Ekadashi
एकादशी • Ekadashi
"Eleventh"
Ekadasha (eleven) + I (suffix) = The eleventh one
Vishnu
Ekadashi is the most sacred tithi for Vishnu worship. According to legend, Ekadashi Devi emerged from Vishnu's body to protect his devotees.
Calculation Details
| Shukla Paksha | 120° to 132° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Krishna Paksha | 300° to 312° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Formula | Tithi = (Moon longitude - Sun longitude) / 12 |
| Duration | Approximately 19-26 hours (varies) |
Shukla & Krishna Paksha
Shukla Paksha (Waxing)
Eleventh day of waxing moon - Vishnu's special day
Highly auspicious for fasting and Vishnu worship
Krishna Paksha (Waning)
Eleventh day of waning moon - equally sacred for Vishnu worship
Excellent for fasting, meditation, and spiritual practices
Auspicious & Inauspicious Activities
Auspicious Activities
- Vishnu worship and puja — Most sacred day for Vishnu
- Fasting (Ekadashi Vrat) — Fasting on Ekadashi is highly meritorious
- Spiritual practices and meditation — Spiritual energy at peak
- Charity and donations — Donations multiplied on Ekadashi
- Reading scriptures — Knowledge absorption enhanced
- Visiting Vishnu temples — Pilgrimage benefits multiplied
Inauspicious Activities
- Marriage ceremonies — Day is meant for spiritual pursuits
- Eating grains (during vrat) — Rice, wheat, grains prohibited during Ekadashi fast
- Material pleasures — Focus should be on spiritual activities
- Starting major business ventures — Day is for devotion, not material pursuits
Associated Festivals
Devshayani Ekadashi
Vishnu sleeps; Chaturmas begins
Prabodhini/Dev Uthani Ekadashi
Vishnu awakens; weddings resume
Nirjala Ekadashi
Most austere; equal to all Ekadashis
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Gates of Vaikuntha open
Spiritual Significance
Most sacred day for Vishnu devotees; fasting removes sins of past lives
Practices
- Ekadashi Vrat
- Vishnu Sahasranama recitation
- Night vigil (jaagaran)
- Temple visits
Health & Profession
Health
| Focus | Fasting benefits digestive system |
| Advice | Excellent for detoxification and spiritual cleansing |
| Caution | Those with health issues should consult before fasting |
Profession
Focus on devotion rather than business
Remedies
- Worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama
- Read Ekadashi Mahatmya
- Donate food to the poor on Dwadashi
Mantras
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Ekadashyai Namah
Classical References
| Padma Purana | Extensive descriptions of all 24 Ekadashis |
| Brahm Vaivarta Purana | Ekadashi Devi's origin story |
| Vishnu Dharmottara | Benefits of Ekadashi fasting |
Regional Variations
| Iskcon | Major emphasis on Ekadashi fasting |
| South India | Ekadashi special prasad in temples |
| Vaishnava Sampradayas | Strict Ekadashi observance |
| Maharashtra | Vitthal worship on Ekadashi |
Ekadashi occurs when the Moon has moved 120-132 degrees ahead of the Sun (Shukla) or 300-312 degrees (Krishna). Moon approaching full or new moon.
