Ekadashi is one of the most sacred fasting days in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe Ekadashi vrat twice every month to seek spiritual growth, mental peace, and divine blessings. According to Hindu Panchang, Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day (11th Tithi) during both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.
Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to purify the body, control desires, and help devotees move closer to spiritual consciousness. Millions of devotees across India observe this vrat with devotion by avoiding grains, chanting Vishnu mantras, and performing prayers.
On this page, you can check:
Lord Vishnu worship method
Ekadashi dates 2026
Parana timings
Ekadashi fasting rules
Importance of Ekadashi vrat
Types of Ekadashi fasting
Ekadashi vrat katha
Ekadashi Dates 2026
Below is the complete list of Ekadashi vrat dates in 2026 with fasting and Parana
| Ekadashi | Date | Paksha | Parana Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putrada Ekadashi | 14 January 2026 | Shukla Paksha | 06:45 AM – 09:15 AM |
What is Ekadashi?
The word “Ekadashi” means the eleventh lunar day in the Hindu calendar. This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe.
According to Hindu scriptures, observing Ekadashi vrat helps devotees:
- remove negative karma
- gain spiritual strength
- improve concentration
- develop self-discipline
- attain peace and prosperity
Ekadashi fasting is mentioned in several sacred texts including:
- Padma Purana
- Skanda Purana
- Bhavishya Purana
Importance of Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious because the mind and body are believed to become spiritually receptive during this lunar phase.
Devotees observe this vrat for:
- spiritual purification
- peace of mind
- blessings of Lord Vishnu
- freedom from sins
- family prosperity
Many devotees also believe that observing Ekadashi vrat regularly brings positive energy and emotional balance.
Ekadashi Fasting Rules
Different devotees follow Ekadashi fasting according to their health, age, and spiritual practice.
Common Ekadashi fasting methods:
🌿 Nirjala Ekadashi
No food and no water throughout the fast.
🍎 Phalahar Ekadashi
Only fruits, milk, and dry fruits are consumed.
🥔 Satvik Ekadashi Fast
Simple satvik food without grains and lentils.
Foods Usually Avoided During Ekadashi
Devotees avoid:
- rice
- wheat
- lentils
- onion
- garlic
- non-vegetarian food
Foods Allowed During Ekadashi
Common fasting foods include:
- fruits
- milk
- makhana
- sabudana
- potatoes
- peanuts
- rock salt (sendha namak)
Ekadashi Parana Time
Parana means breaking the fast on Dwadashi. It is an important part of Ekadashi vrat.
Breaking the fast at the correct Parana time is considered spiritually significant.
Usually, devotees:
- worship Lord Vishnu in the morning
- offer Tulsi leaves and prasad
- break the fast during the prescribed Parana Muhurat
👉 (Insert dynamic Parana timing table here)
How to Perform Ekadashi Vrat
Step-by-Step Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
1. Wake Up Early
Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Take Sankalp
Make a vow to observe Ekadashi vrat with devotion.
3. Worship Lord Vishnu
Offer:
- Tulsi leaves
- yellow flowers
- incense sticks
- fruits and sweets
4. Chant Vishnu Mantras
Popular mantras:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- Vishnu Sahasranama
5. Read Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Listening to or reading the vrat katha is considered highly auspicious.
6. Perform Aarti
Conclude the puja with Vishnu Aarti and prayers.
Ekadashi Vrat Katha
According to Hindu mythology, Ekadashi Devi emerged from Lord Vishnu’s divine energy to destroy negative forces and protect righteousness.
It is believed that devotees who observe Ekadashi vrat with faith receive:
- spiritual merit
- inner peace
- divine blessings
- relief from obstacles
Each Ekadashi also has its own unique vrat katha and significance.
👉 Read Detailed Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Types of Ekadashi
There are 24 Ekadashi vrat observances in a year, and sometimes 26 during Adhik Maas.
Some popular Ekadashi include:
- Nirjala Ekadashi
- Devshayani Ekadashi
- Mokshada Ekadashi
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi
- Putrada Ekadashi
Each Ekadashi has unique spiritual importance and rituals.
Benefits of Observing Ekadashi
Devotees believe that Ekadashi fasting helps:
- purify the body and mind
- improve concentration
- reduce negative thoughts
- strengthen devotion
- promote self-discipline
Many people also observe Ekadashi for emotional calmness and spiritual well-being.
Ekadashi and Spiritual Energy
In Vedic traditions, the lunar cycle affects both physical and mental energy. Ekadashi is considered a spiritually powerful day for:
- meditation
- mantra chanting
- charity
- prayer
- self-reflection
Many saints and spiritual seekers observe Ekadashi regularly as part of their spiritual discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ekadashi occur in a year?
Usually 24 Ekadashi occur every year, with two Ekadashi each month.
Can we drink water during Ekadashi fast?
Yes, many devotees follow a water-based or fruit-based fast. Nirjala fasting is optional and depends on personal practice.
Why are grains avoided on Ekadashi?
According to Hindu beliefs, grains are avoided to maintain purity and support spiritual discipline during fasting.
What is Ekadashi Parana?
Parana is the ritual of breaking the fast on Dwadashi during the prescribed time.
Which God is worshipped on Ekadashi?
Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Ekadashi.
Conclusion
Ekadashi vrat is one of the most spiritually significant observances in Hindu tradition. Observing this sacred fast with devotion, discipline, and prayer is believed to bring peace, positivity, and divine blessings.
Whether you observe Ekadashi for spiritual reasons, mental peace, or devotion toward Lord Vishnu, this sacred vrat continues to hold deep importance in Hindu culture and daily life.
Stay connected with our updated Ekadashi calendar to check upcoming dates, Parana timings, vrat katha, and puja vidhi throughout the year.