Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day (tithi) of each fortnight. There are two Ekadashis every lunar month — one in the bright half (Shukla paksha) and one in the dark half (Krishna paksha) — for a total of 24 named Ekadashis a year. In Adhik Maas years (intercalary years like 2026), two extra Ekadashis are added, bringing the total to 26. Each Ekadashi has its own name, its own vrat katha, and its own significance — and all are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Listed in lunar-month order (Chaitra → Phalguna).
The 'sin-removing' Ekadashi observed at the close of the lunar year. The vrat katha tells of the sage Medhavi released from a celestial curse through this fast. Considered especially powerful for cleansing accumulated karmas before the new year.
The 'wish-fulfilling' Ekadashi, the first of the new lunar year. Observed soon after Chaitra Navratri. The katha tells of Lalit and Lalita restored to human form through the vrat — a story of devotion overcoming a curse.
The 'protective' Ekadashi. Said to grant protection in this life and good fortune in the next. The katha narrates King Mandhata's restoration after losing a limb — through the vrat he regained his form and his kingdom.
Named for Lord Vishnu's Mohini avatar, who distributed amrit to the devas at the Samudra Manthan. The katha tells of the Gandharva named Dhrishtabuddhi released from his attachments through this vrat. Considered especially beneficial for those struggling with desire.
The 'limitless' Ekadashi, also called Achala. Observing Apara is said to remove the burden of past misdeeds and grant fame and material well-being. Lord Vishnu narrated its glory to King Yudhishthira in the Mahabharata.
The 'waterless' Ekadashi — the strictest of all. Observers fast without even water from Dashami sunset to Dwadashi sunrise. Also called Bhima Ekadashi after Bhima of the Mahabharata, whose single annual observance is said to equal all 24 Ekadashis combined. The hardest fast and the highest reward.
Said to grant the merit of feeding 88,000 Brahmins. The katha tells of Hema Mali — gardener to Kuber — released from a curse of leprosy through this fast.
Also called Padma or Hari-Shayani. The day Lord Vishnu enters his cosmic sleep on the serpent Shesha — the start of the four-month Chaturmas period. Major weddings and Griha Pravesh muhurats are widely avoided from this day until Devuthani Ekadashi.
Observed at the start of Chaturmas. Said to free observers from the negative consequences of accumulated past actions. Tulsi worship is especially recommended on this day.
The 'son-bestowing' Ekadashi. Couples seeking children traditionally observe this fast with full devotion. The katha tells of King Suketuman granted progeny through this vrat. Pausha Shukla Ekadashi shares the same name and intent (winter Putrada).
Also called Annada Ekadashi. The katha tells of King Harishchandra, who lost everything for the sake of truth, restored through this vrat. Especially recommended for those facing financial or legal difficulty.
Also called Parivartini or Vamana Ekadashi. The day Lord Vishnu turns from one side to the other in his cosmic sleep. Observed alongside Vamana Jayanti (the dwarf avatar's birthday) on the same day.
Observed during Pitru Paksha (the fortnight of ancestral remembrance). The katha tells of King Indrasena, whose deceased father was released from suffering through this vrat. Considered especially powerful for ancestral peace and pitru tarpan.
Also called Papankusha. Observed near Sharad Navratri. Said to wash away the merit of a hundred horse sacrifices. Recommended for those seeking moksha or release from cycles of worldly difficulty.
Observed in the days leading up to Diwali. Named not for Lord Rama but for Goddess Lakshmi (Rama is a name of Lakshmi). The katha tells of King Muchukunda's daughter Chandrabhaga and her husband Shobhana — granted Vaikuntha together through this fast.
The day Lord Vishnu awakens from his cosmic sleep — the close of Chaturmas. Wedding muhurats and Griha Pravesh windows reopen from this day. Tulsi Vivah (the marriage of Tulsi to Shaligram) is celebrated on or near this Ekadashi.
Said to be the day Ekadashi Devi herself was 'born' from the body of Lord Vishnu — the origin of the Ekadashi vrat tradition itself. Considered an essential observance for serious Vaishnavas.
The 'liberation-bestowing' Ekadashi — also called Vaikuntha Ekadashi when the Sun is in Sagittarius (Dhanu). The day Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra (Gita Jayanti). Said to be the most auspicious of all 24 Ekadashis — the gates of Vaikuntha are believed to open on this day.
The 'fruitful' Ekadashi. Said to make all undertakings successful. The katha tells of Prince Lumpaka — disowned and exiled — restored to royal status through this fast.
The winter Putrada Ekadashi — same name and intent as the Shravana Putrada (couples seeking children). Both are observed by those seeking progeny or for the well-being of children already born.
Named for the six (shat) ways til (sesame) is offered: in the bath water, as paste on the body, in the homa fire, in the food, as charity, and as offering to Lord Vishnu. Sesame is considered especially auspicious during this Ekadashi.
The 'victory' Ekadashi. The katha tells of two Gandharvas — Mahyavan and his consort Pushpavati — restored to their celestial form after a curse turned them into pisachas. A vrat for those seeking release from a difficult phase.
Lord Rama is said to have observed Vijaya Ekadashi before crossing the ocean to Lanka — the 'victory' here is military / strategic. Recommended for those facing difficult battles, conflicts, or major undertakings.
Named for the amalaki tree (Indian gooseberry / amla), considered sacred to Lord Vishnu. Observers worship the amalaki tree and offer fruits to Vishnu. Falls in the days leading up to Holi.
Adhik Maas is the 'extra' lunar month inserted every ~3 years to keep the lunar and solar calendars aligned. The two Adhik Maas Ekadashis are observed only in Adhik years — 2026 has Adhik Jyeshtha around May, adding Padmini and Parama to the year's Ekadashi count.
Observed only in Adhik Maas years (every ~3 years). Said to be supremely auspicious as it occurs in the 'extra' month dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Purushottam Maas). Bhima of the Mahabharata is said to have observed Padmini for moksha.
The second Adhik Maas Ekadashi, also observed only in Adhik years. The katha tells of King Kuvera and his Brahmin Sumedha — granted prosperity and progeny through this rare fast. 2026 includes this Ekadashi (Adhik Jyeshtha around May).
Specific Ekadashi dates and parana (fast-breaking) timings depend on the lunar calendar and your location's sunrise. Use Sanatani.ai's Panchang for the exact Ekadashi date in your timezone, and the Muhurat tool for the parana window.