All 26 Ekadashi Vrat Kathas: Complete Month-by-Month Master List, Spiritual Significance & Parana Rules
In Hindu lunar calendar (Vedic Panchang), Ekadashi (एकादशी) is the 11th lunar day (Tithi) of both the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and waning phase (Krishna Paksha). Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observing Ekadashi fasts purifies sins, balances mental health, and bestows liberation (Moksha). While a standard lunar year contains 24 Ekadashis (2 per month), leap years containing an extra month (Purushottam Masa / Adhika Masa) feature 26 Ekadashis in total. Below is the complete master catalog of all 26 Ekadashis, their Puranic origins, and fast-breaking rules.
✨ Why Ekadashi Fasting Works: Scriptural & Biological Dimensions
According to the Padma Purana, the demon Mura was slain on Ekadashi by a divine maiden who manifested from Lord Vishnu's body—hence named Ekadashi Devi. Lord Vishnu granted Her a boon: whoever fasts on Her day shall be freed from all sins.
- Gravitational Attraction: On the 11th lunar day, the moon's gravitational pull affects human body fluids and digestive systems; fasting maintains physiological equilibrium.
- No Rice Rule: Consuming rice on Ekadashi is strictly forbidden, as water retention in grains absorbs negative energies during this planetary alignment.
Complete Month-by-Month Table of All 26 Ekadashis
| Hindu Month (मास) | Krishna Paksha Ekadashi | Shukla Paksha Ekadashi | Key Spiritual Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaitra (चैत्र) | Papmochani Ekadashi (पापमोचनी) | Kamada Ekadashi (कामदा) | Destroys past sins & fulfills rightful desires |
| Vaishakha (वैशाख) | Varuthini Ekadashi (वरुथिनी) | Mohini Ekadashi (मोहिनी) | Grants good fortune & protection against illusion |
| Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठ) | Apara Ekadashi (अपरा) | Nirjala Ekadashi (निर्जला) | Nirjala gives merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined |
| Ashadha (आषाढ़) | Yogini Ekadashi (योगिनी) | Devshayani Ekadashi (देवशयनी) | Marks commencement of 4-month Chaturmas period |
| Shravana (सावन) | Kamika Ekadashi (कामिका) | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi (पुत्रदा) | Bestows healthy offspring & ancestral peace |
| Bhadrapada (भाद्रपद) | Aja Ekadashi (अजा) | Parsva / Vamana Ekadashi (पार्श्व) | Lord Vishnu changes side during cosmic slumber |
| Ashwin (आश्विन) | Indira Ekadashi (इन्दिरा) | Papankusha Ekadashi (पापांकुशा) | Fasting during Pitru Paksha liberates ancestors |
| Kartika (कार्तिक) | Rama Ekadashi (रमा) | Devutthana Ekadashi (देवोत्थान) | Lord Vishnu awakens; marriage season begins |
| Margashirsha (मार्गशीर्ष) | Utpanna Ekadashi (उत्पन्ना) | Mokshada Ekadashi (मोक्षदा) | Mokshada coincides with Gita Jayanti |
| Pausha (पौष) | Shattila Ekadashi (षट्तिला) | Pausha Putrada Ekadashi (पुत्रदा) | Shattila utilizes sesame seeds in 6 holy ways |
| Magha (माघ) | Jaya Ekadashi (जया) | Vijaya Ekadashi (विजया) | Ensures victory over impossible challenges |
| Phalguna (फाल्गुन) | Amalaki Ekadashi (आमलकी) | Papmochani Ekadashi (पापमोचनी) | Worship of sacred Amla tree bestows radiance |
| Adhika Masa (अधिक मास) | Padmini Ekadashi (पद्मिनी) | Parama Ekadashi (परमा) | Occurs every 3 years; grants supreme Purushottam grace |
Ekadashi Parana (Fast Breaking) Rules
Ekadashi fast must be broken on Dwadashi Tithi after sunrise and after the completion of Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi). Breaking fast during Hari Vasara nullifies the merit of fasting.
Read All 26 Ekadashi Kathas Offline with Audio
Download the official Vrat Sathi App by Mahavyoma Studio on Google Play. Access all 26 complete Puranic Ekadashi Kathas with synchronized audio, Parana timing notifications, and fast tracking 100% offline.