“Of all plants, Tulasi is dearer to me, Kartika is dearer to me than all months, my beloved Dwarka is dearer to all places of pilgrimage, and Ekadashi is dearest to me”
- Padma Purana
The root Sanskrit word Eka means One, and Dashi is the feminine form of the word “Dasha,” which means “ten.” Ekadashi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, observed twice a month on the 11th day of both the waxing and waning lunar phases. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this day involves fasting and prayer, symbolizing the purification of the mind and body. Devotees believe that observing Ekadashi brings spiritual benefits, including the eradication of sins and the attainment of Moksha (liberation).
Each Ekadashi has its unique legend and rituals, enhancing its spiritual importance. Besides the religious benefits, Ekadashi also promotes physical health by giving the digestive system a periodic rest.
Devotee can chose the fasting approach that aligns with his/her health, lifestyle, and spiritual goals.
Nirjala: Devotees observe complete fasting without even water on Ekadashi day.
Jalahar: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, devotees consume only water.
Ksheerbhoji: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, devotees consume milk and milk products.
Phalahari: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, the devotees consume only fruits.
Naktabhoji: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, the devotees have single meal. Generally, in the later part of the day with dishes made of Sabudana, Singhada, Shakarkand(Yam),Potatoes and Groundnuts. However, the meal should not have any grains like rice, wheat, millets or cereals like dals and beans.
Varuthini Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Baishakh (April/May). Vamana incarnation (avatar) is worshiped on this day. Varuthini means protection; therefore, observing fast on this day will protect the devotee from any misfortunes, and his life will be accompanied by good luck and prosperity.
Mohini Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Shukla Paksha of Baishakh month. Observing fasting on this Ekadashi can wash away all sins of his current and past life. Mohini is the female embodiment of Lord Vishnu; it is believed Lord Vishnu took this form on this day.
Apara Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha of Jestha (May and June). Also known as Achala Ekadashi, it is believed fasting on this day will free devotees of all accumulated sins. Complete abstinence from food and worldly form of pleasures on this day would help a person receive unlimited wealth.
Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Shukla Paksha of the month of Jestha. The day is commemorated as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi in honor of the five Pandava brothers. Nirjala Ekadashi Vrata has fasting rules without water, so abstinence from food and water is necessary to complete this fast. It is regarded as the most rigorous and significant of all Ekadashis.
Yogini Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of each moon cycle of Krishna paksha of Ashadh (June and July). Desisting food on this day and worshiping Lord Vishnu with pure heart and dedication will wash away all your sins and allow you to avoid any diseases and other health problems in the future.
Padma, Devpodhi or Devshayani is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month. Since Lord Vishnu, after fulfilling his worldly duties, Lord Vishnu began his Sleep on his Shesh Naaga in the milky cosmic ocean for four months. The day is also referred to as Hari Shayani Ekadashi. He wakes up on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi. Thus, the four months are also called Chaturmas.
Kamika Ekadashi also cited as Krishna Ekadashi, falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha of Shravan (July and August). The Krishna incarnation of Lord Vishnu is worshiped on this day to destroy all sins and achieve Moksha (ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Fasting on this day frees the devotee from Pitri Dosha (curse of ancestors).
The sacred day falls on the Shukla paksha of Shravan month. Supposedly, fasting on this day allows spouses to conceive a long-awaited child if there are problems with this.
Ananda or Aja Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadra (August and September). Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped on this day to receive blessings. Fasting on this day will shower the devotee with unlimited wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
Also known as Pavitra or Pavitropani Ekadashi, the day falls on the Krishna Paksha of Bhadra month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu, during his sleep, changed his position from left to right, so the name Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi. Devotees who fast on this day are endowed with eternal happiness and longevity.
Indira Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha Ashwin (September and October). The day also coincides with Pitru Paksha (16 days period dedicated to Shradha: a ceremony to honor deceased ancestors). Thus, fasting on this day helps your deceased ancestors’ souls to enter the heavenly worlds. It also helps to wash away your past misdeeds.
Papankusha Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. This day is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha (another form of Lord Vishnu). Fasting on this day will bless the devotees with excellent health and everything he does not wish for.
Rama Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik (October and November). The day falls before Dipawali (Greatest Hindu Festival of Lights), and it is believed that followers who observe fast on this holy day will be bestowed with immense wealth, happiness, and sin-free life.
Haribodhini Ekadashi or Devauthana Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Shukla paksha of Kartik month. The day is observed with the greatest zeal as the day is marked by the sacred wedding ceremony of the sacred plant Tulsi and Lord Shaligram (Form of Lord Vishnu). It also marks the end of Chaturmas and the awakening of Lord Vishnu after his four-month-long sleep.
Utpanna Ekadashi, also known as Uttpatti Ekadashi, falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha of Mangsir (November and December). The day symbolizes the victory of Lord Krishna over Murasura and the birth of Ekadashi’s Mother. Therefore, followers who want to begin their Ekadashi fast should start from this day.
Mokshada Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Mangsir. It is also celebrated as the birthday of Bhagavad Gita. As the name implies, observing fast on this day helps the devotee to obtain Moksha and the opportunity to reside permanently on Vaikuntha (Holy abode of Lord Vishnu).
Saphala Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha of Paush (December and January). This day has a sacred meaning for Hindus: it is believed that those who sincerely fast on this day are freed from sins and create the basis for a happy life. Saphala means to succeed; thus, observing fast on this day helps you achieve a successful and happy life in all its manifestations.
Putrada Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Shukla paksha of Paush month. Putrada means giving birth to sons, so those couples intend to give birth to a boy. Sri Narayan is worshiped on this day with the greatest ardor to receive a son with the qualities of Lord Vishnu.
Sattila Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha of the Magha month (January and February). The day is also known as Magha Krishna Ekadashi, or Tilda Ekadashi, among the followers of Lord Vishnu. Sat means six, and Tila means sesame seeds, so the devotees observing fast on this Ekadashi should offer sesame seeds and water to Lord Vishnu and sesame seeds to their parents and ancestors.
Jaya Ekadashi is fast observed on the 11th tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magha month. Jaya Ekadashi helps the fasting observers to gain awareness of eternal spiritual bliss. It helps people realize the temporality of worldly pleasures and seek real happiness by serving all living things (plants, animals, and human beings).
Vijaya Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha of Falgun (February and March). Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is worshiped on this day. It is said that Lord Rama fasted for the first time on this Ekadashi. Fasting helps the person to accumulate good deeds and achieve Moksha.
Amalaki Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of Shukla Paksha of Falgun month, characterized by devotees offering honor to Amala (Indian Gooseberry) which is regarded as the residence of Lord Vishnu. The sacred day of Amla Ekadashi also marks the beginning of the colorful festival of Holi.
Kamada Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Kamada means fulfillment of all your desires and dreams. Thus, the followers of the Hindu religion especially celebrate this day with the greatest austerity and devotion.
This sacred day falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra (March and April). It is the last day of all 24 Ekadashi and falls between Holi Festival and Chaitra Navami or Rama Navami. Papa means sins, and Mochani means liberation, so it is the auspicious day to get rid of all your sins and abstain from evil deeds.
Contact Us
Email: adityagupta200@gmail.com
Phone: 9731764134
Support Us(Paytm, PhonePe, Gpay) - 9731764134
Bhagwatiganj, Balrampur - 271201
Sector 11, Noida - 201301
© 2025 Amatya