24 Ekadashi Vratas
एकादशी व्रत — Vishnu's Fortnightly Fast
Every fortnight on the 11th tithi (lunar day), Vaishnavas observe Ekadashi vrata — fast dedicated to Vishnu. 24 unique Ekadashis per year, each with its own story, presiding deity, and specific benefit. Padma Purana & Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrate the origin of every Ekadashi through tales told by Krishna to Yudhishthira, Vyasa to Bhima, and Narada to King Indrasena.
Most gentle of all major vratas — householder-safe, no initiation required, full merit via phalahara (fruits) path.
Beginner-friendly (mild)
Mild phalahara fasts ideal for first-time observers. Strong stories, gentle requirements.
#1 · Krishna Margashirsha
Utpanna Ekadashi
उत्पन्ना एकादशी
November-December
The demon Mura tried to slay Vishnu during his sleep. From Vishnu's body emerged the goddess Ekadashi who destroyed Mura. Vishnu blessed her: anyone who fasts on the 11th tithi (her birthday — Utpanna means "manifested") will be liberated from sins. This is the origin of all Ekadashi vratas.
#10 · Shukla Chaitra
Kamada Ekadashi
कामदा एकादशी
April
A Gandharva couple were cursed by Brahma — the husband became a man-eating monster. The wife observed Kamada Ekadashi praying for his release. Vishnu fulfilled her desire (kama) — the curse was lifted. "Kama-da" = "giver of desires".
#8 · Shukla Phalguna
Amalaki Ekadashi
आमलकी एकादशी
March
Vishnu took residence in the amalaki (Indian gooseberry) tree which sprouted from his teardrop. Worshipping the amalaki tree on this day is equivalent to worshipping Vishnu directly. The fruit holds amrita itself.
#12 · Shukla Vaishakha
Mohini Ekadashi
मोहिनी एकादशी
May
After the Samudra Manthan, Vishnu took the Mohini avatar to distribute the amrita only to devas (not asuras). The day he assumed this form is celebrated as Mohini Ekadashi. Releases devotees from delusion (moha).
Most powerful (advanced)
Highest merit, often strictest. Nirjala covers all 24 in one day; Devshayani+Devuthani bookend Chaturmasya; Mokshada is Gita Jayanti.
#14 · Shukla Jyeshtha
Nirjala Ekadashi (Bhima Ekadashi)
निर्जला एकादशी / भीम एकादशी
June
Bhima — strongest of the Pandavas — could not endure fasting on every Ekadashi due to his immense appetite. Vyasa told him: observe Nirjala Ekadashi (without water) in Jyeshtha-Shukla, and you receive merit equivalent to all 24 Ekadashis combined. Hence also called Bhima Ekadashi.
#16 · Shukla Ashadha
Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadhi)
देवशयनी एकादशी / आषाढी
July
On this day Vishnu reclines on his serpent-couch Sheshanaga in the cosmic ocean and enters yoga-nidra (4-month cosmic sleep) — Chaturmasya. He awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi (Kartik-Shukla). This Ekadashi begins the 4-month observance period for Hindus.
#24 · Shukla Kartik
Devuthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini)
देवुठनी एकादशी / प्रबोधिनी
November
After 4 months of yoga-nidra (Chaturmasya), Vishnu awakens on this day. Devuthani = "the gods rise". Also called Prabodhini ("awakening"). Marriages and gruhapraveshas resume. Tulsi-Vivah (marriage of Tulsi to Vishnu) is celebrated today or the next day.
#2 · Shukla Margashirsha
Mokshada Ekadashi
मोक्षदा एकादशी
December
On this day in Dwapara Yuga, Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the Kurukshetra battlefield. Hence also called Gita Jayanti. Observing this Ekadashi liberates ancestors from the lower realms — "moksha-da" = "giver of liberation".
Ancestor-focused
Specifically liberate ancestors from lower realms and remove pitra-dosha.
#21 · Krishna Ashwin
Indira Ekadashi
इन्दिरा एकादशी
September-October
King Indrasena performed this vrat for his deceased father who had fallen to lower realms. The merit of Indira Ekadashi observed by descendants liberates ancestors from those realms. Falls during Pitru Paksha — most pitr-friendly Ekadashi of the year.
#6 · Shukla Magha
Jaya Ekadashi
जया एकादशी
February
A celestial Gandharva and Apsara couple (Malyavan and Pushpavati) were cursed by Indra to become pishachas (ghouls) for misbehaviour in his court. Wandering miserably they accidentally observed Jaya Ekadashi. Their ghoul-state ended; they regained celestial form. Jaya means "victory".
#17 · Krishna Shravana
Kamika Ekadashi
कामिका एकादशी
July-August
During Chaturmasya, when devas are asleep, Kamika Ekadashi is the only vrat that grants the same merit as bathing in all sacred tirthas combined. A hunter who killed a brahmana accidentally observed this Ekadashi and was liberated.
Progeny + family
Boon of children, healthy pregnancy, family restoration.
#4 · Shukla Pausha
Putrada Ekadashi (Pausha)
पौष पुत्रदा एकादशी
January
King Suketuman of Bhadrawati was childless. On the advice of sages he and his queen observed this Ekadashi. They were granted a virtuous and dharmic son. Putrada means "giver of progeny".
