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Complete list of all 24 Ekadashi dates in 2026 with names, stories from Padma Purana & Bhavishya Purana, and spiritual benefits. Each Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Ekadashi (Sanskrit: एकादशी, "the eleventh") falls on the 11th tithi of each lunar fortnight – twice a month, once in Shukla Paksha (bright half) and once in Krishna Paksha (dark half). There are 24 named Ekadashis in a regular year, each with a unique story from the Padma Purana, Bhavishya Purana, or Brahma Vaivarta Purana. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered the most important of all Vaishnava observances, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Nirjala Ekadashi (Jyeshtha Shukla) is the most powerful – fasting without even water on this single day equals the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined.
Fast from sunrise, worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya", break fast next morning during Parana window.
A Gandharva named Lalit was cursed to become a demon. His wife Lalita observed this Ekadashi and the merit freed him from the curse. Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi fulfils all desires (Kama = desire, Da = giver).
Fulfils all desires, removes sins equivalent to killing a Brahmana, grants liberation
The sage Medhavi was seduced by the apsara Manjughosha, losing years of penance. Both were cursed. By observing this Ekadashi, they were freed from all sins. Papa = sin, Mochani = liberator.
Destroys all sins, removes effects of broken vows and curses
Named after Lord Vishnu's Mohini avatar, who enchanted the demons during the distribution of Amrit. A merchant named Dhanapala's wicked son Dhrishtabuddhi was saved from hell by the merit of this Ekadashi fast observed by his father.
Destroys illusion (Moha), grants clarity and spiritual progress
King Mandhata asked about this Ekadashi from the sage Dhaumya. Its merit equals donating thousands of cows, performing Ashwamedha Yagna, and donating gold equivalent to Mount Meru.
Removes fear of Yamaraja (death), grants protection and merit
Bhima (Bhimsena of the Pandavas), unable to fast on all 24 Ekadashis due to his great hunger, asked Sage Vyasa for an alternative. Vyasa told him that fasting without even water (Nirjala) on this single Ekadashi equals the merit of all 24 combined. Also called Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Equal to observing all 24 Ekadashis. Most powerful Ekadashi of the year. Grants Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode).
Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi has boundless (Apara = limitless) merit. It destroys sins of warriors, protects reputation, and even redeems ghosts from their cursed state.
Limitless merit, removes infamy, redeems suffering souls
Bhima (Bhimsena of the Pandavas), unable to fast on all 24 Ekadashis due to his great hunger, asked Sage Vyasa for an alternative. Vyasa told him that fasting without even water (Nirjala) on this single Ekadashi equals the merit of all 24 combined. Also called Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Equal to observing all 24 Ekadashis. Most powerful Ekadashi of the year. Grants Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode).
Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi has boundless (Apara = limitless) merit. It destroys sins of warriors, protects reputation, and even redeems ghosts from their cursed state.
Limitless merit, removes infamy, redeems suffering souls
Lord Vishnu goes to sleep (Yoga Nidra) on the cosmic serpent Shesha on this day, beginning Chaturmas – the four sacred months of the monsoon. He awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartika. During this period, auspicious ceremonies like marriages are avoided.
Marks the start of Chaturmas. Extremely auspicious for spiritual practices and charity.
A gardener named Hemamali in Kubera's garden neglected his duties due to his wife. He was cursed with leprosy. By observing this Ekadashi, he was cured and restored to his celestial position.
Cures diseases, removes curses, more meritorious than charity at holy places
King Mahijita had no heir. Sage Lomasa advised observing this Ekadashi for a son. The king and queen fasted, and were blessed with a prince. Putrada = giver of sons. Also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi.
Blesses with progeny, especially a son. Fulfils parental wishes.
Lord Brahma narrated this Ekadashi's glory to Narada. Offering Tulsi leaves to Vishnu on this day equals donating ten million cows. Even the shadow of a Tulsi plant removes sins.
Offering Tulsi on this day multiplies merit infinitely. Removes fear of death.
Lord Vishnu turns on his side (Parivartini = turning) in his cosmic sleep. King Bali, in Patala, worships Vishnu on this day. Also called Parsva Ekadashi.
Grants the merit of Chaturmas vows. Lord Vishnu is especially gracious this day.
King Harishchandra, who lost his kingdom, wife, and son due to his truthfulness, was advised to observe this Ekadashi by Sage Gautama. All his sufferings ended and his kingdom was restored.
Destroys accumulated suffering, restores lost fortune and honour
Its merit acts as an Ankusha (goad/hook) to control the elephant of Papa (sin). Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi is supremely powerful during the auspicious month of Ashwina.
Controls and destroys sins. Grants Vaikuntha after death.
King Indrasena's deceased father appeared in his dream suffering in Yamaloka. Sage Narada advised the king to observe this Ekadashi to liberate his father's soul.
Liberates ancestors from suffering. Grants peace to departed souls (Pitru Mukti).
Lord Vishnu awakens (Prabodhini = awakening) from his four-month cosmic sleep. This ends Chaturmas, and the auspicious season for marriages and ceremonies resumes. Also called Devutthani or Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi.
Marks the end of Chaturmas. Opening of the marriage season. Extremely auspicious.
Named after Rama (another name for Goddess Lakshmi). A pious king named Muchukunda was advised by the sage Valmiki to observe this fast, which grants more merit than bathing at all pilgrimage sites.
Grants Lakshmi's blessings, removes poverty. More meritorious than all pilgrimages.
On this very day, Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Also called Gita Jayanti. The Ekadashi grants Moksha (liberation) – hence the name.
Grants Moksha (liberation from rebirth). Also celebrates Gita Jayanti. Reading Bhagavad Gita on this day is supremely meritorious.
A wicked prince named Lumpaka lived an immoral life. One day, by circumstance, he stayed awake all night in a Vishnu temple on Ekadashi without food. This unintentional observance purified him completely.
Grants success (Safala = fruitful) in all endeavours. Even accidental observance gives merit.
Two celestial attendants of Lord Indra – Malyavan and Pushpavati – were cursed by Indra for embracing in his court. They became ghosts (Pishacha). By the merit of Jaya Ekadashi, they were freed from the curse.
Grants victory (Jaya) over enemies and obstacles. Frees souls from ghostly existence.
Named for the six (Shat) uses of sesame (Tila) on this day: bathing with sesame, applying sesame paste, offering homa with sesame, offering water with sesame, eating sesame, and donating sesame.
Donating sesame removes poverty. Protects against cold-weather ailments.
Named after the Amalaki (Indian gooseberry/Amla) tree, which is considered a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. A hunter, despite his sinful life, once stayed awake under an Amla tree on this Ekadashi and was freed from all sins.
Worshipping the Amla tree on this day equals donating a thousand cows. The tree is Vishnu incarnate.
Before building the bridge to Lanka, Lord Rama observed this Ekadashi as advised by Sage Bakadalbhya, gaining certain victory. Vijaya = victory. This Ekadashi ensures success in difficult undertakings.
Guarantees victory in all battles and undertakings. Lord Rama himself observed this fast.