Padmini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi & Spiritual Significance

Ekadashi is a significant fasting observance in Hinduism, considered to be dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Typically, two Ekadashis occur every month—one during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) and the other during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). Thus, a total of 24 Ekadashis fall within a calendar year. However, a unique celestial alignment is taking place this year. Due to the occurrence of Adhik Maas (an intercalary month) - which appears approximately every three years - the year 2026 will witness a total of 26 Ekadashis. The Ekadashi falling during the Shukla Paksha of the Adhik Jyeshtha month will be celebrated as 'Padmini Ekadashi.'

Padmini Ekadashi 2026: Date and Auspicious Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang (almanac) and the principle of Udayatithi (the sunrise-based calendar day), the fast for Padmini Ekadashi - occurring during the Shukla Paksha of Adhik Jyeshtha - will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: From 05:10 AM on May 26, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: Until 06:21 AM on May 27, 2026
• Fasting Day (as per Udayatithi): May 27, 2026 (Wednesday)
• Padmini Ekadashi Parana (Fast-Breaking) Time: Between 05:25 AM and 07:56 AM on May 28, 2026.

Religious Significance of Padmini Ekadashi

Padmini Ekadashi is also referred to as 'Purushottami Ekadashi.' According to the scriptures, the presiding deity of Adhik Maas is none other than Lord Purushottam Shri Hari Vishnu himself. Consequently, the spiritual merits derived from Japa (chanting), Tapa (penance), Daan (charity), and Puja (worship) performed during this month are multiplied manifold.

According to the Skanda Purana, an individual who observes the Padmini Ekadashi fast with unwavering faith and strict adherence to prescribed rituals accrues spiritual merit equivalent to that gained from performing a Yajna (sacrificial ritual) or undertaking rigorous penance. It is believed that this fast absolves a person of their accumulated sins, ushers in happiness and prosperity in life, and ultimately grants Moksha (liberation).

Padmini Ekadashi Worship Rituals

• On the day of Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped jointly. On this day, wake up before sunrise, take a ritual bath, and wear clean clothes. If possible, wear yellow attire, as it is considered highly auspicious.
• In your home shrine, stand before Lord Vishnu, hold water in your hands, and take a solemn vow to observe the fast. Thereafter, spread a yellow cloth over a raised platform (Chowki) and install the idols or images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi upon it. Offer them yellow flowers, yellow fruits, sandalwood paste, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains).
• Light a lamp filled with pure Desi Ghee (clarified butter) and an incense stick before Lord Hari. Offer seasonal fruits and sweets as Bhog (sacred food offering) to the deities. Ensure that you invariably include a Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaf in the food offering dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Subsequently, chant the mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu and recite the sacred narrative (Vrat Katha) associated with Padmini Ekadashi. Conclude the worship by performing the Aarti (ritual lamp ceremony) of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and humbly seek forgiveness for any inadvertent errors or omissions committed during the rituals.
• According to religious beliefs, keeping a vigil (Jagran) throughout the night of Ekadashi is considered auspicious. Engaging in Bhajan-Kirtan (devotional singing), reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama, or simply meditating upon the name of Lord Vishnu during this night is believed to yield immense spiritual merit.
• On the following day specifically the Dwadashi Tithi during an auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat), offer food and Dakshina (monetary donation) to a Brahmin or a needy person; thereafter, partake of your own meal to formally conclude (Paran) your fast.

The Legend of Padmini Ekadashi katha:

The fast of Padmini Ekadashi is named after Queen Padmini, the wife of King Kirtivirya. There is a mythological legend associated with this. According to the tale, during the Treta Yuga, there reigned a king named Kirtivirya in the kingdom of Mahishmati Puri. The King had a thousand queens, yet none of them had borne him a son. The King was constantly tormented by anxiety over this matter. He made numerous efforts to beget an heir, but all his attempts proved futile. Consequently, the King decided to undertake penance. As the King set out to perform his ascetic austerities, his beloved Queen Padmini resolved to accompany him.

