Ekadashi Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Ekadashi is the eleventh day of both Shukla and Krishna paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered highly meritorious; each lunar month has two Ekadashis, and many have traditional names (e.g. Kamada, Nirjala, Vaikunta).
Ekadashi Mythology & Legend
According to the Padma Purana and other texts, Ekadashi is the day when Vishnu is especially pleased. The demon Muran was defeated on this day. Observing the vrat is said to remove sins and grant liberation. Different Ekadashis have specific legends and benefits.
Ekadashi Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Observe a full fast (no grains) or fruit-and-milk fast from sunrise to next sunrise.
- Take a bath at sunrise; offer tulsi, flowers, and fruits to Lord Vishnu.
- Chant Vishnu mantras and the Vishnu Sahasranama; stay in a calm, devotional mood.
- Break the fast on Dwadashi after sunrise within the Parana time.
Ekadashi Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Salutations to Vasudeva
Ekadashi Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Fruits
- ●Milk
- ●No grains during fast
- ●Break on Dwadashi
Ekadashi Regional Celebrations across India
North India(एकादशी)
Vishnu fasting, Parana after sunrise
South India(ஏகாதசி)
Same observance, temple visits
Ekadashi Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Fast with devotion
- ✓Worship Vishnu
- ✓Chant mantras
- ✓Break within Parana time
Don'ts
- ✗Do not eat grains on Ekadashi
- ✗Avoid breaking before Dwadashi
- ✗Do not consume onion or garlic
Ekadashi — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ekadashi?
- Ekadashi is the eleventh day of both Shukla and Krishna paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar.
- When is Ekadashi 2026?
- In 2026, Ekadashi falls on 2026, ഏപ്രിൽ 27, തിങ്കളാഴ്ച.
- What are the Ekadashi puja rituals?
- Observe a full fast (no grains) or fruit-and-milk fast from sunrise to next sunrise.; Take a bath at sunrise; offer tulsi, flowers, and fruits to Lord Vishnu.; Chant Vishnu mantras and the Vishnu Sahasranama; stay in a calm, devotional mood.; Break the fast on Dwadashi after sunrise within the Parana time.
- What to eat on Ekadashi?
- Fruits, Milk, No grains during fast, Break on Dwadashi
- What should you do on Ekadashi?
- Fast with devotion; Worship Vishnu; Chant mantras
- What should you avoid on Ekadashi?
- Do not eat grains on Ekadashi; Avoid breaking before Dwadashi; Do not consume onion or garlic
- Which deity is worshipped on Ekadashi?
- Ekadashi is dedicated to Vishnu.
Upcoming Ekadashi Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Ekadashi is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ഏപ്രി 27 | തിങ്കളാഴ്ച | 03:04 pm | Mohini |
| 2026 മേയ് 13 | ബുധനാഴ്ച | 02:47 am | Varuthini |
| 2026 മേയ് 26 | ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച | 02:51 pm | Nirjala |
| 2026 മേയ് 27 | ബുധനാഴ്ച | 03:46 pm | Nirjala |
| 2026 ജൂൺ 11 | വ്യാഴാഴ്ച | 01:49 am | Apara |
| 2026 ജൂൺ 25 | വ്യാഴാഴ്ച | 03:33 pm | Nirjala |
| 2026 ജൂലൈ 25 | ശനിയാഴ്ച | 04:15 pm | Devshayani |
| 2026 ഓഗ 9 | ഞായറാഴ്ച | 01:32 am | Yogini |
| 2026 ഓഗ 23 | ഞായറാഴ്ച | 03:50 pm | Putrada |
| 2026 സെപ്റ്റം 7 | തിങ്കളാഴ്ച | 01:35 am | Kamika |
| 2026 സെപ്റ്റം 22 | ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച | 03:48 pm | Parivartini |
| 2026 ഒക്ടോ 6 | ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച | 01:42 am | Aja |
| 2026 ഒക്ടോ 22 | വ്യാഴാഴ്ച | 03:21 pm | Papankusha |
| 2026 നവം 5 | വ്യാഴാഴ്ച | 02:42 am | Rama |
| 2026 ഡിസം 4 | വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച | 02:33 am | Utthana |