Putrada Ekadashi, also known as Sunanda Ekadashi, arrives on the eleventh day of the month Posh. The meaning of Putrada, as the name implies — “Putra” means child and “da” means giver. Observance of this Ekadashi fulfils the wishes of devotees, particularly the wish for a child.
The story of Putrada Ekadashi is narrated in the Bhavishya Purana. King Suketuman of Bhadravati was a noble and righteous king, but he and his wife were childless. Despite performing many sacrifices and charitable acts, they remained without an heir. The King went into the forest in despair, contemplating ending his life.
In the forest, he encountered a group of great sages who were celebrating a holy occasion. They told him that he had arrived on the auspicious day of Putrada Ekadashi. The sages explained the glory of this Ekadashi and instructed him to observe the vrat with complete devotion. The King followed their instructions, and in due course, he and his queen were blessed with a son who went on to become a great and noble king.
Devotees who wish for children, or who wish to bless their children with wisdom, health, and virtue, observe this Ekadashi with a full fast and puja of Lord Vishnu. The Ekadashi is considered especially powerful for granting the boon of progeny and the wellbeing of one’s children.