Padmini Vishuddha Ekadashi 2026

Padmini Vishuddha Ekadashi: The Rare Ekadashi of Adhika Masa

Padmini Vishuddha Ekadashi is the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Adhika Masa, the extra lunar month. Since Adhika Masa occurs roughly once in about three years in the lunar calendar, this Ekadashi comes only then. Adhika Masa is also called Purushottama Masa, and this Ekadashi is also known as Kamala Ekadashi.

Adhika Masa and Purushottama

A lunar month without a solar sankramana is called Adhika Masa. It was once considered unfit for auspicious work and called "Malamasa". The Puranas say Lord Vishnu, seeing the month's sorrow, gave it his own name and honoured it as Purushottama Masa. So japa, charity and Ekadashi vratas in this month are said to carry special merit.

The Story of Queen Padmini

In the Treta Yuga, King Kritavirya ruled Mahishmati, but despite having several queens he had no child. He and Queen Padmini went to do tapas, yet nothing came of it. Then Anasuya Devi, wife of Sage Atri, advised the queen to observe the Shukla Ekadashi of Adhika Masa. Padmini kept the fast and jagarana with devotion and worshipped Sri Hari. As a result, the mighty Kartaviryarjuna was born to them. The Ekadashi is named Padmini after the queen.

Puja Steps

• Eat satvik food on Dashami and bathe early on Ekadashi.
• Worship Lord Vishnu as Purushottama with lotus flowers and tulasi.
• Light a ghee lamp and recite Purushottama Sahasranamam or Vishnu Sahasranamam.
• Listen to the Padmini Ekadashi katha and offer fruits, milk and payasam.
• Keep jagarana with bhajans, give charity on Dwadashi and break the fast.

Rules and Significance

Rice and grains are avoided and a phalahar fast is kept, according to one's health. "Vishuddha" means pure. Devotees believe this rare Ekadashi purifies the mind and blesses with children and good name. Elders also recommend deepa danam and anna danam during Adhika Masa.

May Purushottama's grace fill every life with purity and joy on this rare Ekadashi.