When is Padamini Ekadashi 2026?
Padmini Ekadashi falls in the Purushottam Maas (Adhik Maas) and is also known as Kamala Ekadashi. In 2026, Padmini Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, while Parama Ekadashi will fall on June 11, 2026.
Ekadashi Tithi – May 27, 2026 (Wednesday)
Starts: May 26, 2026 at 5:11 AM
Ends: May 27, 2026 at 7:22 AM
On this day, observing a fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu helps remove sins and brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Are Padmini Ekadashi and Kamala Ekadashi the same?
Yes, Padmini Ekadashi and Kamala Ekadashi are two names for the same sacred fast. It occurs during the Purushottam Maas (Adhik Maas) and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
If you want to know how Ekadashi originated, read this –Origin of Ekadashi.
Significance of Ekadashi in Purushottam Maas
According to the Puranas, when Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna about the importance of this fast, Lord Krishna explained that the Ekadashi falling in Purushottam Maas is highly sacred and rewarding. It is known as Kamala Ekadashi or Padmini Ekadashi and is considered one of the most auspicious Ekadashis.
It is regarded as the most श्रेष्ठ among all tithis, and observing this fast brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees should wake up during Brahma Muhurta, remember Lord Vishnu, take a ritual bath, and follow the fasting rules with devotion.
The benefits of chanting and worship multiply significantly on this day—chanting at home gives normal merit, near rivers gives double merit, in a cowshed gives a thousandfold merit, in sacred places and near Tulsi gives immense benefits, and near Lord Vishnu grants infinite spiritual rewards.
Vrat Katha of Ekadashi in Purushottam Maas
In the city of Avantipur, there lived a virtuous Brahmin named Shiv Sharma. He had five sons, and the youngest of them was involved in sinful activities. Due to his wicked behaviour, he was disowned by his father and relatives. Driven away by his misdeeds, he ventured deep into the forest.
After some time, by divine providence, he reached the holy confluence of rivers in Prayag (Allahabad). Weakened by hunger, his body frail, and his face weary, he took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati). Overcome by hunger, he started searching for the hermitages of the sages nearby.
In his search, he stumbled upon the ashram of the sage Hari Mitra. During the auspicious month of Purushottam, a gathering of many people had assembled there. As he listened to the Brahmins narrating stories of the destruction of sins, he heard with reverence about the greatness of Kamala Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is supremely meritorious and grants both worldly enjoyment and liberation.
Inspired by the narration of the Kamala Ekadashi's glory, Jay Sharma observed the fast along with the others at the sage's hermitage. When midnight approached, Goddess Lakshmi herself appeared before him and spoke, "Brahmin! Due to the effects of observing the Kamala Ekadashi fast, I am highly pleased with you. By the command of Lord Hari, I have come from the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha to bestow a boon upon you."
The Brahmin replied, "Mother Lakshmi! If you are pleased with me, kindly enlighten me about a fast whose story is always recounted by noble sages and Brahmins.
Lakshmi continued, "Brahmin! Hearing about the significance of Ekadashi fasting is the most exalted subject for listeners. Among all sacred practices, this one is the supreme. It eradicates bad dreams, brings happiness, and results in the accumulation of merits.
Therefore, one should attentively listen to its narration. Even if a righteous person recites a single verse or half a verse with devotion, they become instantly liberated from millions of great sins. Just as in months, Purushottam month is the best, among birds Garuda is the best, and among rivers the Ganga is the best, similarly, among dates, the Dwadashi tithi (twelfth day) is the best.
Even today, all deities desire to be born in Bharat Varsha (India) through observing the fast of Ekadashi. The celestial beings always perform worship of Lord Narayana, free from whims and fancies. Those who continuously chant the name of my Lord, Bhagavan Narayana, with devotion, are worshipped by even Brahma and other deities perpetually."
Those who are devoted to the name of Lord Hari and constantly engage in singing His divine stories and remain immersed in the worship of Lord Hari are indeed blessed in the Kali Yuga. If, during the day, Ekadashi and Dwadashi coincide, and as the night progresses, Trayodashi arrives, then the merit of performing 100 yajnas is attained by observing the Parana (breaking the fast) on that Trayodashi.
Performing the ritual at the right auspicious time brings greater benefits.
For Padmini Ekadashi: Contact experienced Vedic experts now to know the exact muhurat according to your city.
Padmini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
A person observing the fast should, with devotion, perform the following mantra in front of Lord Vishnu, the Lord of the Universe and the wielder of the Sudarshan Chakra, and then undertake the fast:
Ekadashyan Niraharah Sthitvahampare ऽhani
Bhokshyaami Pundarikaksh Sharanam in Bhavachyut
This mantra means: "O Kamalanayana! O Lord Achyuta! I shall fast on Ekadashi without eating anything and eat on the next day. Please be my refuge."
Subsequently, the person observing the fast should control their mind and senses, and during the night, engage in devotional activities like singing bhajans (devotional songs), playing musical instruments, dancing, and reciting sacred texts in front of Lord Vishnu.
On the Dwadashi (the 12th day), after taking a bath, the devotee should perform a proper worship of Lord Vishnu with a pure heart and devotion.
To attain Sayujya (union with the Lord) with Sri Hari, one should bathe Lord Janardana with Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee) on Ekadashi and give a bath with just milk on Dwadashi.
After the puja, offer the following prayer to Lord Vishnu:
Ajnantimirandhasya vratenanen Keshav.
Prasid Sumukho Bhootva Gyandristhi Prado Bhava
This prayer means: "O Kesava! I am blinded by the darkness of ignorance due to this fast. Please be pleased with me and bestow upon me the vision of knowledge."
After making this request, offer a meal to Brahmins, give them dakshina (gift), and then perform the Pancha Maha Yajnas (five great sacrifices) following the prescribed rituals. Finally, break your fast by having a meal with your relatives and friends while maintaining a pure and devout attitude.
Those who observe the Kamala Ekadashi fast with sincerity and purity of heart are said to attain Vaikuntha Dham (the divine abode of Lord Vishnu) free from the cycle of birth and death.
As per the story, Lord Krishna said, "O King! Saying this, Goddess Lakshmi bestowed a boon upon the Brahmin and disappeared. The Brahmin, now blessed with wealth, returned to his father's house."
Thus, anyone who observes the sacred fast of Padmini Ekadashi (Kamala Ekadashi) and listens to its significance on Ekadashi becomes free from all sins.
