Mokshada Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Margashirsha (usually November–December). Associated with the Bhagavad Gita (Gita Jayanti); grants liberation.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Margashirsha |
| Usual season | November–December |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu (Krishna) |
| Observed for | Associated with the Bhagavad Gita (Gita Jayanti); grants liberation. |
The story of Mokshada Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadashi coincides with Gita Jayanti, the day on which Krishna is traditionally held to have spoken the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the field of Kurukshetra. Its katha, of King Vaikhanasa who freed his father from a lower realm, is told in the Padma Purana.
Significance
'Mokshada' means the giver of moksha, liberation. The Ekadashi is observed for spiritual freedom and is believed able to uplift departed ancestors when its merit is dedicated to them. 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 Shukla paksha of Margashirsha.
Devotees read or hear the Bhagavad Gita, worship Krishna with tulsi, keep the fast, and offer its merit for liberation.
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 Mokshada 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 Mokshada Ekadashi?
Mokshada Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Margashirsha, usually in November–December. 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 Mokshada Ekadashi?
'Mokshada' means the giver of moksha, liberation. The Ekadashi is observed for spiritual freedom and is believed able to uplift departed ancestors when its merit is dedicated to them.
What is the story behind Mokshada Ekadashi?
Mokshada Ekadashi coincides with Gita Jayanti, the day on which Krishna is traditionally held to have spoken the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the field of Kurukshetra. Its katha, of King Vaikhanasa who freed his father from a lower realm, is told in the Padma Purana..
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.