Ekadashi

Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day (tithi) of the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) lunar cycles in a Vedic calendar month. Those who Observe Ekadashi Vrat offer their worship to Lord Vishnu by fasting and praying.

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is an auspicious day for both Hindus and Jains. It takes place on the eleventh day of the two lunar cycles of the month, Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. People observe a fast to mark the day by controlling the eleven senses and consuming only Satvik (permitted) foods.

Types of Ekadashi

Usually, there are 24 Ekadashis in a Calendar Year. And, 2 extra Ekadashis happen in a Leap Year.

• Papavimocani Ekadashi and Kamada Ekadashi falls in Chaitra Masa (March-April).
• Varuthini Ekadashi and Mohini Ekadashi falls in Vaisakha Masa (April–May ).
• Apara Ekadashi and Nirjala Ekadashi falls in Jyeshtha Masa (May–June).
• Yogini Ekadashi and Shayani Ekadashi falls in Ashada Masa (June–July).
• Kamika Ekadashi and Shravana Putrada Ekadashi falls in Shravana Masa (July–August).
• Annada Ekadashi and Parsva Ekadashi falls in Bhadrapada Masa (August–September).
• Indra Ekadashi and Pasankusa Ekadashi falls in Ashvina Masa (September–October).
• Rama Ekadashi and Prabodhini Ekadashi falls in Kartik Masa (October–November).
• Utpanna Ekadashi and Mokshada Ekadashi/Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls in Margashirsha(Agrahayana) Masa (November–December).
• Saphala Ekadashi and Pausha Putrada Ekadashi/Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls in Pausha Masa (December–January).
• Shattila Ekadashi and Bhaimi Ekadashi / Jaya Ekadashi falls in Magha Masa (January–February).
• Vijaya Ekadashi and Amalaki Ekadashi falls in Phalguna Masa (February–March).

Padmini Vishuddha Ekadashi and Parama Shuddha Ekadashi falls in Adhika (Masa) month (Once in 2–3 years).

Ekadashi Story

According to Padma Purana, in Kritha Yuga, there lived a demon (Rakshasa) called Mura. He frightened all the people on the earth as well as the Devatas. So Devatas left heaven and took refuge in Vaikuntam. They prayed Bhagavaan Vishnu to protect them. So, he (Lord Vishnu) took off immediately on His Vahana (vehicle) “Garuda”. He fought continuously for 1000 years with Muraasura of unbelievable strength and still he was fighting with full energy and power. So, Vishnu decided to change the Plan.

Bhagavaan acted as if He was extremely tired and hid in a Simhavathy cave in the Himalyas near Badari. He decided to take a nap in this huge cave. Muraasura saw Him going inside the cave and followed Him. He took his sword to kill Lord Vishnu who was sleeping and was about to swing the sword. Suddenly, a beautiful Devi emerged from Bhagavaan Vishnu’s body, holding all kinds of divine weapons. She started fighting with Muraasura.

After a long fight, Muraasura decided to use very powerful Brahmaasthram on Devi. When, Murasura was about to use it, Devi made a loud and sharp noise, which turned Murusura into fine ashes.

Mahavishnu woke up hearing the loud noise made by Devi. He was pleased to see Murusura turned into ashes. This event occoured on the 11th day of waxing moon (shukla Paksha). So, he named Devi as “Ekadashi”. And, he gave her a boon; Any devotee who observes the Ekadashi fasting and prayers would have all his sins burnt at once and he attains the spiritual world (Moksha).

Happy Ekadashi Wishes

On the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi Vrat, Wish your dear ones from anywhere in the world Happy Ekadashi with these Wishes Images, and videos.