#18 · Shukla Shravana
Putrada Ekadashi (Shravana)
श्रावण पुत्रदा एकादशी
August
King Mahijit of Mahishmati was childless despite all efforts. Sage Lomesh advised this vrat. The king and queen observed Shravana Putrada Ekadashi and were blessed with a son. Second annual Putrada — equally efficacious as Pausha Putrada.
#10 · Shukla Chaitra
Kamada Ekadashi
कामदा एकादशी
April
A Gandharva couple were cursed by Brahma — the husband became a man-eating monster. The wife observed Kamada Ekadashi praying for his release. Vishnu fulfilled her desire (kama) — the curse was lifted. "Kama-da" = "giver of desires".
All 24 Ekadashis in lunar order
| # | Name | Paksha | Masa | Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utpanna Ekadashi | Krishna | Margashirsha | November-December |
| 2 | Mokshada Ekadashi | Shukla | Margashirsha | December |
| 3 | Saphala Ekadashi | Krishna | Pausha | December-January |
| 4 | Putrada Ekadashi (Pausha) | Shukla | Pausha | January |
| 5 | Shattila Ekadashi | Krishna | Magha | January-February |
| 6 | Jaya Ekadashi | Shukla | Magha | February |
| 7 | Vijaya Ekadashi | Krishna | Phalguna | February-March |
| 8 | Amalaki Ekadashi | Shukla | Phalguna | March |
| 9 | Papamochani Ekadashi | Krishna | Chaitra | March-April |
| 10 | Kamada Ekadashi | Shukla | Chaitra | April |
| 11 | Varuthini Ekadashi | Krishna | Vaishakha | April-May |
| 12 | Mohini Ekadashi | Shukla | Vaishakha | May |
| 13 | Apara Ekadashi | Krishna | Jyeshtha | May-June |
| 14 | Nirjala Ekadashi (Bhima Ekadashi) | Shukla | Jyeshtha | June |
| 15 | Yogini Ekadashi | Krishna | Ashadha | June-July |
| 16 | Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadhi) | Shukla | Ashadha | July |
| 17 | Kamika Ekadashi | Krishna | Shravana | July-August |
| 18 | Putrada Ekadashi (Shravana) | Shukla | Shravana | August |
| 19 | Aja Ekadashi | Krishna | Bhadrapada | August-September |
| 20 | Parivartini Ekadashi (Vamana) | Shukla | Bhadrapada | September |
| 21 | Indira Ekadashi | Krishna | Ashwin | September-October |
| 22 | Papankusha Ekadashi | Shukla | Ashwin | October |
| 23 | Rama Ekadashi | Krishna | Kartik | October-November |
| 24 | Devuthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini) | Shukla | Kartik | November |
Frequently asked
What is Ekadashi and how many are there?
Ekadashi is the 11th tithi (lunar day) of each fortnight. There are 2 per month (Shukla + Krishna paksha), totaling 24 unique Ekadashis through the year. Each has a distinct name, presiding deity, story (mostly Padma Purana), and specific benefit. Adhik Maas adds 2 more in a leap year (26 total).
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Two paths: nirjala (no food, no water — strictest) OR phalahara (fruits, milk, sabudana, kuttu flour, potato, sendha namak). Strictly forbidden: rice, all grains (wheat, dal), onion, garlic, honey, sleeping during day. Break fast next morning after Vishnu puja during Dwadashi tithi.
Why is Nirjala Ekadashi called the most powerful?
Nirjala (waterless, in jyeshtha/June-July) is observed without even water for 24+ hours. Per Padma Purana, Bhima asked Vyasa for a single fast equivalent to all 24 — Vyasa prescribed Nirjala. So if you observe ONLY one Ekadashi in the year, this is the one. Extremely hard physically — not for elderly, pregnant, sick, or diabetic.
What is Mokshada Ekadashi and why is it Gita Jayanti?
Mokshada (margashirsha shukla, December) is the day Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the Kurukshetra battlefield 5,000+ years ago. Observing this Ekadashi grants moksha to deceased ancestors AND merit equivalent to reading the entire Gita. Devotees also read Gita Chapter 1 or full text on this day.
How does Indira Ekadashi help ancestors?
Indira (ashvin krishna, Pitru Paksha period) is specifically prescribed for ancestors stuck in lower realms (preta-loka or naraka). Per Padma Purana, King Indrasena observed it on Narada's advice to liberate his deceased father — and succeeded. Most Pitru Paksha rituals (shraddha + tarpan) culminate in this Ekadashi fast.
What are Devshayani and Devuthani Ekadashis?
Devshayani (ashadha shukla, July) = Vishnu goes to sleep on Sheshanaga. Devuthani (kartik shukla, November) = Vishnu wakes after 4 months. The 4-month gap = Chaturmasya, when no Hindu weddings, no major auspicious ceremonies. Devuthani marks the return of muhurats — wedding season officially restarts.
Can householders with families observe Ekadashi?
Yes — Ekadashi is one of the most householder-safe vratas. Phalahara path is gentle (fruits + milk only) and doesn't require renunciation or special initiation. Many families observe together with simpler "no grains" version. Even partial observance (no rice for the day) is considered meritorious per shastra.
I have diabetes / pregnancy / illness — should I fast?
No. Per dharma shastra, vrata that endangers health is forbidden — body is the vehicle of dharma. Substitute: chant Vishnu's 1000 names (Vishnu Sahasranama), read Bhagavad Gita verses, donate to a Vishnu temple, or feed a brahmin on Ekadashi day. Intent + alternative seva carry full merit. Consult doctor + family priest.
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