According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi tithi comes twice every month, one on Shukla Paksha and one on Krishna Paksha. In this way there are a total of 24 Ekadashis in a year. But when Adhikamas (Malamas) or Kshayamas comes in any year, then the number of Ekadashis can increase to 26 or even 27. Ekadashi is directly to Lord Vishnu. By fasting on this day and worshiping Lord Vishnu, one attains freedom from sins, happiness, prosperity and salvation.

Special importance of Ekadashi date

Ekadashi date has very special significance in Hindu religion. This date comes twice every month, once in Shukla Paksha (time of waxing moon) and once in Krishna Paksha (time of waning moon). In this way there are total 24 Ekadashis in a year. Sometimes when Adhikamas (Malamas) or Kshayamas comes in the year, their number goes up to 26 or even 27. Ekadashi is to Lord Vishnu and by fasting on this day and worshiping him, one gets freedom from sins, happiness, prosperity and salvation.

What are the names of main Ekadashis and their importance?

1. Putrada Ekadashi (Paush Shukla Paksha) – is done for the birth of a child. Worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day brings happiness in having children.
2. Shattila Ekadashi (Magh Krishna Paksha) – Sesame seeds have special significance on this day. Bathing, donating and eating food with sesame seeds destroys sins and brings peace to the ancestors.
3. Jaya Ekadashi (Magh Shukla Paksha) – This fast is considered to give salvation. This removes Pitra Dosh and negative powers.
4. Vijaya Ekadashi (Phalgun Krishna Paksha) – Lord Rama observed this fast before conquering Lanka. This is a fast that gives success and victory.
5. Amalaki Ekadashi (Phalgun Shukla Paksha) – Amla tree is worshiped on this day. This fast provides longevity and purity.
6. Papamochini Ekadashi (Chaitra Krishna Paksha) – It is a fast that destroys all sins.
7. Kamada Ekadashi (Chaitra Shukla Paksha) – It is a fast that fulfills all the wishes.
8. Varuthini Ekadashi (Vaishakh Krishna Paksha) – This fast removes bad luck and provides good fortune.
9. Mohini Ekadashi (Vaishakh Shukla Paksha) – Fast that gives freedom from attachment and illusion.
10. Apara Ekadashi (Jyestha Krishna Paksha) – Best for destruction of sins and attainment of heaven.
11. Nirjala Ekadashi (Jyestha Shukla Paksha) – The most difficult fast, in which even water is sacrificed. This gives results of all Ekadashis.
12. Yogini Ekadashi (Ashadha Krishna Paksha) – Provides health and peace.
13. Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Shukla Paksha) – From this day Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra; Chaturmas begins.
14. Kamika Ekadashi (Shravan Krishna Paksha) – Ekadashi which gives freedom from sins and good fortune.
15. Pavitra Ekadashi (Shravan Shukla Paksha) – This fast purifies the mind and body.
16. Aja Ekadashi (Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha) – A fast that gives freedom from the sins of seven births.
17. Parsva Ekadashi (Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha) – Lord Vishnu changes sides on this day.
18. Indira Ekadashi (Ashwin Krishna Paksha) – It is done for the peace of the souls of ancestors.
19. Papankusha Ekadashi (Ashwin Shukla Paksha) – The person gets freedom from hell and attains Vishnuloka.
20. Rama Ekadashi (Kartik Krishna Paksha) – This fast bestows wealth and good fortune.
21. Devuthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla Paksha) – On this day Lord Vishnu wakes up from Yoganidra, and marriage auspicious days begin.
22. Utpana Ekadashi (Margashirsha Krishna Paksha) – Ekadashi is considered to be the birthday of Goddess. This is a fast that gives strength.
23. Mokshada Ekadashi (Margashirsha Shukla Paksha) – Geeta Jayanti is celebrated on this day. It provides salvation.
24. Saphala Ekadashi (Paush Krishna Paksha) – Fast that gives success and prosperity.

Rules and special points of fasting:

Grains, rice etc. are not eaten on the day of Ekadashi. The person observing fast should follow celibacy. Chanting the name of Lord Vishnu, listening to hymns and stories on this day is considered auspicious. This fast not only purifies the body but also makes the soul pure and calm.