Apara Ekadashi 2026: Date, parana time, puja rituals and significance

Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious days in Hindu religion. There are 24 Ekadashi observances in a year and Ekadashi takes place twice a month during Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. On this sacred day of Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is honored. In order to obtain the Lord's blessings, devotees strictly observe fast and honor Lord Vishnu. Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. On the Apara Ekadashi falls on 11th day of krishna paksha in the month of Jayeshtha. Apara Ekadashi fast is being observed on May 13, 2026.

Apara Ekadashi 2026: Date and Time

Apara Ekadashi 2026: Spiritual Significance

Ekadashi holds an immense religious and spiritual significance in Hinduism. The day is considered as an auspicious day according to Hindu scriptures. Ekadashi falls twice a month and each Ekadashi has a significant importance, story and belief. Devotees observe rigorous fast on this sacred day and worship Lord Vishnu with pure devotion and dedication. The fast is broken on the next day, dwadashi tithi at the time of parana, which usually takes place in the morning time.

In the Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna explains the significance of Apara Ekadashi to Yudhishthir, the eldest of Pandavas. Apara means infinite, as the name implies, and Lord Krishna counseled Yudhishtir to keep this fast in order to win the Mahabharata battle. It is believed that the devotees, who observe fast on this day in purity and seek Lord Vishnu's blessings will receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu and he fulfills all the desired wishes of his devotees. This fast is extremely powerful for the people who wish to get rid of the past transgressions.

This fast is regarded as one of the most effective ways to purify your body, mind, and spirit. Devotees who observe this fast are always protected by Lord Vishnu. People get engaged in various religious and this fast also brings positive changes in their lifestyle. Happiness, health, prosperity, and all earthly pleasures are bestowed upon them by Lord Vishnu. It is believed that devotees get a sacred place in Vaikunth dham, the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Apara Ekadashi 2026: How to worship?

1. Take a holy bath as soon as you wake up. Better you wake up during Brahma Muhurat.
2. Give sacred bath to them - Laddoo Gopal Ji, Lord Krishna, and Lord Vishnu.
3. Light a diya with desi ghee and place an idol of Lord Vishnu on a wooden plank.
4. Apply yellow chandan as a tilak, adorn the idol with yellow garland and offer panchamrit.
5. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavte Vasudevaye" 108 times while offering tulsi patra, seasonal fruits, and dry fruits.
6. You should recite the Lord Vishnu Aarti.
7. Devotees should visit the temple of Lord Vishnu and seek blessings of the Lord.
8. The fast is broken on the next day (dwadashi tithi) and people who are unable to bear the hunger, can eat sattvik food in the evening.

Mantra

• Om Namo hagvate Vasudevaye..!!
• Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari, Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..!!
• Achyutam Keshvam krishna Damodaram, Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham..!!
• Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare..!!