Padmini Ekadashi: Timings, Vrat Katha, Rituals, Significance, and Dates

Padmini Ekadashi is an auspicious fasting day (Vrat) in Hindusim that falls on the ‘Ekadashi’ tithi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) during the ‘Adhik Mahina’ or ‘Purushottam Masam’ (13th month) of the Hindu calendar.

Padmini Ekadashi 2026 is on May 27 Wednesday

Ekadashi Tithi Begins:May 26, 5:11 am
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: May 27, 6:22 am
Parana Time: May 28, 5:45 am - 7:57 am
Padmini Ekadashi 2026 timings.

(* The mentioned timings are in IST, for Ujjain. To change the location, click here.)

According to the ‘Vasistha Siddhanta’ the Adhik Mahina is an extra lunar month in Hindu calendar that occurs once in every three years. This special period is ideal for seeking forgiveness of sins and for the purification of the mind, body and even soul. Padmini Ekadashi is also popularly called as ‘Kamala Ekadashi’ and is observed with full enthusiasm and fervour all over India. Dedicated to Sri Hari Vishnu, this sacred vrat grants the fulfilment of all worldly desires to its observer.

Important Timings On Padmini Ekadashi 2026

Vrat Katha

Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha In English

Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha In Hindi

Lord Shri Krishna narrated the Vrat Katha of Padmini Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira as follows:

I will now tell you a beautiful story that was told by Pulastyaji to Naradji, please listen carefully, Rajan.

Once upon a time, Kartavirya Arjuna imprisoned Ravana. Pulastyaji had freed Ravana from Kartavirya by pleading him. Hearing this incident Narad ji asked Pulastya ji, "O Maharaj! How did Kartavirya win that Mahavir Ravana who had won Devraj Indra along with all the gods? Please explain to me." On this Pulastyaji said, "O Narada! First listen to the origin of Kartavirya."

During the Tretayuga era, a ruler named King Upakirtavirya governed the city of Mahishmati. Although the king had a hundred wives, none of them bore a worthy son capable of ascending the throne. Determined to have an heir, he performed numerous sacrifices, but all his efforts were in vain. Finally, he decided to retreat to the forest to undertake penance, knowing that this path alone could grant him the desired achievements.

One of his wives, Pramada, the daughter of King Harishchandra, accompanied him to Mount Gandhamadan, leaving behind her royal attire and ornaments. They engaged in rigorous penance for ten thousand years, yet success eluded them, and the king's body grew weak, reduced to mere bones due to starvation. Observing this, Pramada, with humility, approached the sage Mahasati Anusuiya and expressed her concern that despite their ten thousand years of penance, they had not yet pleased God enough to be blessed with a son. She asked for guidance on how to achieve their desire.

Anusuiya explained that during the Adhik Maas, occurring after every thirty-two months, there are two special Ekadashi days. The Ekadashi of the waxing phase of the moon is known as Padmini, while the Ekadashi of the waning phase is called Parama. Anusuiya assured her that through fasting and staying awake on these Ekadashi days, God would surely grant them a son.

Following Anusuiya's instructions, Pramada observed a fast on Ekadashi and remained awake throughout the night, devoutly meditating on Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her unwavering devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before her and offered her a boon. Pramada praised God and requested the boon be bestowed upon her husband. Hearing this, Lord Vishnu addressed Pramada, expressing his delight in her systematic observance of the Ekadashi fast and night vigil during the sacred month of Malmaas. He encouraged the king to ask for whatever he desired, as Pramada's devotion had pleased him.

The king, touched by God's benevolence, prayed for a son who would be revered by all, invincible against gods, demons, humans, and everything else except Lord Vishnu himself. After granting the boon, Lord Vishnu disappeared, and the king and queen returned to their kingdom. As a result of the Padmini fast, Pramada gave birth to a son named Kartavirya Arjuna, who proved to be invincible, even defeating Ravana with ease.

After saying this to Narad ji, Pulastya ji left from there.

