family tradition and religious practice.

 

How Is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Observed?

The exact Puja Vidhi varies between families and traditions. A simple observance can include:

  1. Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
  2. Worship Lord Vishnu with devotion.
  3. Observe the Ekadashi fast according to your tradition.
  4. Spend time in prayer, Vishnu Mantra chanting or reading sacred texts.
  5. Avoid grains and other foods restricted during Ekadashi fasting.
  6. Maintain restraint in speech and conduct.
  7. Break the fast during the prescribed Dwadashi Parana period.

Devotees who cannot observe a complete fast can follow a suitable fasting method according to their health and family tradition.

 

What Is Ekadashi Parana?

Parana means breaking the Ekadashi fast. It is done on the following day, during Dwadashi, after sunrise.

One important rule is that Parana should not be performed during Hari Vasara. Hari Vasara refers to the first quarter of Dwadashi Tithi.

For Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026, the Panchang gives the regular Parana window on August 24 from 1:41 PM to 4:16 PM, after Hari Vasara ends at 10:49 AM.

For devotees following the Vaishnava observance, the Parana is given separately on August 25 from 5:55 AM to 6:20 AM.

Because Parana depends closely on sunrise and Dwadashi Tithi, devotees should use the timing applicable to their tradition and location.

 

Why Is Parana So Important?

The Ekadashi fast does not simply end whenever the devotee chooses.

Traditional Ekadashi rules place importance on breaking the fast during the appropriate Dwadashi period. Breaking it too early, particularly during Hari Vasara, is traditionally avoided.

This is why checking the Parana time is as important as checking the Ekadashi date.

 

Can Ekadashi Be Observed for Two Days?

Sometimes Ekadashi fasting is recommended on two consecutive days because different traditions follow different rules.

According to the Panchang, Smartha devotees with families generally observe the fast on the first day when two dates are given.

The alternate day is traditionally recommended in particular circumstances for Sanyasis, widows and those seeking Moksha, while some highly devoted followers may observe both days.

This is one reason why different calendars can show different Ekadashi dates without necessarily indicating an error.

 

What Is the Difference Between Smartha and Vaishnava Ekadashi?

The difference mainly comes from how the Ekadashi Tithi is applied to the fasting day.

For 2026, the general Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is listed on August 23, while the Vaishnava observance is listed on August 24.

Devotees should follow the calendar and tradition they normally use rather than switching between dates without understanding the rule behind them.

 

What Is the Spiritual Significance of Putrada Ekadashi?

The traditional focus of Putrada Ekadashi is closely connected with family, children and continuity of the household.

At a deeper level, the fast also creates a day for restraint and prayer. Devotees temporarily step away from ordinary indulgence and turn their attention towards Lord Vishnu.

The story of King Mahajit adds another layer. His wish was not fulfilled through wealth or status. The Vrat Katha presents devotion and sincere observance as the means through which his circumstances changed.

 

Final Thoughts

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026 falls on August 23, with the Vaishnava observance on August 24. The day is traditionally associated with Lord Vishnu, children and family well-being. Its story of King Mahajit gives the Vrat a personal side, while the rules around Ekadashi and Parana preserve its ritual discipline. Devotees should follow the fasting method and Parana timing appropriate to their tradition and local Panchang.

 

FAQs

1. When is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026?

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The Vaishnava observance is listed for Monday, August 24.

2. What time does Ekadashi Tithi begin and end in 2026?

The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 2:00 AM on August 23 and ends at 4:18 AM on August 24.

3. When should the Putrada Ekadashi fast be broken?

For the general observance, the Parana window is 1:41 PM to 4:16 PM on August 24, after Hari Vasara ends at 10:49 AM.

4. What is Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi?

Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is the observance followed by Vaishnava devotees according to their Ekadashi calculation. In 2026, it falls on August 24, with Parana on August 25 from 5:55 AM to 6:20 AM.

5. Why is Putrada Ekadashi observed?

Traditionally, devotees observe Putrada Ekadashi while praying for children and family well-being. The Vrat Katha centres on King Mahajit’s wish to have a child.

6. What should you eat during Putrada Ekadashi?

The exact fasting diet depends on the fasting tradition followed by the devotee. Ekadashi fasting generally avoids grains, with devotees choosing an appropriate fasting diet or a complete fast according to their health and religious practice.

7. Can couples observe Putrada Ekadashi?

Yes. Traditionally, the Vrat is especially associated with couples praying for children and family happiness. It is a religious observance, not a substitute for medical evaluation or fertility treatment.

 

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