In the rich tapestry of Hindu spiritual practices, Ekadashi holds a special place as one of the most sacred fasting days observed throughout the year. Derived from the Sanskrit word “ekadashī” meaning “eleven,” Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning lunar cycles, giving us 24 Ekadashis each year. Each of these sacred days carries its own unique significance, story, and spiritual benefits that have been celebrated for millennia.
What Makes Ekadashi So Special?
Ekadashi is not merely about abstaining from food; it’s a profound spiritual practice that helps purify the body, mind, and soul. According to Vedic scriptures, observing Ekadashi helps one:
- Overcome negative karma and past sins
- Develop self-discipline and mental clarity
- Attract divine blessings and spiritual progress
- Improve physical health through detoxification
- Cultivate devotion and connection with the Divine
The Two Traditions: Smarta and Vaishnava
You’ll notice that each Ekadashi is marked as either “Smarta” or “Vaishnava” in our calendar. Here’s what this means:
Smarta Ekadashi is observed by those who follow the Smarta tradition, which typically begins the fast from sunrise of Ekadashi day.
Vaishnava Ekadashi is followed by devotees of Lord Vishnu, who often begin their fast a day earlier, on Dashami, and break it on Dwadashi after sunrise.
Complete Month-by-Month Ekadashi Calendar 2025
January 2025
Saphala Ekadashi (January 10, Smarta)
- Significance: The “prosperous” Ekadashi that brings success in all endeavors
- Benefits: Overcomes obstacles, removes negative karma, brings family harmony
- Fasting: Strict fast from sunrise to next sunrise, avoiding grains and beans
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi (January 25, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Known as the “giver of sons,” especially observed by couples desiring children
- Benefits: Fulfills desire for virtuous children, brings family prosperity
- Fasting: Strict fast with night vigil singing bhajans
February 2025
Shattila Ekadashi (February 9, Smarta)
- Significance: Named for using sesame seeds in six different ways for purification
- Benefits: Purifies soul, brings wealth, overcomes poverty
- Fasting: Complete fast using sesame seeds in various rituals
Jaya Ekadashi (February 23, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Brings victory over enemies, obstacles, and negative tendencies
- Benefits: Victory in challenges, liberation from birth cycle
- Fasting: Strict fast with charity on Dwadashi
March 2025
Vijaya Ekadashi (March 10, Smarta)
- Significance: Commemorates Lord Rama’s victory, brings success in endeavors
- Benefits: Victory in challenges, success in legal matters
- Fasting: Strict fast while chanting Lord Rama’s name
Amalaki Ekadashi (March 25, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Dedicated to the sacred Amla tree, dear to Lord Vishnu
- Benefits: Removes all sins, fulfills desires, leads to liberation
- Fasting: Worship of Amla tree with strict fasting
April 2025
Papamochani Ekadashi (April 8, Smarta)
- Significance: The “liberator from sins,” frees from negative karma
- Benefits: Liberation from sins, spiritual purification, mental peace
- Fasting: Complete fast with meditation on Lord Vishnu
Kamada Ekadashi (April 23, Vaishnava)
- Significance: First Ekadashi of the year, fulfiller of desires
- Benefits: Fulfills legitimate desires, removes curses, brings prosperity
- Fasting: Strict fast with donations to Brahmins
May 2025
Varuthini Ekadashi (May 8, Smarta)
- Significance: Removes obstacles and brings protection from difficulties
- Benefits: Removes obstacles, brings wealth, ensures family welfare
- Fasting: Strict fast avoiding salty and spicy foods
Mohini Ekadashi (May 22, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Named after Vishnu’s Mohini avatar, removes illusions
- Benefits: Removes illusions and attachments, brings mental clarity
- Fasting: Strict fast with meditation on Lord Vishnu
June 2025
Apara Ekadashi (June 6, Smarta)
- Significance: Destroys unlimited sins, brings spiritual merit
- Benefits: Destroys unlimited sins, brings prosperity, divine protection
- Fasting: Strict fast with donations to needy
Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi (June 21, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Most austere fast observed without water
- Benefits: Benefits of all 24 Ekadashis, ultimate purification
- Fasting: Strict fast without water, donations next day
July 2025
Yogini Ekadashi (July 6, Smarta)
- Significance: Bestows good health and removes diseases
- Benefits: Good health, removes diseases, wealth and prosperity
- Fasting: Strict fast with donations to sick and needy