Thereafter, King Kirtivirya and Queen Padmini departed for Mount Gandhamadana to perform their penance. It is said that the King performed penance there for ten thousand years, yet he still remained bereft of the blessing of a son. Subsequently, Mother Anasuya suggested a remedy to Queen Padmini. She instructed the Queen to observe the fast of Ekadashi during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of Adhikamas (the intercalary month). The Queen duly observed the fast. Upon the conclusion of the fast, Lord Vishnu appeared and asked Queen Padmini to request a boon. In response, the Queen humbly requested of the Lord, "Please grant this boon not to me, but to my husband."

Thereupon, Lord Vishnu asked the King to request a boon. After offering his obeisance to Lord Vishnu, the King expressed his desire for a son endowed with every virtue—a son who could not be defeated by anyone other than Lord Shri Hari himself. Lord Vishnu granted the King this boon. Sometime later, the Queen gave birth to a son, who became renowned by the name Kartavirya Arjuna. In the course of time, this very youth even succeeded in taking Ravana captive. Later, he met his end at the hands of Lord Vishnu's own incarnation, Parashurama.

What to Do on Padmini Ekadashi?

• Use the Color Yellow: The color yellow is extremely dear to Lord Vishnu. After your morning bath, wear clean or yellow-colored garments. During the puja (worship), offer yellow flowers, yellow fruits, and a tilak (sacred mark) of yellow sandalwood paste to Lord Hari.
• Chant Mantras: On this day, mentally chant the mantras of Lord Vishnu or recite them using a prayer bead garland (mala). Additionally, make sure to listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama and the Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (fasting legend).
• Perform Acts of Charity: Donating food grains, water, yellow clothing, or money—according to one's means—is considered highly meritorious and fruitful on this day.
• Tend to the Tulsi Plant: In the evening, light a lamp filled with cow's ghee near the Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant and, if possible, circumambulate it seven times.
• Maintain Sattvic Purity: Even if you are not observing a full fast, consume only Sattvic (pure and wholesome) food on this day.

What Not to Do on Padmini Ekadashi?

• Abstain from Rice and Tamasic Food: Cooking and consuming rice at home is considered strictly prohibited on the day of Ekadashi. Furthermore, refrain from consuming garlic, onions, meat, alcohol, or any form of Tamasic (stimulating or impure) food.
• Do Not Pluck Tulsi Leaves: While the worship of Lord Vishnu is considered incomplete without Tulsi, plucking Tulsi leaves on the day of Ekadashi is forbidden. Pluck and gather the Tulsi leaves required for your worship one day in advance.
• Avoid Mental Impurity: The Ekadashi fast symbolizes not only physical discipline but also mental discipline. Giving in to anger, telling lies, engaging in gossip, or using abusive language on this day can diminish the spiritual efficacy of the fast.

Remedies According to Your Zodiac Sign

Aries

Individuals belonging to this sign should offer red flowers to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that doing so brings positivity and auspicious results.

Taurus

Donating white-colored items is considered beneficial for this sign, as it enhances happiness and prosperity in life.

Gemini

Offering items or garments associated with the color green to Lord Vishnu is considered highly auspicious.

Cancer

Offering Kheer (sweet rice pudding) Bhog to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi helps maintain happiness and peace within the home.

Leo

Offering yellow garments and incorporating the color yellow into one's life is believed to yield auspicious results for this sign.

Virgo

To find relief from financial difficulties, the tradition suggests offering saffron along with white sweets.

Libra

It is believed that donating white-colored items fosters harmony and enhances good fortune in one's married life.

Scorpio

Donating jaggery (Gur) is considered helpful in fostering progress and success for individuals of this sign.

Sagittarius

Donating yellow garments, yellow sandalwood, and yellow fruits is believed to bring about auspicious results.

Capricorn

Offering yogurt and cardamom as Bhog to Lord Vishnu is considered highly auspicious.

Aquarius

Lighting a lamp filled with sesame oil beneath a Peepal tree is considered particularly beneficial for individuals of this sign.

Pisces

Helping the poor and offering Mishri (rock sugar) as Bhog is considered a meritorious act.