🕉️ 1. The Divine Significance of Ekadashi Vrat & Cosmic Alignment
In Sanatan Hindu tradition, Ekadashi (the eleventh lunar day of every waxing and waning fortnight) is revered as Harivasara—the day dearest to the Supreme Preserver, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. Observing this sacred fast purifies karma accrued over lifetimes, tranquilizes the ten sensory organs along with the mind (the 11th indriya), and accelerates spiritual liberation (Moksha).
The Science of Lunar Gravitation & Cellular Autophagy: Beyond deep spiritual devotion, Vedic rishis attuned fasting to astronomical rhythms. On Ekadashi (four days prior to Purnima and Amavasya), the moon's gravitational pull exerts maximum physiological pressure on human bodily fluids and neurotransmitters. Fasting on water or light fruits rests the digestive tract, triggers cellular autophagy (the body's natural cellular cleansing mechanism discovered by modern Nobel-laureate medicine), stabilizes blood pressure, and calms emotional turbulence.
Below is the complete, authenticated catalog of all 24 Ekadashis for the year 2026 based on precise Drik Siddhanta astronomical calculations, complete with exact Dwadashi Parana windows.
📅 2. Complete Ekadashi List 2026 with Dwadashi Parana Timings
The following table provides the comprehensive schedule of all Ekadashi fasts in 2026. All timings are calculated in Indian Standard Time (IST) based on standard solar coordinates. For your specific city's exact sunrise and muhurat, please consult our Live Choghadiya & City Sunrise Calculator.
| No. | Ekadashi Vrat Name | Hindu Month & Paksha | Ekadashi Fast Date (2026) | Dwadashi Parana Date | Parana Muhurat Window (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shattila Ekadashi 6 types of sesame charity |
Magha Krishna | Wed, 14 Jan 2026 | Thu, 15 Jan 2026 | 07:19 AM – 09:30 AM (Dwadashi ends at 08:16 PM) |
| 2 | Jaya Ekadashi Freedom from lower births |
Magha Shukla | Thu, 29 Jan 2026 | Fri, 30 Jan 2026 | 07:16 AM – 11:14 AM (Dwadashi ends at 11:14 AM) |
| 3 | Vijaya Ekadashi Victory over formidable obstacles |
Phalguna Krishna | Fri, 13 Feb 2026 | Sat, 14 Feb 2026 | 07:09 AM – 09:30 AM (Dwadashi ends at 04:01 PM) |
| 4 | Amalaki Ekadashi Sacred worship of Indian Gooseberry |
Phalguna Shukla | Fri, 27 Feb 2026 | Sat, 28 Feb 2026 | 06:59 AM – 09:15 AM (Dwadashi ends at 08:49 PM) |
| 5 | Papmochani Ekadashi Absolves all past karmic sins |
Chaitra Krishna | Sun, 15 Mar 2026 | Mon, 16 Mar 2026 | 06:45 AM – 09:44 AM (Dwadashi ends at 09:44 AM) |
| 6 | Kamada Ekadashi Fulfilment of heart's noble desires |
Chaitra Shukla | Sun, 29 Mar 2026 | Mon, 30 Mar 2026 | 06:32 AM – 07:14 AM (Early Parana: Dwadashi ends 07:14 AM) |
| 7 | Varuthini Ekadashi Invincible protective armor & prosperity |
Vaishakha Krishna | Mon, 13 Apr 2026 | Tue, 14 Apr 2026 | 06:18 AM – 08:45 AM (Dwadashi ends next day 12:16 AM) |
| 8 | Mohini Ekadashi Dispels illusion & worldly delusion |
Vaishakha Shukla | Mon, 27 Apr 2026 | Tue, 28 Apr 2026 | 06:07 AM – 08:35 AM (Dwadashi ends at 06:54 PM) |
| 9 | Apara Ekadashi Boundless religious merit & fame |
Jyeshtha Krishna | Wed, 13 May 2026 | Thu, 14 May 2026 | 05:58 AM – 11:20 AM (Dwadashi ends at 11:20 AM) |
| 10 | Padmini Ekadashi (Kamala) Adhik Maas (Purushottam) Special |
