Aja Ekadashi
Aja Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Bhadrapada (usually August–September). Observed for relief from difficulties.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Bhadrapada |
| Usual season | August–September |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Observed for | Observed for relief from difficulties. |
The story of Aja Ekadashi
The Aja katha centres on the truthful King Harishchandra, who lost his kingdom, wife and son through his vow to honour truth and even served in a cremation ground. On the sage Gautama's advice he observed Aja Ekadashi; by its power his son was restored to life and his kingdom and family regained.
Significance
Aja Ekadashi is observed for relief from grave difficulties, debts and separations, and for the return of lost fortune through steadfast dharma. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Krishna paksha of Bhadrapada.
The vrat is kept with worship of Vishnu, hearing of the Harishchandra katha, and charity.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Aja Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Aja Ekadashi?
Aja Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Bhadrapada, usually in August–September. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Aja Ekadashi?
Aja Ekadashi is observed for relief from grave difficulties, debts and separations, and for the return of lost fortune through steadfast dharma.
What is the story behind Aja Ekadashi?
The Aja katha centres on the truthful King Harishchandra, who lost his kingdom, wife and son through his vow to honour truth and even served in a cremation ground. On the sage Gautama's advice he observed Aja Ekadashi; by its power his son was restored to life and his kingdom and family regained..
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.