Ekadashi is a Hindu religious custom dedicated to Lord Vishnu. People observe fast on these auspicious days. Devotees pray and fast to Lord Vishnu. They believe that those devotees who fast on those particular days get rid of their bad past karma and go straight to Vaikunth Dhaam (the abode of Lord Shri Hari) after death.
Ekadashi 2023
It is regarded as one of the most significant days in the Hindu religion. Devotees observe a strict fast to attain the satisfaction of Lord Vishnu. Some devotees fast even without water (Nirjala Fast) or eat only fruits and pray to Lord Vishnu on these auspicious days. They break the fast on the next day at Dwadashi Tithi. There are a total of 24 such days in a year.
History of Ekadashi
It derived from Lord Vishnu and appeared to kill the demon Mura, who was intent on killing the sleeping Lord Vishnu. The goddess Ekadashi is the protective power of Lord Vishnu and the goddess Vaishnavi is another power of Vishnu and is part of the Sapta Matrika. Hence, devotees worshiping Lord Vishnu adopt the tradition of worshiping the Ekadashi deity on the day of Margashirsha, Krishna Paksha.
Ekadashi 2023: Rituals
It arrives twice a month between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. It is believed that those who observe the fast, are blessed by Lord Vishnu with happiness and attain salvation (Moksha).
There are two principles which are known as Smartha and Vaishnava. The smartha rule is simple - visible at local sunrise time. Vaishnava follows which is not tainted by Dashami tithi. The Vaishnava fast day may be a day after the Smartha fast day. Below are some rituals follow during the fast days:
- 1. Getting up in the morning and taking a holy bath.
- 2. Placing the idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi and lit up a diya with desi ghee.
- 3. Offering sweets, garland, and Panchamrit to Lord Vishnu
- 4. Putting Tulsi Patra in every pot which is offered to Lord Vishnu.
- 5. Reciting Ekadashi Katha and chanting the mantra.
- 6. Visiting a Vishnu Temple
- 7. Breaking the fast and eating satvik foods
Moreover, devotees also offer food and staff to the needy.
Ekadashi 2023 Mantra
- 1. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- 2. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
Ekadashi Fasting rules
Fasting foods do not include grains, meat, and fish. Fruits, milk or dairy, and non-grain products are allowed. If you are planning to fast for the first time and you don’t know what to eat, try to avoid wheat, legumes, flour, rice, onions, and garlic.
Ekadashi Dates 2023
Those who plan to observe these fast every month, can follow the annual Ekadashi calendar and set dates for it.
Ekadashi in January 2023
January 2, 2023, Monday
Commenced - 07:11 PM 1st,
Concluded - 08:23 January 2nd
January 18, 2023, Wednesday
Commenced - 06:05 PM, January 17th
Concluded - 04:03 PM, January 18th
Ekadashi in February 2023
Jaya
February 1, 2023, Wednesday
Commenced - 11:53 AM, January 31st
Concluded - 02:01 PM, February 1st
Vijaya
16 February 2023, Thursday
Commenced - 05:32 AM, Feb 16th
Concluded - 02:49 AM, Feb 17th
Ekadashi in March 2023
Amalaki
March 3, 2023, Friday
Commences - 06:39 AM, Mar 02nd
Concludes - 09:11 AM, Mar 03rd
Papmochni
March 18, 2023, Saturday
Commences - 02:06 PM, Mar 17th
Concludes - 11:13 AM, Mar 18th
Ekadashi in April 2023
Kamada
April 1, 2023, Saturday
Commences - 01:58 AM, Apr 01st
Concludes - 04:19 AM, Apr 02nd
Varuthini
April 16, 2023, Sunday
Commences - 08:45 PM, Apr 15th
Concludes - 06:14 PM, Apr 16th
Ekadashi in May 2023
Mohini
May 1, 2023, Monday
Commences - 08:28 PM, Apr 30th
Concludes - 10:09 PM, May 01st
Apara
May 15, 2023, Monday
Commences - 02:46 AM, May 15th
Concludes - 01:03 AM, May 16th
Nirjala
May 31, 2023, Wednesday
Commences - 01:07 PM, May 30th
Concludes - 01:45 PM, May 31st
Ekadashi in June 2023
Yogini
June 14, 2023, Wednesday
Commences - 09:28 AM, Jun 13th
Concludes - 08:48 AM, Jun 14th
Devshayani
June 29, 2023, Thursday
Commences - 03:18 AM, Jun 29th
Concludes - 02:42 AM, Jun 30th
Ekadashi in July 2023
Kamika
July 13, 2023, Thursday
Commences - 05:59 PM, Jul 12th
Concludes - 06:24 PM, Jul 13th
Padmini
July 29, 2023, Saturday
Commences - 02:51 PM, Jul 28th
Concludes - 01:05 PM, Jul 29th
Ekadashi in August 2023
Parama
August 12, 2023, Saturday
Commences - 05:06 AM, Aug 11th
Concludes - 06:31 AM, Aug 12th
Shravana Putrada
August 27, 2023, Sunday
Commences - 12:08 AM, Aug 27th
Concludes - 09:32 PM, Aug 27th
Ekadashi in September 2023
Aja
September 10, 2023, Sunday
Commences - 07:17 PM, Sep 09th
Concludes - 09:28 PM, Sep 10
Parsva
September 25, 2023, Tuesday
Commences - 07:55 AM, Sep 25th
Concludes - 05:00 AM, Sep 26th
Ekadashi in October 2023
Indira
October 10, 2023, Tuesday
Commences - 12:36 PM, Oct 09th
Concludes - 03:08 PM, Oct 10th
Papankusha
October 25, 2023, Wednesday
Commences - 03:14 PM, Oct 24th
Concludes - 12:32 PM, Oct 25th
Ekadashi in November 2023
Rama
November 9, 2023, Thursday
Commences - 08:23 AM, Nov 08th
Concludes - 10:41 AM, Nov 09th
Devuthana
23 November 2023, Thursday
Commences - 11:03 PM, Nov 22nd
Concludes - 09:01 PM, Nov 23rd
Ekadashi in December 2023
Utpanna
December 8, 2023, Friday
Commences - 05:06 AM, Dec 08th
Concludes - 06:31 AM, Dec 09th
Mokshada
December 22, 2023, Friday
Commences - 08:16 AM, Dec 22nd
Concludes - 07:11 AM, Dec 23rd
Ekadashi (also called Hari Vasara as it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu) is a day of fasting devoted to Hindus. Those who fast on these days are believed to avoid malefic planetary influences, attain happiness, and attain true peace through contemplation of Ishvara and attainment of moksha.