Rama Ekadashi 2026

Rama Ekadashi: The Lakshmi-Narayana Vrata Before Deepavali

Rama Ekadashi falls on Ashwayuja Bahula (Krishna) Ekadashi in the Telugu calendar, a few days before Deepavali. "Rama" here is a name of Lakshmi Devi, so she is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu. The vrata is believed to bring prosperity, peace and harmony. Purnimant calendars list it as Kartika Krishna Ekadashi.

The Story of Shobhana and Chandrabhaga

King Muchukunda was a great devotee of Vishnu and required everyone in his kingdom to keep Ekadashi. His daughter Chandrabhaga was married to Shobhana, who was physically weak. While Shobhana was staying at his in-laws' home, Rama Ekadashi arrived, and out of respect for the king's rule he fasted too. Unable to bear the hunger and thirst, he passed away the next day.

By the merit of the vrata, Shobhana received a beautiful kingdom on Mount Mandarachala. But because he had not kept the fast with full faith, the kingdom was not stable. When Chandrabhaga learnt of this, she offered him the merit of all the Ekadashis she had kept since childhood. The kingdom became permanent and the couple lived there happily, according to the Brahmavaivarta Purana.

Puja Steps

• Bathe early, clean the house and tie mango-leaf thoranams at the door.
• Decorate a Lakshmi Narayana picture with flowers and light a ghee lamp.
• Offer tulasi to Vishnu and lotus or red flowers to Lakshmi.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranamam, Sri Lakshmi Ashtottaram or Kanakadhara Stotram.
• Offer payasam and fruits, and light lamps at the doorstep in the evening.
• Give charity on Dwadashi and break the fast.

Fasting

Rice and grains are avoided and a phalahar fast is kept. Shobhana's story is also a gentle reminder not to fast beyond one's strength; those who are unwell can take fruits and milk and keep the vrata with devotion.

Significance

The story shows how the merit of one spouse strengthens the other, and that only a vrata kept with faith gives lasting fruit. In Telugu homes, Rama Ekadashi is seen as an auspicious start to welcoming Lakshmi before Deepavali.

May Lakshmi Narayana bless every home with prosperity and harmony.