Adhik Jyeshtha Shukla | Tue, 26 May 2026 | Wed, 27 May 2026 | 05:53 AM – 06:23 AM (Early Parana: Dwadashi ends 06:23 AM) |
| 11 | Parama Ekadashi Eradicates poverty & misery |
Adhik Jyeshtha Krishna | Thu, 11 Jun 2026 | Fri, 12 Jun 2026 | 05:52 AM – 08:30 AM (Dwadashi ends at 07:34 PM) |
| 12 | Nirjala Ekadashi (Bhimseni) Supreme waterless fast for full year merit |
Jyeshtha Shukla | Thu, 25 Jun 2026 | Fri, 26 Jun 2026 | 05:55 AM – 08:30 AM (Dwadashi ends at 10:25 PM) |
| 13 | Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadhi) Chaturmas begins; Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra |
Ashadha Shukla | Sat, 25 Jul 2026 | Sun, 26 Jul 2026 | 06:06 AM – 01:57 PM (Dwadashi ends at 01:57 PM) |
| 14 | Kamika Ekadashi Equivalent to performing Ashwamedha Yajna |
Shravana Krishna | Sun, 09 Aug 2026 | Mon, 10 Aug 2026 | 06:12 AM – 08:06 AM (Dwadashi ends at 08:06 AM) |
| 15 | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Pavitra Ekadashi; blessings of worthy children |
Shravana Shukla | Sun, 23 Aug 2026 | Mon, 24 Aug 2026 | 06:17 AM – 06:19 AM (Immediate Parana at Sunrise) |
| 16 | Aja Ekadashi (Annada) Redeemed King Harishchandra |
Bhadrapada Krishna | Mon, 07 Sep 2026 | Tue, 08 Sep 2026 | 06:21 AM – 02:50 PM (Dwadashi ends at 02:50 PM) |
| 17 | Parivartani Ekadashi (Vamana) Lord Vishnu turns on His side in sleep |
Bhadrapada Shukla | Tue, 22 Sep 2026 | Wed, 23 Sep 2026 | 06:26 AM – 08:50 AM (Dwadashi ends at 10:51 PM) |
| 18 | Indira Ekadashi (Pitru Paksha) Liberates ancestors in Pitru Loka |
Ashwina Krishna | Tue, 06 Oct 2026 | Wed, 07 Oct 2026 | 06:30 AM – 08:55 AM (Dwadashi ends at 11:23 PM) |
| 19 | Papankusha Ekadashi Goad that curbs all sins like an elephant |
Ashwina Shukla | Thu, 22 Oct 2026 | Fri, 23 Oct 2026 | 06:36 AM – 02:38 PM (Dwadashi ends at 02:38 PM) |
| 20 | Rama Ekadashi Precedes Diwali; Goddess Lakshmi's blessing |
Kartika Krishna | Thu, 05 Nov 2026 | Fri, 06 Nov 2026 | 06:43 AM – 10:36 AM (Dwadashi ends at 10:36 AM) |
| 21 | Devutthana / Prabodhini Ekadashi Vishnu awakens; Tulsi Vivah & weddings open |
Kartika Shukla | Fri, 20 Nov 2026 | Sat, 21 Nov 2026 | 06:53 AM – 08:45 AM (Dwadashi ends at 08:45 AM) |
| 22 | Utpanna Ekadashi Birth anniversary of Goddess Ekadashi |
Margashirsha Krishna | Fri, 04 Dec 2026 | Sat, 05 Dec 2026 | 07:02 AM – 09:20 AM (Dwadashi ends next day 12:58 AM) |
| 23 | Mokshada Ekadashi & Gita Jayanti Bestows Moksha; day Krishna spoke Bhagavad Gita |
Margashirsha Shukla | Sun, 20 Dec 2026 | Mon, 21 Dec 2026 | 07:12 AM – 05:34 PM (Dwadashi ends at 05:34 PM) |
| 24 | Saphala Ekadashi Crowns all endeavours with triumphant success |
Pausha Krishna | Sun, 03 Jan 2027 | Mon, 04 Jan 2027 | 07:17 AM – 09:30 AM (Dwadashi ends at 07:10 PM) |
⚖️ 3. Sacred Ekadashi Parana Rules: How and When to Break the Fast
In Vedic astronomy and scriptural treatises like Hari Bhakti Vilasa, Dharmasindhu, and Nirnayasindhu, breaking the Ekadashi fast (called Parana) is considered as vital as maintaining the fast itself. Failure to break the fast within the prescribed cosmic window negates the religious merit of the entire vrat.
- Rule 1: Parana Must Occur on Dwadashi: The fast must be broken after sunrise on Dwadashi tithi and before Dwadashi tithi terminates. Breaking the fast while Ekadashi tithi is still running or lingering after Dwadashi has lapsed is strictly forbidden.
