Ekadashi 2026 Dates & Tithi Timings

Ekadashi

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi, which comes twice a month, once in Shukla Paksha and once in Bahula Paksha. Dear to Lord Vishnu, it is observed with fasting and remembrance of Hari Nama, and the vratham ends with Parana on Dwadashi the next day. There are usually twenty-four Ekadashis in a year.

The Origin of Ekadashi

According to the Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu, tired from battling the demon Mura, rested in yoga nidra in a cave. When Mura came to attack him, a divine power emerged from Vishnu's body and slew the demon. Pleased, the Lord named her Ekadashi and granted that those who fast on that tithi would be freed of their sins. The Bhagavatam's story of King Ambarisha, who observed Ekadashi and was protected by the Sudarshana Chakra, is also well known.

Important Ekadashis

Toli Ekadashi: Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi, when Vishnu enters yoga nidra and Chaturmasya begins.
Prabodhini (Utthana) Ekadashi: Kartika Shukla Ekadashi, when the Lord awakens.
Mukkoti (Vaikunta) Ekadashi: Uttara Dwara darshanam at Tirumala, Bhadrachalam and other Vaishnava temples.
Nirjala Ekadashi: Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, a strict fast without even water.

How to Observe the Vratham

Eat a light meal on Dashami night, then bathe on Ekadashi morning and take sankalpam.
Worship Lord Vishnu with tulasi leaves and recite Vishnu Sahasranamam or the Bhagavad Gita.
The main rule is to avoid rice and food made from grains on Ekadashi.
Depending on your capacity, choose a waterless fast, water only, fruit only, or a single light meal.
Many keep jagarana at night with bhajans and Hari Nama sankirtana.
On Dwadashi, break the fast with tulasi theertham and rice during the Parana time given in the panchangam.

Significance

Elders say the Ekadashi vratham purifies body and mind and deepens devotion to the Lord. Children, the elderly and those who are unwell can follow lighter rules instead of a strict fast.

May Sriman Narayana's grace make your Ekadashi vratham fruitful.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ekadashi occur?

Ekadashi occurs twice a month, on the eleventh tithi of Shukla Paksha and Bahula Paksha. There are usually twenty-four Ekadashis in a year.

What can be eaten on Ekadashi?

Rice and grains are avoided on Ekadashi. Fruit, milk, curd, dry fruits and, for some, sabudana or tuber-based phalahar are taken.

How to break the Ekadashi fast?

On Dwadashi, during the Parana time given in the panchangam, worship Vishnu, take tulasi theertham and break the fast with rice.

Why is rice avoided on Ekadashi?

The Puranas say giving up grain food and fasting on Ekadashi pleases Lord Vishnu, and it is the main rule of the vratham.

What is special about Mukkoti Ekadashi?

On Mukkoti or Vaikunta Ekadashi, Uttara Dwara darshanam is held at Vaishnava temples like Tirumala and Bhadrachalam. It is the most special Ekadashi of the year.

Can people who are unwell observe Ekadashi?

The unwell, the elderly and children need not keep a strict fast. Avoiding grains, taking fruit and milk and chanting Hari Nama is enough.

Ekadashi Dates 2026