Ekadashi is a holy day in Hindu culture that is dedicated to Sri Maha Vishnu. It is observed by fasting and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. The day holds great significance as it is believed that those who keep a strict fast on Ekadashi can eliminate their bad past karma and attain salvation by going directly to Vaikunth Dhaam, which is Lord Shri Hari’s abode, after death.
Ekadashi is one of the most significant days in Hinduism, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe strict fasts on this day, some even abstaining from water (known as Nirjala Fast) and only consuming fruits, as they offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu. The fast is broken on the following day, which is called Dwadashi Tithi. There are a total of 24 Ekadashi observances in a year, each holding great importance in Hindu culture.
Ekadashi falls twice a month, once during Shukla Paksha and once during Krishna Paksha. According to Hindu beliefs, observing the fast of Ekadashi can bring blessings of happiness and prosperity, and even lead to attaining salvation or Moksha, bestowed by Lord Vishnu.
There are two rules for observing Ekadashi, known as Smartha and Vaishnava. The Smartha rule is straightforward – Ekadashi should be visible at the time of local sunrise. On the other hand, the Vaishnava rule dictates that Ekadashi should not be contaminated by Dashami Tithi. As a result, the Vaishnava fasting day may occur one day after the Smartha fasting day.
2023 Ekadashi: Rituals to Follow
- Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath.
- Place an idol of Sri Maha Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi and light a diya with desi ghee.
- Devotees offer garlands, sweets, and Panchamrit to Sri Vishnu.
- Remember to place Tulsi Patra in each food item that is offered to Sri Vishnu.
- Recite the Ekadashi Katha and chant ‘Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye’.
- Visit any Sri Vishnu temple.
- Break the fast and consume Satvik food.
Ekadashi Mantra:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
Devotees who observe Ekadashi fast each month, can follow the whole year’s Ekadashi calendar and mark their dates and days for that.
2023 Ekadashi Schedule and Timings:
| Ekadashi | Date | Start Time | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Vaikuntha Ekadashi | 2 January 2023, Monday | Begins – 7:11 PM Jan 1 | Ends – 8:23 PM, Jan 2 |
| Shattila Ekadashi | 18 January 2023, Wednesday | Begins – 6:05 PM, Jan 17 | Ends – 4:03 PM, Jan 18 |
| Jaya Ekadashi | 1 February 2023, Wednesday | Begins – 11:53 AM, Jan 31 | Ends – 2:01 PM, Feb 01 |
| Vijaya Ekadashi | 16 February 2023, Thursday | Begins -05:32 AM, Feb 16 | Ends – 2:49 AM, Feb 17 |
| Amalaki Ekadashi | 3 March 2023, Friday | Begins – 6:39 AM, Mar 2 | Ends – 9:11 AM, Mar 3 |
| Papmochni Ekadashi | 18 March 2023, Saturday | Begins – 2:06 PM, Mar 17 | Ends – 11:13 AM, Mar 18 |
| Kamada Ekadashi | 1 April 2023, Saturday | Begins – 1:58 AM, Apr 1 | Ends – 4:19 AM, Apr 02 |
| Varuthini Ekadashi | 16 April 2023, Sunday | Begins – 8:45 PM, Apr 15 | Ends – 6:14 PM, Apr 16 |
| Mohini Ekadashi | 1 May 2023, Monday | Begins – 8:28 PM, Apr 30 | Ends – 10:09 PM, May 1 |
| Apara Ekadashi | 15 May 2023, Monday | Begins -02:46 AM, May 15 | Ends – 1:03 AM, May 16 |
| Nirjala Ekadashi | 31 May 2023, Wednesday | Begins – 1:07 PM, May 30 | Ends – 1:45 PM, May 31 |
| Yogini Ekadashi | 14 June 2023, Wednesday | Begins – 9:28 AM, Jun 13 | Ends – 8:48 AM, Jun 14 |
| Devshayani Ekadashi | 29 June 2023, Thursday | Begins – 3:18 AM, Jun 29 | Ends – 2:42 AM, Jun 30 |
| Kamika Ekadashi | 13 July 2023, Thursday | Begins – 5:59 PM, Jul 12 | Ends – 6:24 PM, Jul 13 |
| Padmini Ekadashi | 29 July 2023, Saturday | Begins – 2:51 PM, Jul 28 | Ends – 1:05 PM, Jul 29 |
| Parama Ekadashi | 12 August 2023, Saturday | Begins – 5:06 AM, Aug 11 | Ends – 6:31 AM, Aug 12 |
| Shravana Putrada Ekadashi | 27 August 2023, Sunday | Begins – 12:08 AM, Aug 27 | Ends – 9:32 PM, Aug 27 |
| Aja Ekadashi | 10 September 2023, Sunday | Begins – 7:17 PM, Sep 9 | Ends – 9:28 PM, Sep 10 |
| Parsva Ekadashi | 25 September 2023, Tuesday | Begins – 7:55 AM, Sep 25 | Ends – 5:00 AM, Sep 26 |
| Indira Ekadashi | 10 October 2023, Tuesday | Begins – 12:36 PM, Oct 9 | Ends – 3:08 PM, Oct 10 |
| Papankusha Ekadashi | 25 October 2023, Wednesday | Begins – 3:14 PM, Oct 24 | Ends – 12:32 PM, Oct 25 |
| Rama Ekadashi | 9 November 2023, Thursday | Begins – 8:23 AM, Nov 8 | Ends – 10:41 AM, Nov 9 |
| Devuthana Ekadashi | 23 November 2023, Thursday | Begins – 11:03 PM, Nov 22 | Ends – 9:01 PM, Nov 23 |
| Utpanna Ekadashi | 8 December 2023, Friday | Begins – 5:06 AM, Dec 8 | Ends – 6:31 AM, Dec 9 |
| Mokshada Ekadashi | 22 December 2023, Friday | Begins – 8:16 AM, Dec 22 | Ends – 7:11 AM, Dec 23 |