Padmini Ekadashi 2026 Padmini Ekadashi 2026
What is Padmini Ekadashi?
Padmini Ekadashi is a uniquely auspicious Ekadashi that occurs during Adhika Masa — the extra or leap month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Because an extra month (Adhika Maas, also called Launda Maas or Purushottam Maas) is added approximately every 32–33 months to align the lunar year with the solar year, Padmini Ekadashi does not fall every year. When Adhika Maas does arrive, the Ekadashi of its Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) is celebrated as Padmini Ekadashi.
In 2026, Adhika Maas falls during the month of Jyeshtha, making this Ekadashi the first Ekadashi of Adhik Jyeshtha Maas. It is also known as Adhika Masa Ekadashi. This sacred fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Shri Hari), the preserver of the universe, and is considered extraordinarily meritorious — its spiritual fruit surpassing even great Yajnas and pilgrimages.
Significance & Spiritual Importance
In the sacred dialogue between Lord Shri Krishna and Arjuna, as recounted in the Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha, Lord Krishna declared: "The Ekadashi of Adhika Masa bestows immense merit. By observing the fast of this Ekadashi, a person goes to Vishnu Loka."
The spiritual potency of Padmini Ekadashi is said to be greater than all other fasts, austerities, and charities combined. According to the scriptures, observing this Ekadashi grants the equivalent rewards of all pilgrimages and sacred rituals. The Adhika Maas itself is considered the month most beloved by Lord Vishnu (Purushottam), and Ekadashi within it is therefore doubly sacred.
This Ekadashi is especially important for those seeking spiritual elevation, liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha), divine grace, and the fulfilment of earnest, righteous desires. The story of Queen Pramada — who observed this fast and received the boon of a great son through the grace of Lord Vishnu — is a timeless testimony to the power of sincere devotion on this day.
Date, Timings & Parana (2026)
The following timings are as per the Hindu Panchang for India (Indian Standard Time). Devotees in other time zones should adjust accordingly using a reliable Panchang for their location.
PADMINI EKADASHI VRAT TIMINGS — 2026
⚠️ Important: About Parana
Parana means the sacred breaking of the Ekadashi fast. It must be performed after sunrise on Dwadashi (the next day, May 27) and must be completed before Dwadashi Tithi ends. Breaking the fast before Parana time begins or after Dwadashi ends is considered an offence. One should not break the fast during the Hari Vasara period (first one-fourth of Dwadashi Tithi). The most auspicious time to break the fast is during the early morning Pratahkal (dawn hours).
Puja Vidhi — Ritual Procedure
The observance of Padmini Ekadashi follows a sacred procedure that spans from Dashami (the day before) through the fast day and into Dwadashi. Here is the traditional step-by-step method as described in the scriptures:
- Dashami Preparation (May 25): On the day before Ekadashi, avoid eating in bronze utensils. Refrain from consuming meat, lentils, honey, leafy vegetables, and food from others. Eat Havishya food (simple sattvic meals without salt), sleep on the ground, and practice celibacy. Prepare the mind for fasting.
- Sacred Bath on Ekadashi Morning: Wake up before sunrise. After completing morning rituals, cleanse teeth and rinse mouth. Proceed for a purifying bath using sacred items including cow dung, clay, sesame seeds, Kusha grass, and Amla (Indian gooseberry). Chant the prescribed prayer invoking the sacred earth before applying clay to the body.
- Sankalp (Vow): After the bath, wear clean clothes and perform Sandhya Vandanam and Tarpana. Take a formal vow (Sankalp) in front of God, declaring the type of fast you will observe — Jalahar (water only), Ksheerbhoji (milk products), Phalahari (fruits only), or Naktabhoji (single pre-sunset meal without grains).
- Puja of Lord Vishnu: Go to the temple or set up a home altar. Place a clay or copper pot filled with grains. Adorn it with cloth and fragrances, place a copper, silver, or gold vessel on its mouth, and set the idol or image of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu upon it. Worship with incense (dhoop), lamps (deepak), flowers, saffron, fruits, and sacred offerings. Also offer worship to Lord Krishna with Goddess Radha.
- Prahara Offerings during Night Vigil (Jagaran): Observe an all-night vigil (Jagaran) — singing devotional songs and listening to the glory of the Lord. During each of the four praharas (3-hour night watches), make special offerings:
• 1st Prahara: Offer Coconut — equivalent merit of Agnihotra Yajna
• 2nd Prahara: Offer Bilva (Bael) fruit — equivalent merit of Vajapeya Yajna
• 3rd Prahara: Offer Custard apple (Sitaphal) — equivalent merit of Ashwamedha Yajna
• 4th Prahara: Offer Betel nut and orange — equivalent merit of Rajasuya Yajna - Brahmin Feeding & Charity: After the next-morning Parana, invite Brahmins and offer them a feast. Donate items including yellow clothes, fruits, sweets, religious scriptures, turmeric, saffron, and gram pulses to the temple priest of Lord Vishnu. All items used in the puja may be offered to them.
