Aja Ekadashi 2026

Aja Ekadashi: The Vrata That Restored Harishchandra

Aja Ekadashi falls on Shravana Bahula (Krishna) Ekadashi in the Telugu calendar. According to the Puranas, King Harishchandra, who lost everything for the sake of truth, observed this vrata and regained his kingdom and family. It is also called Annada Ekadashi; purnimant calendars list it as Bhadrapada Krishna Ekadashi.

The Story of Harishchandra

To keep his word to Sage Vishwamitra, the truthful Harishchandra gave up his kingdom. He had to sell his wife Chandramati and son Lohitasya, and he himself worked as a keeper of the cremation ground in Kashi. Through all this suffering he never abandoned truth. In that low state, Sage Gautama came to him and advised him to observe Shravana Bahula Ekadashi. The king fasted and kept jagarana with devotion. By the power of the vrata his troubles ended, his son was restored to life, and his family and kingdom were returned, says the Padma Purana.

Telugu audiences know "Satya Harishchandra" well from stage plays and padyams. Aja Ekadashi is the vrata that gives that story its happy ending.

Puja Steps

• Bathe early and meditate on Lord Vishnu as "Aja", the unborn Supreme.
• Offer a tulasi garland and flowers to his picture and light a ghee lamp.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranamam and read the Aja Ekadashi katha.
• Offer fruits, milk and jaggery and perform harathi.
• Keep jagarana at night, and on Dwadashi feed someone before breaking the fast.

Fasting

Rice and grains are avoided and phalahar is taken. True to the name Annada (giver of food), feeding the hungry on Dwadashi is considered especially meritorious. Choose the level of fasting according to your health.

Significance

The story teaches that truth and dharma must not be abandoned even in hard times, and that faith in God brings better days. Devotees believe the vrata removes difficulties and restores lost peace and happiness.

With Harishchandra as our ideal and Sri Hari's grace, may good days come to every life.