Shayani Ekadashi (July 20, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Lord Vishnu begins cosmic sleep, Chaturmas begins
- Benefits: Divine blessings, removes sins, peace and prosperity
- Fasting: Strict fast with night vigil worship
August 2025
Kamika Ekadashi (August 4, Smarta)
- Significance: Fulfills desires and brings purification
- Benefits: Fulfills desires, purification, ancestors’ liberation
- Fasting: Strict fast with Tulsi plant worship
Pavitropana Ekadashi (August 19, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Bestows purity and removes sins
- Benefits: Purification from sins, spiritual merit, liberation
- Fasting: Strict fast with prayers to Lord Vishnu
September 2025
Annada Ekadashi (September 2, Smarta)
- Significance: The “giver of food,” provides nourishment
- Benefits: Provides nourishment, removes poverty, family welfare
- Fasting: Strict fast with food donations to needy
Parsva Ekadashi (September 17, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Lord Vishnu turns while sleeping
- Benefits: Spiritual knowledge, wealth, removes sins
- Fasting: Strict fast with Vishnu worship
October 2025
Indira Ekadashi (October 2, Smarta)
- Significance: Liberates ancestors from hell
- Benefits: Liberates ancestors, removes ancestral sins, family peace
- Fasting: Strict fast with Shraddha for ancestors
Papankusha Ekadashi (October 17, Vaishnava)
- Significance: “Destroyer of sins,” eliminates negative karma
- Benefits: Destroys sins, spiritual purification, liberation
- Fasting: Strict fast with Vishnu worship
November 2025
Rama Ekadashi (November 1, Smarta)
- Significance: Equivalent to performing Ashvamedha Yagna
- Benefits: Victory and success, spiritual progress, wealth
- Fasting: Strict fast with Vishnu worship
Prabodhini Ekadashi (November 15, Vaishnava)
- Significance: Lord Vishnu awakens, Chaturmas ends
- Benefits: Happy married life, spiritual progress, fulfills desires
- Fasting: Strict fast with Vishnu and Tulsi worship
December 2025
Utpanna Ekadashi (November 30, Smarta)
- Significance: First Ekadashi, Goddess Ekadashi appeared
- Benefits: Ultimate spiritual benefits, removes sins, liberation
- Fasting: Strict fast with Goddess Ekadashi worship
Mokshada Ekadashi (December 15, Vaishnava)
- Significance: “Giver of liberation,” grants ultimate freedom
- Benefits: Grants liberation, removes all sins, liberates ancestors
- Fasting: Strict fast with Bhagavad Gita reading
The Science Behind Ekadashi Fasting
Modern science now validates what ancient sages knew intuitively about Ekadashi:
Physiological Benefits
- Gives digestive system essential rest
- Promotes detoxification and cellular repair
- Balances metabolic processes
- Enhances mental clarity and focus
Psychological Benefits
- Develops willpower and self-discipline
- Reduces attachment to material pleasures
- Cultivates mindfulness and awareness
- Promotes emotional balance
How to Observe Ekadashi Properly
Basic Guidelines:
- Complete Fast: Abstain from all grains, beans, and certain vegetables
- Partial Fast: For those unable to complete fast, fruits and milk may be consumed
- Spiritual Practice: Increase meditation, chanting, and scripture reading
- Charity: Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy
- Breaking Fast: Break fast on Dwadashi after sunrise and prayers
Foods to Avoid:
- All grains (rice, wheat, lentils)
- Beans and pulses
- Onions and garlic
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol and tobacco
The Deeper Spiritual Significance
Beyond the physical benefits, Ekadashi represents a journey inward. Each Ekadashi is like a spiritual reset button that helps us:
- Reconnect with our true divine nature
- Purify our consciousness from material contamination
- Strengthen our relationship with the Supreme
- Progress on the path of self-realization
Making Ekadashi a Transformative Practice
Remember that the essence of Ekadashi is not just in abstaining from food but in cultivating spiritual consciousness. Whether you observe a complete fast or make smaller adjustments, what matters most is the sincerity of your intention and your desire for spiritual growth.
As you follow this sacred calendar throughout 2025, may each Ekadashi bring you closer to divine grace, inner peace, and spiritual fulfillment. The journey of twenty-four Ekadashis is a beautiful opportunity to transform your life, one sacred day at a time.
Note: All dates are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Parana (breaking fast) time is the next day after sunrise unless otherwise specified. Consult with local spiritual authorities for specific timing in your region.
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