Significance and legend
In the Bhavishyottara Purana, Krishna tells Yudhishthira of King Suketuman of Bhadravati and his queen Shaibya, who had everything except a child. The king grieved that without a son there would be no one to perform the rites for his ancestors, who themselves were anxious about their future. In despair he rode into the forest, where he saw the beauty of nature and felt his sorrow deepen. Coming upon a lake, he found a group of sages, the Vishvadevas, bathing and chanting.
The king bowed to them and told them of his sorrow. The sages said that it was the Ekadashi of the bright half of Pausha, called Putrada, and advised him to observe it. Suketuman fasted and worshipped Vishnu with devotion, and broke his fast on Dwadashi. Returning home, in due course the queen bore a son, who grew into a noble prince. Krishna concludes that those who observe this Ekadashi are blessed with children and attain heaven.
How Pausha Putrada Ekadashi is observed
Couples wishing for children fast together and worship Vishnu, often as Bala Krishna or Santana Gopala, with tulsi, flowers, fruits and lamps. The Santana Gopala mantra and Vishnu Sahasranama are recited. In some years this Ekadashi falls while the Sun is in Dhanu and is then also celebrated as Vaikunta Ekadashi. The fast is broken on Dwadashi after sunrise within the parana window, after offering food to Vishnu and charity to the needy.