When is Apra Ekadashi 2026?
Apra Ekadashi in 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. Apra Ekadashi is determined based on the lunar tithi (date), and this day holds special importance for fasting and worship.
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12 May 2026 at 2:52 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 13 May 2026 at 1:32 PM
Worshipping during the auspicious muhurat on Ekadashi is believed to bring greater spiritual benefits. Devotees who observe the Ekadashi fast usually begin their preparations a day in advance so that the fast and puja can be performed properly and with full devotion.
Ekadashi fasting and rituals are observed according to the lunar calendar (tithi), which is why the date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar. For example, Apra Ekadashi was observed on 23 May in 2025, and it will fall on 1 June in 2027.
If you want to know the exact auspicious muhurat for Apra Ekadashi, you can consult our experienced astrologers. Talk to an Acharya now to find the right muhurat.
While performing puja on Ekadashi, one should avoid certain inauspicious time periods, such as:
• Rahu Kaal
• Yamaganda Kaal
• Gulika Kaal
To know the exact timings of these inauspicious periods, make sure to check our Panchang.
The Significance of Jyeshtha Maas Krishna Paksha Ekadashi
Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna, "Janardan! In the Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha Maas, what is the name of the Ekadashi, and I would like to know its significance. Please enlighten me." Lord Sri Krishna replied, "O King! You have asked a very virtuous question for the benefit of all beings.
O Rajendra! This Ekadashi is called Apara Ekadashi or Vaishnava Apara Ekadashi. It bestows great merit and destroys grave sins. Even those who have committed the sin of killing a Brahmin, cow slaughter, killing an unborn child, slander, or those indulging in illicit relationships are freed from their sins by observing Apara Ekadashi.
Those who bear false witness, cheat in measurements, engage in astrology without proper knowledge, and practice fraudulent Ayurveda, all dwell in hell. However, by observing Apara Ekadashi, even they become free from sins. If a warrior abandons his Kshatriya duty by fleeing from battle, he falls into the severe hell of corruption. One who acquires knowledge but criticizes his guru falls into a terrible hell.
Yet, by observing Apara Ekadashi, even such individuals attain salvation. When the sun is in the Capricorn sign in the month of Magha, the merits one gains by bathing in Prayag are also obtained by observing Apara Ekadashi.
Performing the Shivaratri fast in Kashi, offering Pind Daan in Gaya, and bathing in the Godavari when Jupiter is in the Leo sign, as well as the merits of Badrikashram pilgrimage and making donations of elephants, horses, and gold, are all obtained by observing Apara Ekadashi.
Reading this narrative and listening to it yields the same merit as donating a thousand cows.
The Observance of Ekadashi Vrat
Shri Krishna said — “Rajendra! Listen carefully, I will tell you the auspicious method of observing this fast.” On the Dashami tithi (a day before Ekadashi) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, one should wake up early in the morning, take a bath with a pure and devoted mind, and eat only once during the day. At night, it is advised to sleep on the floor as a part of discipline.
On the day of Ekadashi, wake up early in the morning, complete your daily rituals, and take a bath. After that, with full devotion, take a vow of fasting (vrat sankalp) by chanting the following mantra:
Adya sthitva niraahaarah sarva-bhoga-vivarjitah,
Shvo bhokshye pundarikaksha sharanam me bhavaachyuta.
“O Lotus-eyed Lord Narayan! Today I will remain without food, giving up all worldly pleasures, and will eat tomorrow. O Achyuta! Please give me your shelter.”
After taking the vow, worship Lord Vishnu (Hari) with incense (dhoop), fragrance (gandh), and other offerings. Devotees should stay awake during the night (jagran) and engage in prayers and devotion.
