In Hinduism, the dates of Ekadashi hold special religious significance, but the Ekadashi belonging to the bright month of Bhadrapada is known for its unique and divine meaning. It is called Parvathini Ekadashi, as well as Padma Ekadashi, Jayanti Ekadashi, and Vaman Ekadashi; all these names refer to the same sacred day.
According to religious beliefs, during the Chaturmas period, when Lord Vishnu is in yogic sleep, on this day He changes His body posture, which led to the name 'Parvathini Ekadashi'.
Date of Parvathini Ekadashi in 2026
The date of Parvathini Ekadashi in 2026 will begin on September 21st at 20:00 and end on August 22nd at 21:43. However, according to the ascending date, the fast will be observed on September 22nd. Paranan (completion of the fast) will take place on the morning of September 23rd from 06:10 to 08:35.
Complete Ritual for Worshipping Parvathini Ekadashi in 2026
On the day of Ekadashi, one should wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes (preferably yellow). Then, holding water, akshata, and flowers, one must take a vow of fasting before Lord Vishnu. The home temple should be cleaned, and a yellow cloth should be spread on a wooden platform. Images or idols of Lord Vishnu (in the form of Vamana or Laddu Gopal) and Lord Ganesha are placed on it. A lamp made of coconut oil and incense is lit before Shrihari and Ganesha. Tilak made of roli, gopi-chandan, and akshata is applied to the Lord.
Yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, and janam are offered to Lord Vishnu. Durva (grass) and modak are offered to Ganesha. Seasonal fruits (especially bananas), panchamrita, pandjiri, and sweets should also be offered to the deity. In the offering to Vishnu, tulsi leaves must be present, as the deity does not accept the gift without them. After this, one should listen to or read the story of the Parvathini Ekadashi fast and the Vamana Avatar. Next, the Siddha mantra of Lord Vishnu, 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya', and the Vishnu Sahasranama are recited. At the end of the ritual, Aarti should be performed for Shrihari Vishnu and Ganesha using a lamp made of kumkum or oil. Concluding the worship, a prayer for forgiveness for any unintentional mistakes must be offered.
In the evening after reading the story, light food should be consumed. The next day, after making donations of food, clothing, or grain to the needy or priests at an auspicious time, the fast can be concluded.
Significance of Parvathini Ekadashi
It is believed that observing the fast on this day and performing proper worship of Lord Vishnu leads to the destruction of all sins committed by a person intentionally or accidentally. The aspirant achieves a path to material prosperity in this life and liberation in the afterlife. This fast is considered particularly auspicious for those who desire offspring or have been facing financial difficulties for a long time. It is also very favorable for the development of knowledge, intellect, and spiritual growth.
Parvathini Ekadashi falls during the Ganpati period (Ganesha festival). Therefore, the joint worship of Lord Vishnu and the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha, brings special blessings to both deities. On this day, the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu is revered. According to mythological history, it was in this form that Shrihari measured the three worlds in three steps while testing the generous king Bali and freeing him.