📅 Festival Details at a Glance
| Festival Name | Aja Ekadashi |
|---|---|
| Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Day | Monday |
| Hindu Month | Bhadrapada |
| Paksha | Krishna Paksha |
| Tithi | Ekadashi |
| Deity | Lord Vishnu |
| Observed By | Vaishnava & Sanatan devotees |
| Purpose | Sin removal, liberation & blessings |
📌 What is Aja Ekadashi?
Aja Ekadashi is one of the most sacred Krishna Paksha Ekadashis, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is observed with fasting, prayer, and remembrance of Vishnu to attain spiritual purification, freedom from sins, and ultimate liberation (Moksha).
The word “Aja” signifies something pure, unborn, and eternal, reflecting the timeless nature of Lord Vishnu and the soul.
🌼 Religious & Spiritual Significance
Aja Ekadashi is believed to:
- Destroy accumulated sins from past lives
- Grant freedom from grief, guilt, and karmic bondage
- Bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual clarity
- Bestow Vishnu’s divine grace on devotees
Scriptures state that observing Aja Ekadashi with devotion gives the fruit of performing major yajnas and charities.
📜 Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Legend)
According to Padma Purana, there once lived a righteous king named Harishchandra, who lost his kingdom, family, and honor due to past karmas. By the grace of Sage Gautama, he observed Aja Ekadashi vrat with full devotion.
As a result:
- His sins were destroyed
- His lost kingdom and family were restored
- He attained fame, prosperity, and divine blessings
This katha teaches that true devotion and discipline can overcome even the darkest karmic phases.
🛕 Aja Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
🪔 Morning Preparation
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta.
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the puja area and place Lord Vishnu’s idol or image.
🌸 Puja Rituals
- Light a diya with ghee or sesame oil.
- Offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, and incense.
- Chant Vishnu mantras and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Read or listen to Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
🌙 Evening Worship
- Perform aarti and bhajan.
- Stay awake (Jagran) if possible, chanting Vishnu’s names.
📿 Important Mantras to Chant
- ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
- ॐ विष्णवे नमः
- Hare Krishna Mahamantra
- Vishnu Sahasranama
Mantra japa on Ekadashi multiplies spiritual merit.
🍽️ Fasting Rules on Aja Ekadashi
- Nirjala vrat (without food and water) is ideal.
- If not possible, observe phalahar vrat (fruits, milk).
- Grains, pulses, onion, and garlic are strictly avoided.
- Mental purity and devotion are more important than austerity.
⏰ Parana (Fast-Breaking) Importance
Parana is performed:
- On Dwadashi tithi
- After sunrise
- Within the prescribed Parana window
Breaking the fast correctly completes the vrat and ensures full spiritual benefit.
🌍 Regional Observance
Aja Ekadashi is observed across:
- India
- Nepal
- ISKCON and Vaishnava temples worldwide
Temples organize special Vishnu pujas, kirtans, and discourses.
🧘 Spiritual Benefits of Observing Aja Ekadashi
- Removes karmic debts
- Grants inner peace and clarity
- Improves discipline and self-control
- Helps progress towards Moksha
It is especially beneficial for those facing long-standing hardships or emotional burdens.
❓ Short FAQ – Aja Ekadashi
Q1. When is Aja Ekadashi in 2026?
It falls on 7 September 2026 (Monday).
Q2. Which deity is worshipped on Aja Ekadashi?
Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day.
Q3. Is fasting compulsory on Aja Ekadashi?
Fasting is recommended but devotion and purity are most important.
Q4. Can working people observe Aja Ekadashi?
Yes, simple fasting with prayer and mantra chanting is sufficient.
Q5. What is the main benefit of Aja Ekadashi vrat?
Removal of sins, peace of mind, and progress toward liberation.
Panchang Official