Ekadashi (also spelled Ekadasi; Devnagari: एकादशी) is the eleventh day of the Hindu calendar, which occurs twice in a month; once in Krishna Paksha and once in Shukla Paksha. This day is dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu, one of the three major Hindu gods. Some Hindus also worship Lord Shiva on this day. There are a total of 24 (or 26 if Adhik Maas) Ekadashis in a Hindu year.
Meaning of the Word Ekadashi:
Ekadashi is a Sanskrit word that means “the eleventh”. The word for 11 is Ekadasha in Sanskrit.
The Story of Ekadashi Vrata:
Seeing Lord Vishnu in Yoga Nidra, a demon named Murdanav tried to attack him, but before he could do so, a gorgeous woman sprung from the 11th sense (mind) of Lord Vishnu. The demon fell for her beauty and proposed to marry her. She agreed on one condition that he had to defeat her in a battle. The demon readily agreed but got killed in the process.
When Lord Vishnu woke from sleep, he understood what had happened and was happy with the woman. He named her Ekadashi and gave her a blessing that those who would observe a fast on this day would get Moksha.
Names of All 26 Ekadashi:
1. Papavimochani Ekadashi:
It is also known as Papamochini Ekadashi. It falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of every Chaitra month. Papavimochani means “the one which removes sins”. The Chaturbhuj form of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. The devotees who observe this vrata are freed from all their sins and get salvation.
2. Kamada Ekadashi:
Kamada means “the one which fulfills all desires”. It is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of every Chaitra month. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Lord Krishna on this day. It fulfills all worldly desires of the person who does it religiously.
3. Varuthini Ekadashi:
It falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Pakasha in the Vaisakha month. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Vamana Avatar on this day. Varuthini means “protected”. Devotees who observe this fast get protection from all kinds of debacles and misfortunes.
4. Mohini Ekadashi:
It is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Vaisakha month. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Goddess Mohini on this day. Observing fast on this day removes the sins of the person.
5. Apara Ekadashi:
It is also called Achala Ekadashi. It falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month Jyeshtha. The word Apar in Sanskrit means “limitless”. Those who do fast on this day are freed from all their sins.
6. Nirjala Ekadashi:
It is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi, and Bhimseni Ekadashi. Nirjala means “without any water”. On this day, the devotees do not drink water also. Therefore, it is the hardest to follow of all Ekadashi fasts and hence the most sacred of all. Those who complete this vrata, gain the favor of Lord Vishnu and get happiness, prosperity, and forgiveness from all sins. It falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month.
7. Yogini Ekadashi:
Yogini means “a female Yogi”. It falls on the 11th tithi of the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month. Doing vrata on this day is equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. Those who observe this fast are freed from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
8. Devashayani Ekadashi:
Devashayani means “god resting/sleeping”. Lord Vishnu rests on Sheshanaga after this Ekadashi. It is also called Ashadhi Ekadashi in Maharashtra and is the most important one. Thousands of devotees reach Pandharpur on this day to take Darshana of Lord Panduranaga. It is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. It is also known as Padma Ekadashi.
9. Kamika Ekadashi:
It falls on the 11th tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Lord Krishna on this day. Kamika means “desired”. This vrata helps devotees relieve the Pitra Dosha.
10. Shravana Putrada Ekadashi:
It is also called Pavitra Ekadashi or Pavitropana Ekadashi. It falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Shravana month. Putrada means “the giver of a child (son)”. Devotees who are longing for a child benefit by doing this vrata.
11. Annada Ekadashi:
Also called Aja Ekadashi, it is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. Annada means “the giver of food”. Devotees observing this vrata get ample food as well as wealth and prosperity.
12. Parsva Ekadashi:
It is also called Vamana Ekadashi and Jayanti Ekadashi and falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada. Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu changes his sleeping position from left to right on this day. Therefore, it is also called Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi. Doing Parsva Ekadashi vrata gives you happiness and peace.
13. Indira Ekadashi:
This is the only Ekadashi that falls in the Pitra Paksha. Those who do this vrata, their deceased ancestors get salvation. Aside from keeping fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu, the devotees should donate different things and money on this day. Indira Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of Ashvin month.
14. Pasankusa Ekadashi:
Also called Papankusa Ekadashi, it falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashvin month. Pasankusa means “noose and goad”. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Lord Padmanabha on this day. Devotees get all worldly pleasures by doing this vrata.