- Parana (Breaking the Fast) on May 27: Break the fast during the prescribed Parana time: 06:23 AM to 09:09 AM. Begin by consuming Tulsi leaves, panchamrit, or water, then have a simple, sattvic meal. Chant Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya with a Tulsi mala.
Fasting Rules & Permitted Foods
Hindu scriptures describe four types of Ekadashi fasting, and devotees may choose according to their physical strength and devotion:
Foods permitted during Phalahari or Naktabhoji fasting include: Sabudana (tapioca pearls), Singhada (water chestnut), Shakarkandi (sweet potato), potatoes, groundnuts, fruits such as mangoes, grapes, and bananas, along with milk, curd, honey, and natural sugars.
Strictly prohibited on Ekadashi: All grains and cereals (wheat, rice, pulses, beans), onion, garlic, meat, alcohol, and salt. Do not eat in bronze utensils. Maintain mental purity, celibacy, and avoid harsh speech throughout the day.
Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
Listening to or reading the Vrat Katha on Ekadashi day is considered an essential part of the observance, conferring great spiritual merit.
As narrated in the Padmini Ekadashi scripture, when Arjuna asked Lord Shri Krishna about the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Adhika Masa, Lord Krishna revealed its name — Padmini — and described its extraordinary merit, saying that one who observes this fast goes to Vishnu Loka.
The Vrat Katha tells the story through the words of Maharishi Pulastya, as narrated to Devarshi Narada. In the Treta Yuga, a king named Kartavirya ruled the city of Mahishmati. Though the king had a hundred wives, none bore him a worthy heir. The king performed great Yajnas and penances but remained without a son.
Finally, the king and his beloved queen Pramada (daughter of King Harishchandra) retreated to the Gandhamadana Mountain, where they performed intense Tapasya for ten thousand years. Yet even this extreme penance bore no fruit. Seeing her husband reduced to a mere skeleton by the severity of his austerities, the devoted Queen Pramada approached the revered Sati Anasuya for guidance.
Goddess Anasuya compassionately explained: "In the Adhika month, which occurs every thirty-six months, there are two Ekadashis. The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha is called Padmini, while that of Krishna Paksha is called Parama. By observing their fasts and staying awake through the night, you will surely be granted a son."
After receiving the complete procedure from Goddess Anasuya, Queen Pramada observed the Padmini Ekadashi fast with full faith and dedication, remaining awake through the night in devotion to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was greatly pleased with her devotion and appeared before the queen. She humbly requested: "Lord, please grant this boon to my husband."
Moved by her selfless love, Lord Vishnu turned to the king and asked him to name any boon. The king requested: "O Lord, please grant me the finest son — one who is revered by all, invincible against gods, demons, and humans — except for You alone."
The Lord granted the boon and disappeared. In due time, the couple returned to their kingdom and were blessed with a mighty son — Kartavirya Arjuna — who was invincible against all except Lord Shri Hari himself. His strength was so great that he even captured the mighty Ravana in battle. All this was the fruit of Queen Pramada's sincere observance of the Padmini Ekadashi fast.
Lord Shri Krishna concluded: "O Arjuna, those who listen to this story of the Padmini Ekadashi fast are entitled to heaven."
Spiritual Benefits of Padmini Ekadashi Vrat
- Cleanses the soul of accumulated sins from many lifetimes
- Bestows the merit equivalent to performing great Yajnas — Agnihotra, Vajapeya, Ashwamedha, and Rajasuya
- Grants the equivalent spiritual rewards of visiting all sacred pilgrimages (tirthas)
- Fulfils sincere and righteous desires when observed with complete devotion
- Provides liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (Moksha)
- Strengthens devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Vishnu
- Leads the devoted soul to Vishnu Loka — the divine abode of Lord Vishnu
- Listening to the Vrat Katha alone bestows heavenly merit
Key Mantras for Padmini Ekadashi
Chanting these sacred mantras throughout the day and during the night vigil deepens devotion and magnifies the merit of the fast:
यत्पूजितं मया देव परिपूर्ण तदस्तु मे॥
ॐ श्री विष्णवे नमः। क्षमा याचनाम् समर्पयामि॥Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Janardana | Yatpujitam Maya Deva Paripurna Tadastu Me || Om Shri Vishnave Namah | Kshama Yachanam Samarpayami ||
What is Padmini Ekadashi?
