Ekadashi Vrat
एकादशी व्रत
Ekadashi (एकादशी) is the most important Vishnu vrat, observed on the 11th day of every lunar fortnight. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with a unique name and significance. Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to wash away all sins and bring the devotee closer to Lord Vishnu. It is said that the merit of Ekadashi vrat is equal to performing a thousand Ashwamedha Yagnas.
📅 See all Ekadashi dates for 2026, 2027 & 2028 →Fasting Rules & Vidhi
Begin the fast at sunrise on Ekadashi day. No grains (rice, wheat, dal) should be consumed.
Sabudana (sago), fruits, milk, nuts, and potatoes are permitted during the fast.
Break the fast (Parana) on Dwadashi (12th day) during the prescribed time window.
Chant Vishnu Sahasranamam or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" 108 times.
Read or listen to the specific Ekadashi Vrat Katha for that particular Ekadashi.
Avoid sleeping during the daytime on Ekadashi. Spend time in prayer and meditation.
Significance & Story
According to the Padma Purana, Ekadashi is the day when Lord Vishnu rests on Shesha Naga in Ksheer Sagar. Fasting on this day pleases Vishnu and grants moksha. Science also supports that periodic fasting detoxifies the body and improves health. The lunar cycle affects the human body, and the 11th day is particularly significant for mental and physical well-being.
Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Vrat Story)
In a former age there arose a mighty and cruel demon named Mura, who conquered the heavens and cast out the gods, so that even Indra and the devas wandered helpless. They took refuge with Lord Vishnu, who took up arms against Mura. Long and terrible was their battle, fought across the ages, until Vishnu, to rest a while, withdrew into a great cave at Badarikashrama and lay down in yoga-nidra.
Seeing the Lord asleep, the demon Mura crept into the cave to slay him. But at that very moment a radiant goddess sprang forth from the body of Vishnu — dazzling, armed and fierce — and in an instant struck the demon down and burned him to ashes. When the Lord awoke and beheld what she had done, he was greatly pleased.
Because she had taken birth from him on the eleventh (ekadashi) lunar day, Vishnu named her Ekadashi, and granted her a boon: that whoever should fast on the Ekadashi day, devoted to him, would be freed from the burden of their sins and attain his supreme abode.
From that day the Ekadashi vrat — keeping a fast on the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight, abstaining from grains and beans, and passing the day in the remembrance of Hari — became the dearest and most fruitful of all the vows of Lord Vishnu.