- Rule 2: Prohibited Hari Vasara Period: Fast breaking must never take place during Hari Vasara. Hari Vasara constitutes the first one-fourth (first quarter or 25%) duration of Dwadashi Tithi. Devotees must wait until Hari Vasara elapses before taking food or water.
- Rule 3: Breaking Fast if Dwadashi Ends Early: If Dwadashi concludes before sunrise or very early in the morning, Parana should be performed immediately after sunrise.
- Rule 4: Avoid Madhyahna (Noon) Parana: If possible, one should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna (solar noon). If Dwadashi extends throughout the day, the morning Pratahkal window is prime.
- Rule 5: What to Consume During Parana: After offering morning prayers to Lord Vishnu, break the fast by first consuming Charanamrit (holy sanctified water with Tulsi leaves) or clean warm water with a Tulsi leaf. Follow with light satvik foods like soaked almonds, fruits, cow's milk, or a simple khichdi. Grains should be consumed mindfully after digestion reactivates.
🪔 4. Step-by-Step Ekadashi Fasting & Puja Vidhi
To derive the full multi-dimensional spiritual benefits of Ekadashi, ancient scriptures recommend a three-day disciplined protocol:
1️⃣ Dashami Preparation (Tithi prior to Ekadashi)
Consume a single satvik meal before sunset on Dashami. Avoid onion, garlic, lentils (masoor dal), non-vegetarian food, and heavy oils. Maintain celibacy (Brahmacharya) and calm the mind with spiritual reading.
2️⃣ Ekadashi Day Worship & Sankalpa
Wake up during Brahma Muhurat (approx. 90 minutes before sunrise). Bathe in clean water with a drop of Ganga Jal. Light a pure cow ghee lamp before Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Take a formal Sankalpa (vow) in Sanskrit or your mother tongue. Offer yellow flowers, Chandan, Tulsi leaves, and seasonal fruits.
3️⃣ Types of Fasting (Upavasa)
Depending on health and endurance, choose: Nirjala (complete fast without water, as on Bhimseni Ekadashi), Sajala (water and fresh juices), or Phalahari (seasonal fruits, milk, makhana, sabudana, and sendha namak). Avoid all grains, rice, wheat, and pulses.
4️⃣ Dwadashi Parana
On Dwadashi morning, bathe, offer Arghya to the rising Sun God, perform Vishnu Aarti, and offer food or dakshina to a Brahmin or needy person before concluding your fast within the calculated Parana window.
✨ 5. Adhik Maas 2026: The Rare Padmini & Parama Ekadashis
The lunar year 2026 features an auspicious Adhik Maas (Purushottam Maas or Mala Maas) occurring between May and June. During this sacred intercalary month inserted to realign the lunar calendar with the solar tropical cycle, two extraordinary Ekadashis take place:
- Padmini Ekadashi (Shukla Paksha - 26 May 2026): Also known as Kamala Ekadashi, observing this vrat bestows the collective merit of all pilgrimages and sacrifices.
- Parama Ekadashi (Krishna Paksha - 11 June 2026): Known as the destroyer of poverty (Daridrya Nashak), it blesses sincere practitioners with material sufficiency and supreme devotion to Sri Hari.
🔗 6. Explore Sacred Ekadashi Kathas & Daily City Muhurats
To make your Ekadashi observance deeply fulfilling, explore our dedicated interactive resources:
Pavitra Vrat Kathas & Stories
Read the authentic spiritual stories and origins for Nirjala, Devshayani, Prabodhini, and other sacred Ekadashis in Gujarati, Hindi, and English.
Read Sacred Kathas →Live City Choghadiya & Muhurat
Calculate real-time exact local sunrise, sunset, Rahukaal, and auspicious Amrit/Shubh/Labh Choghadiya windows for your specific coordinates.
Check Today's Choghadiya →Complete 2026 Festivals Calendar
Browse all Hindu festivals, Jayantis, Pradosh Vrats, Sankashti Chaturthi dates, and solar transitions across Vikram Samvat 2082–2083.
View 2026 Festivals →🕉️ 7. Sacred Vishnu Mantras & Parana Shlokas
Chanting these revered Sanskrit mantras on Ekadashi purifies speech and invokes Lord Vishnu's eternal protection:
(I fast on Ekadashi and break fast on Dwadashi. O Lord Janardana, kindly dissolve all my transgressions and accept this surrender.)