Padmini Ekadashi is a uniquely auspicious Ekadashi that occurs during Adhika Masa — the extra or leap month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Because an extra month (Adhika Maas, also called Launda Maas or Purushottam Maas) is added approximately every 32–33 months to align the lunar year with the solar year, Padmini Ekadashi does not fall every year. When Adhika Maas does arrive, the Ekadashi of its Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) is celebrated as Padmini Ekadashi.
In 2026, Adhika Maas falls during the month of Jyeshtha, making this Ekadashi the first Ekadashi of Adhik Jyeshtha Maas. It is also known as Adhika Masa Ekadashi. This sacred fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Shri Hari), the preserver of the universe, and is considered extraordinarily meritorious — its spiritual fruit surpassing even great Yajnas and pilgrimages.
Significance & Spiritual Importance
In the sacred dialogue between Lord Shri Krishna and Arjuna, as recounted in the Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha, Lord Krishna declared: "The Ekadashi of Adhika Masa bestows immense merit. By observing the fast of this Ekadashi, a person goes to Vishnu Loka."
The spiritual potency of Padmini Ekadashi is said to be greater than all other fasts, austerities, and charities combined. According to the scriptures, observing this Ekadashi grants the equivalent rewards of all pilgrimages and sacred rituals. The Adhika Maas itself is considered the month most beloved by Lord Vishnu (Purushottam), and Ekadashi within it is therefore doubly sacred.
This Ekadashi is especially important for those seeking spiritual elevation, liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha), divine grace, and the fulfilment of earnest, righteous desires. The story of Queen Pramada — who observed this fast and received the boon of a great son through the grace of Lord Vishnu — is a timeless testimony to the power of sincere devotion on this day.
Date, Timings & Parana (2026)
The following timings are as per the Hindu Panchang for India (Indian Standard Time). Devotees in other time zones should adjust accordingly using a reliable Panchang for their location.
PADMINI EKADASHI VRAT TIMINGS — 2026
⚠️ Important: About Parana
Parana means the sacred breaking of the Ekadashi fast. It must be performed after sunrise on Dwadashi (the next day, May 27) and must be completed before Dwadashi Tithi ends. Breaking the fast before Parana time begins or after Dwadashi ends is considered an offence. One should not break the fast during the Hari Vasara period (first one-fourth of Dwadashi Tithi). The most auspicious time to break the fast is during the early morning Pratahkal (dawn hours).
Puja Vidhi — Ritual Procedure
The observance of Padmini Ekadashi follows a sacred procedure that spans from Dashami (the day before) through the fast day and into Dwadashi. Here is the traditional step-by-step method as described in the scriptures:
- Dashami Preparation (May 25): On the day before Ekadashi, avoid eating in bronze utensils. Refrain from consuming meat, lentils, honey, leafy vegetables, and food from others. Eat Havishya food (simple sattvic meals without salt), sleep on the ground, and practice celibacy. Prepare the mind for fasting.
- Sacred Bath on Ekadashi Morning: Wake up before sunrise. After completing morning rituals, cleanse teeth and rinse mouth. Proceed for a purifying bath using sacred items including cow dung, clay, sesame seeds, Kusha grass, and Amla (Indian gooseberry). Chant the prescribed prayer invoking the sacred earth before applying clay to the body.
- Sankalp (Vow): After the bath, wear clean clothes and perform Sandhya Vandanam and Tarpana. Take a formal vow (Sankalp) in front of God, declaring the type of fast you will observe — Jalahar (water only), Ksheerbhoji (milk products), Phalahari (fruits only), or Naktabhoji (single pre-sunset meal without grains).
- Puja of Lord Vishnu: Go to the temple or set up a home altar. Place a clay or copper pot filled with grains. Adorn it with cloth and fragrances, place a copper, silver, or gold vessel on its mouth, and set the idol or image of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu upon it. Worship with incense (dhoop), lamps (deepak), flowers, saffron, fruits, and sacred offerings. Also offer worship to Lord Krishna with Goddess Radha.
- Prahara Offerings during Night Vigil (Jagaran): Observe an all-night vigil (Jagaran) — singing devotional songs and listening to the glory of the Lord. During each of the four praharas (3-hour night watches), make special offerings:
• 1st Prahara: Offer Coconut — equivalent merit of Agnihotra Yajna
• 2nd Prahara: Offer Bilva (Bael) fruit — equivalent merit of Vajapeya Yajna
• 3rd Prahara: Offer Custard apple (Sitaphal) — equivalent merit of Ashwamedha Yajna
• 4th Prahara: Offer Betel nut and orange — equivalent merit of Rajasuya Yajna - Brahmin Feeding & Charity: After the next-morning Parana, invite Brahmins and offer them a feast. Donate items including yellow clothes, fruits, sweets, religious scriptures, turmeric, saffron, and gram pulses to the temple priest of Lord Vishnu. All items used in the puja may be offered to them.