Lord Krishna said “O Maharaj, I have told you about the fast of Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Adhik month. The person who observes this fast goes to Vishnulok.”

Rituals during Padmini Ekadashi:

• The observer of Padmini Ekadashi vrat gets up at sunrise and takes an early bath to cleanse the soul and body. Fasting is one of the core rituals of the day. strict fast is observed on the Padmini Ekadashi day and the observer is not allowed to eat foot items like urad dal, rice, spinach, chickpeas and honey to name a few. Some devotees observe the vrat by eating ‘falahar’ that comprises of fruits and dairy products.
• The vrat begins from the ‘dashami’ (10th day) and the observer must eat ‘saatvik’ food once during the day. The food consumed should be light and be made without using onion or garlic. Also eating in bronze utensils is not allowed. The devotees fast for the whole night of Ekadashi. Keeping a vigil at night while fasting is also essential. If however, a person desires to sleep, he/she should do so on the floor. The Padmini Ekadashi vrat ends on the next morning.
• On this day devotees worship Lord Vishnu to seek His divine blessings. A ‘Panchamrit Abhishek’ is performed and the idol of Lord Vishnu is worshipped with flowers, Tulsi leaves, dhoop and incense sticks.
• Vishnu followers spend their time singing and listening to bhakti songs and bhajans in praise of their deity. They also visit temples of Lord Vishnu in the evening to participate in the events held there. Reading Hindu religious books like ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ is considered very auspicious on this day.
• Charity is another important ritual of the day. On the auspicious day of Padmini Ekadashi, one must donate food and clothes to Brahmins.

Significance of Padmini Ekadashi:

The greatness of Padmini Ekadashi can be read from various Hindu scriptures and puranas like ‘Skanda Purana’. Lord Krishna also explicated the rituals and importance of this ekadashi vrat to Dharmaraja Yudhisthira. Padmini Ekadashi was first observed by Padmini, the queen of King Kartavirya and owing to her dedication, this ekadashi was named after her. The customs and rituals of Padmini Ekadashi are performed to wash away the sins of both, present and past lives, and in the end seek place in ‘Vaikunta’, Lord Vishnu’s abode.

FAQs

What is Adhikmas?

Adhikmas, known as the "Extra Month," is a unique occurrence in the Hindu lunar calendar. It appears every 32 months when the solar year surpasses the lunar year. An additional lunar month is added to synchronize these two, resulting in a more extended year. Adhikmas is considered inauspicious, and no auspicious events like weddings or new ventures are undertaken during this period. Instead, devotees engage in spiritual practices, penance, and acts of charity. This extra month allows for deeper introspection and reverence towards the divine, offering a precious opportunity for spiritual growth and seeking divine blessings.

What Ekadashi falls during Adhikmas (Londh ka Mahina)?

During Adhikmas, which is known as the "Extra Month" in the Hindu lunar calendar, two important Ekadashi dates are observed. These Ekadashis are significant as they fall in the Adhik (extra) month, which happens about every 32 months to align the solar and lunar years. The two Ekadashis that are observed during the Adhikmas are called Padmini Ekadashi, observed on the Shukla Paksha (Waxing moon), and Parama Ekadashi, observed on the Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon). Devotees undertake strict fasting, engage in spiritual practices, and stay awake during the night, seeking divine blessings and purification. These sacred days offer a unique opportunity for self-discipline, devotion, and spiritual growth, elevating devotees on the path of piety and divine grace.

At what time can I break the Padmini Ekadashi fast?

In Hindu culture, during Ekadashis and most Vrats (fasting), the fast is ended at a specific time known as Parana Time. It is important that the Parana (Breaking the fast) for Ekadashi Vrat is always done after the Hari Vasara period has ended. The Parana time for Padmini Ekadashi 2026 will be on May 28, 5:45 am to 7:57 am.
(*The mentioned timings are, in IST, for Ujjain, India. Click here to know the timings for your location.)
Click here to know the Important timings of Padmini Ekadashi.

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