15. Ramaa Ekadashi:
Rama Ekadashi vrata is observed on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha of every Kartik month. The day falls before the Diwali festival. It is believed that observing this vrata is equivalent to 1000 Ashwamedha yajna or 100 Rajasuyra yajna. Observers get all the happiness in the world and salvation after death.
16. Prabodhini Ekadashi:
It is also called Devauthani Ekadashi because Lord Vishnu awakes from Yoganidra on this day. It falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month. The holy festival of Tulsi Vivah also falls on this day. Lord Vishnu removes the sin of the people who observe fast on this day. They also get happiness, prosperity, and all worldly pleasures. In Maharashtra, it is also called Kartiki Ekadashi. Thousands of devotees visit the Pandharpur Vitthal Temple and pray to Lord Panduranga.
17. Utpanna Ekadashi:
It falls on the 11th tithi of Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month. Utpanna means “birth”. Goddess Ekadashi was born on this day and saved Lord Vishnu from a demon. Devotees who observe this vrata are absolved of their past sins. If one wants to start Ekadashi vrata, one should start it from this Ekadashi.
18. Vaikuntha Ekadashi:
Vaikuntha is the abode of Lord Vishnu. On this day, its gates are open for devotees, and they can enjoy the uninterrupted darshan of Lord Vishnu. It is also known by the names Mukoti or Mukhti Ekadashi and Mokshada Ekadashi. In Kerala, it is called Swargavathil Ekadashi. It falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month.
19. Saphala Ekadashi:
The Ekadashi that occurs on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of Pausha month is called Saphala Ekadashi. Saphala means “successful”. Those who observe the vrata of Saphala Ekadashi become successful in life.
20. Pausha Putrada Ekadashi:
It falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Pausha month. Couples who seek a child, especially a son, are advised to do this vrata. This Ekadashi is more popular in North India compared to Shravana Putrada Ekadashi.
21. Shattila (षट्तिला) Ekadashi:
This Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of Magha month. The literal meaning of Shattila is “six sesame seeds”. Shat means six and Tila means sesame seeds in Sanskrit. Sesame seeds are used in six different ways to worship Lord Vishnu on this day. It is also known as Tilda Ekadashi. Those who keep this vrata get prosperity and salvation.
22. Jaya Ekadashi:
It is also called Bhaimi Ekadashi. The observers of this vrata get rid of ghostly influences in their lives and are obliterated from all kinds of sins. Jaya Ekadashi occurs on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Magha month.
23. Vijaya Ekadashi:
Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month is called Vijaya Ekadashi. Vijaya means victory. Those who do this vrata religiously, become victorious in life.
24. Amalaka Ekadashi:
It falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month. Amalaka means amla or Indian gooseberry. This fruit is full of vitamin C and is known for strengthening the immune system. Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu resides in the Amla tree. Therefore, devotees worship the Amla tree on this day. Those who follow this Ekadashi vrata get good luck, prosperity, and happiness.
25. Padmini Vishuddha Ekadashi:
This Ekadashi comes once in three years because it is observed in Adhik maas, which is an extra month added to the Hindu calendar to synchronize solar and lunar years. This Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Adhik Maas. The vrata frees the devotees from past sins.
26. Parama Shuddha Ekadashi:
It is also called Purushottama Kamala Ekadashi. It falls on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha of Adhik Maas. The Ekadashi vrata brings material progress in life and washes away past sins.
How is Ekadashi Vrata Observed?
There are different sets of rules to observe different Ekadashi. Also, these rules change from region to region. But there are some common rules to be followed while observing the Ekadashi vrata.
1. Fasting is a must. You may eat things, like fruits, etc. in a small amount.
2. Fast should start at sunrise and end after sunset. Some Ekadashi fasts need to be opened the next day.
3. One should wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
4. Worship Lord Vishnu by offering flowers and other things.
5. Do not consume alcohol or non-veg food.
6. Do not speak lie, steal, or commit any act of violence toward any living being.
7. Go to any Lord Vishnu or his avatar temple and offer prayers.
8. Try to spend the day remembering Lord Vishnu and chanting his name.
Which is the Most Fruitful Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi is the most difficult to observe, and hence, it is considered the most powerful and fruitful. On this day, devotees don’t eat or drink anything at all. Therefore, it tests the limits of a person’s mental and physical strength.