Ekadashi Vrat 2026: Month-Wise Dates, Puja Vidhi & Spiritual Benefits

Can Ekadashi Vrat lead to moksha? Discover Ekadashi Vrat 2026 month-wise dates, puja vidhi, and spiritual benefits rooted in Sanatangyan and Vedic wisdom.

A Sacred Hindu Tradition: The Ekadashi Vrat is one of the more renowned fasts associated with Lord Vishnu in Sanatan Dharma (Sanatan Dharma). The Ekadashi Vrat is performed once a fortnight, that is; twice a month, and has the belief of purifying one's soul, alleviating sins, and guiding devotees towards moksha (freedom). Below is a complete spiritual and practical guide to Ekadashi Vrat 2026, rooted in Sanatangyan and Vedic wisdom.

What Is Ekadashi Vrat and Why It Is So Powerful

Ekadashi falls on the 11th lunar day (Tithi) of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha every month. According to Sanatan shashtra, these days are especially dear to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. On Ekadashi, devotees observe fasting, chant Vishnu mantras, read scriptures, and practice self-discipline to cleanse the body and mind.

Sanatangyan conveys that food has a considerable impact on human consciousness. Therefore, the consumption of food grains on Ekadashi is discouraged as it is believed that they attract negative forces during this lunar phase; and thus are not beneficial for the practice of a physical fast; therefore, the Ekadashi vrat represents a spiritual vow to purify oneself.

According to ISKCON Dwarka Delhi, the Ekadashi Vrat is one of the most fruitful fasts in Hinduism. The Ekadashi vrat provides benefits such as peace, harmony, prosperity, and elevation. The shastras state that fasting on Ekadashi calms the senses; sharpens awareness and increases devotion (bhakti).

“एकादश्यां न भोक्तव्यं भक्त्या विष्णुं स्मरेन्नरः।”

“One who refrains from eating on Ekadashi and remembers Lord Vishnu with devotion becomes purified.”

Spiritual and Mental Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat

As stated on the ISKCON Dwarka Delhi website, Ekadashi is considered among the most fruitful fasts in Hinduism. The many benefits of Ekadashi include peace, harmony, and prosperity. Fasting on Ekadashi is described in the Hindu scriptures as a means of calming the mind, enhancing awareness, and strengthening Bhakti (devotion).

According to Sanatangyan, Ekadashi helps the practitioner to cleanse not only the physical body but also their subtle impressions or Samskaras. Many true gurus recommend that while the practice of Ekadashi Vrata should be combined with Naam Japa (repeated invocation of the name of God) and the practice of Sattvic behavior, it will give practitioners the greatest potential for accelerating their spiritual growth.

“सर्वपापप्रशमनं पुण्यं एकादशीव्रतम्।” - (Padma Purana)

“Ekadashi Vrat destroys all sins and bestows immense spiritual merit.”

The practice of Ekadashi Vrata embodies this teaching by harmonizing Action (activity), Sankhya (restraint), and Bhakti (devotion).

Ekadashi Vrat 2026: Complete Month-Wise Dates

January 2026

• January 14, Wednesday – Shattila Ekadashi

• January 29, Thursday – Jaya Ekadashi

February 2026

• February 13, Friday – Vijaya Ekadashi

• February 27, Friday – Amalaki Ekadashi

March 2026

• March 15, Sunday – Papmochani Ekadashi

• March 29, Sunday – Kamada Ekadashi

April 2026

• April 13, Monday – Varuthini Ekadashi

• April 27, Monday – Mohini Ekadashi

May 2026

• May 13, Wednesday – Apara Ekadashi

• May 27, Wednesday – Padmini Ekadashi

June 2026

• June 11, Thursday – Parama Ekadashi

• June 25, Thursday – Nirjala Ekadashi

July 2026

• July 10, Friday – Yogini Ekadashi

• July 25, Saturday – Devshayani Ekadashi

August 2026

• August 9, Sunday – Kamika Ekadashi

• August 23, Sunday – Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

September 2026

• September 7, Monday – Aja Ekadashi

• September 22, Tuesday – Parivartini Ekadashi

October 2026

• October 6, Tuesday – Indira Ekadashi

• October 22, Thursday – Papankusha Ekadashi

November 2026

• November 5, Thursday – Rama Ekadashi

• November 20, Friday – Devutthana Ekadashi

December 2026

• December 4, Friday – Utpanna Ekadashi

• December 20, Sunday – Mokshada Ekadashi

Ekadashi: A Living Path of Sanatangyan

The practice of Ekadashi Vrata is not an extreme act of Austerity but rather an act of conscious living. As many enlightened Gurus have stated, the practice of Ekadashi Vrata lines up the practitioner's body, mind, and spirit with the Divine Rhythm of the Universe. Practicing Ekadashi with Faith, Humility, and Devotion is therefore an eternal tradition that allows the Swarajya of Sanatangyan to remain active in the daily lives of those practitioners who practice it with dedication.

“नारायणः परो देवः तस्माज्जाता जगत्।” - (Vishnu Purana)

 “Lord Narayana is the Supreme Reality, from whom the entire universe arises.”

Ekadashi Vrata is a very simple yet very deep practice, which will give the practitioner the greatest opportunity to purify their mind and establish a deeper relationship with Lord Vishnu and provide gentle guidance to obtain peace and Moksha when practiced with faith and sincerity.