Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Winter Putrada Ekadashi (Vaikuṇṭha) is the ekadashi of shukla paksha in the tenth lunar month, Pausha (December-January). The Sanskrit name "Vaikuntha" means "Vishnu's abode," the highest heavenly sphere where the Supreme dwells with his consort. Tradition connects this fast with prayer for offspring and family happiness — this is the winter counterpart to the summer Putrada.

Place in the system

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi of the lunar month. Winter Putrada falls eleventh in the bright half of Pausha, in the depth of winter, immediately after Saphala — the ekadashi of krishna paksha in the same month.

Putrada occurs twice in the year: the summer one, in Shravana (Putrada), and this winter one. The Sanskrit name "Vaikuntha" points to the highest sphere where Vishnu dwells — tradition connects a sincere fast on this day with drawing closer to that sphere.

Practical meaning

The winter Putrada fast is favorable for couples wishing for a child, for family happiness, for spiritual elevation and prayer to Vishnu. Tradition holds it fitting for those seeking liberation.

This day's background works through touching the highest: tradition connects fasting and prayer here not only with a family blessing but with a wider aspiration.

The winter Putrada fast is kept as on other ekadashis: without grain or legumes, with fruit, milk, and water.

In Indian folk practice winter Putrada is a day on which devout Hindus often offer a special prayer — Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu).

In daily practice

Winter Putrada is a day for family prayer, like summer Putrada. If you follow the Hindu tradition and have a wish for offspring, this day is fitting for a joint prayer with your spouse, kept with fasting.

Winter Putrada also suits a long prayer: Vishnu Sahasranama or reading the "Shrimad Bhagavatam."

Winter Putrada also suits charity for temples: a gift to temple upkeep, support for those who serve there. The blessing here works through giving.

How much this day is yours is refined by Tara Bala. Winter Putrada sets a background of touching the highest, and the personal layer shows how far it matches your circumstances today.