Ekadashi Vrata
एकादशी व्रत
The most sacred of all Vaishnava vratas — observed on the 11th lunar day
What is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi (एकादशी) is the 11th tithi (lunar day) of both the bright (Shukla Paksha) and dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Hindu lunar calendar. It is considered the most auspicious day for fasting, prayer, and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
There are 24 Ekadashis per year (occasionally 25–26 in Adhika Masa years), each with a unique name, origin story (Vrata Katha), and specific merits. The Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Bhagavata Purana extensively describe the importance of Ekadashi fasting.
Why Observe Ekadashi?
Vishnu Priti
Ekadashi is the most beloved tithi of Lord Vishnu. Fasting on this day pleases Vishnu and brings His grace.
Papa Nashana
Sincere observance destroys accumulated sins of many lifetimes.
Digestive Health
Physiologically, fasting on the 11th lunar day aligns with natural digestive cycles and cleanses the body.
Moksha Marg
Regular Ekadashi observance is said to be equivalent to visiting all tirthas and leads toward liberation.
Ekadashi Vrata Vidhi
Dashami (Day Before)
- Take only one meal in the afternoon
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, lentils
- Take a sankalpa (resolve) to observe Ekadashi
- Avoid sleeping during daytime
Ekadashi Day
- Wake before sunrise, take a bath
- Fast from all grains (phalahar or nirjala)
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
- Read/listen to the specific Ekadashi Vrata Katha
- Keep a lamp burning near Vishnu/Tulsi
- Avoid sleep at night (jagran)
Dwadashi (Parana)
- Break fast within the Parana window after sunrise
- Parana should be done before the Dwadashi ends
- Eat sattvic food — avoid rice on Dwadashi too (some traditions)
- Offer food to Brahmins or the needy
Types of Ekadashi Fasting
Nirjala
Complete fast — no water, no food. The most austere. Even one Nirjala Ekadashi (Nirjala/Bhimaseni Ekadashi) is said to equal all 24 Ekadashis.
Phalahar
Fruits, milk, nuts only. No grains. The most common form of observance for most devotees.
Ekabhukta
One meal before sunset on Dashami, then fast on Ekadashi. For elderly or those with health conditions.
Most Important Ekadashis
Nirjala Ekadashi
Jyestha Shukla
Equals all 24 Ekadashis combined
Devshayani Ekadashi
Ashadha Shukla
Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (Chaturmas begins)
Devutthana Ekadashi
Kartika Shukla
Vishnu wakes from Yoga Nidra (Chaturmas ends)
Mokshada Ekadashi
Margashirsha Shukla
Gita Jayanti — bestows liberation
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Margashirsha / Dhanurmasa
Vaikuntha Dwara opens; South Indian tradition
Putrada Ekadashi
Shravana Shukla & Pausha Shukla
Blesses with progeny