Ekadashi Vratएकादशी व्रत
Devoted to Lord Vishnu · Twice a month (11th day of each lunar fortnight, ~24 per year)
Significance
Most powerful Vaishnava vrat. Lord Vishnu declared Ekadashi the supreme purifier — fasting one Ekadashi equals merits of countless yajnas. Burns karmic residue, calms mind, prepares for moksha. Skipping grains on this day allows digestive + spiritual reset.
Who Observes
Vaishnavas universally; widely observed by all Hindus. Especially auspicious for those seeking liberation, devotional progress, or family welfare.
Fasting Rules (Upvas Niyam)
- •No grains (rice, wheat, lentils) — only fruits, milk, nuts, root vegetables permitted
- •Some observe nirjala (waterless) fast — most observe phalahar (fruit-only)
- •Begin sunset prior day, break fast sunrise day after (Dwadashi)
- •No onion, garlic, or tamasic foods
- •Sleep on floor or minimum bedding; brahmacharya recommended
- •No anger, gossip, or worldly distractions
Rituals (Puja Vidhi)
- Wake before sunrise, bathe, wear clean clothes
- Vishnu/Krishna puja with tulsi leaves, yellow flowers
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita chapter 12
- Hear Ekadashi katha (story specific to each Ekadashi)
- Stay awake at night (jagran) if possible, chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- Donate food, money, or clothes on Dwadashi morning
Prasad
Tulsi leaves with charanamrit, fruits, kheer (made without rice — substitute with sabudana)
Benefits (Phal)
Removes 1000 lifetimes of papa (sin), grants Vishnu loka after death, cures chronic illness, brings family prosperity. Regular observance over years leads to direct moksha per Padma Purana.
Primary Mantra
Vrat Katha (Story Origin)
Demon Murasura attacked devas; Lord Vishnu created goddess Ekadashi from his body who destroyed Mura. Pleased, Vishnu blessed that whoever fasts on Ekadashi receives all spiritual fruits. Each Ekadashi has its own katha — Padma Purana lists all 24.
Book a pandit for Ekadashi Vrat udyapan or katha
Concluding ceremony, havan, or full katha recitation at your home or remotely with video proof.