- Parana (Breaking the Fast) on May 27: Break the fast during the prescribed Parana time: 06:23 AM to 09:09 AM. Begin by consuming Tulsi leaves, panchamrit, or water, then have a simple, sattvic meal. Chant Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya with a Tulsi mala.
Fasting Rules & Permitted Foods
Hindu scriptures describe four types of Ekadashi fasting, and devotees may choose according to their physical strength and devotion:
Foods permitted during Phalahari or Naktabhoji fasting include: Sabudana (tapioca pearls), Singhada (water chestnut), Shakarkandi (sweet potato), potatoes, groundnuts, fruits such as mangoes, grapes, and bananas, along with milk, curd, honey, and natural sugars.
Strictly prohibited on Ekadashi: All grains and cereals (wheat, rice, pulses, beans), onion, garlic, meat, alcohol, and salt. Do not eat in bronze utensils. Maintain mental purity, celibacy, and avoid harsh speech throughout the day.
Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
Listening to or reading the Vrat Katha on Ekadashi day is considered an essential part of the observance, conferring great spiritual merit.
As narrated in the Padmini Ekadashi scripture, when Arjuna asked Lord Shri Krishna about the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Adhika Masa, Lord Krishna revealed its name — Padmini — and described its extraordinary merit, saying that one who observes this fast goes to Vishnu Loka.
The Vrat Katha tells the story through the words of Maharishi Pulastya, as narrated to Devarshi Narada. In the Treta Yuga, a king named Kartavirya ruled the city of Mahishmati. Though the king had a hundred wives, none bore him a worthy heir. The king performed great Yajnas and penances but remained without a son.
Finally, the king and his beloved queen Pramada (daughter of King Harishchandra) retreated to the Gandhamadana Mountain, where they performed intense Tapasya for ten thousand years. Yet even this extreme penance bore no fruit. Seeing her husband reduced to a mere skeleton by the severity of his austerities, the devoted Queen Pramada approached the revered Sati Anasuya for guidance.
Goddess Anasuya compassionately explained: "In the Adhika month, which occurs every thirty-six months, there are two Ekadashis. The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha is called Padmini, while that of Krishna Paksha is called Parama. By observing their fasts and staying awake through the night, you will surely be granted a son."
After receiving the complete procedure from Goddess Anasuya, Queen Pramada observed the Padmini Ekadashi fast with full faith and dedication, remaining awake through the night in devotion to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was greatly pleased with her devotion and appeared before the queen. She humbly requested: "Lord, please grant this boon to my husband."
Moved by her selfless love, Lord Vishnu turned to the king and asked him to name any boon. The king requested: "O Lord, please grant me the finest son — one who is revered by all, invincible against gods, demons, and humans — except for You alone."
The Lord granted the boon and disappeared. In due time, the couple returned to their kingdom and were blessed with a mighty son — Kartavirya Arjuna — who was invincible against all except Lord Shri Hari himself. His strength was so great that he even captured the mighty Ravana in battle. All this was the fruit of Queen Pramada's sincere observance of the Padmini Ekadashi fast.
Lord Shri Krishna concluded: "O Arjuna, those who listen to this story of the Padmini Ekadashi fast are entitled to heaven."
Spiritual Benefits of Padmini Ekadashi Vrat
- Cleanses the soul of accumulated sins from many lifetimes
- Bestows the merit equivalent to performing great Yajnas — Agnihotra, Vajapeya, Ashwamedha, and Rajasuya
- Grants the equivalent spiritual rewards of visiting all sacred pilgrimages (tirthas)
- Fulfils sincere and righteous desires when observed with complete devotion
- Provides liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (Moksha)
- Strengthens devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Vishnu
- Leads the devoted soul to Vishnu Loka — the divine abode of Lord Vishnu
- Listening to the Vrat Katha alone bestows heavenly merit
Key Mantras for Padmini Ekadashi
Chanting these sacred mantras throughout the day and during the night vigil deepens devotion and magnifies the merit of the fast:
यत्पूजितं मया देव परिपूर्ण तदस्तु मे॥
ॐ श्री विष्णवे नमः। क्षमा याचनाम् समर्पयामि॥Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Janardana | Yatpujitam Maya Deva Paripurna Tadastu Me || Om Shri Vishnave Namah | Kshama Yachanam Samarpayami ||
