In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi is considered one of the most sacred days dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Today marks the auspicious observance of Parama Ekadashi, which falls during the Krishna Paksha of Purushottam Maas (Adhik Maas). According to Hindu beliefs, this Ekadashi occurs only once every three years, making it an exceptionally rare and highly meritorious occasion.
It is believed that observing the Parama Ekadashi fast with devotion, discipline, and sincerity brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, removes poverty, and helps overcome life's difficulties and obstacles.
Today's Auspicious Timings
According to the Vedic Panchang:
Parama Ekadashi Vrat Date: 11 June 2026 (Thursday)
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12:57 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 10:36 PM
Parana (Breaking the Fast): 12 June 2026 (Friday)
Parana Muhurat: 5:45 AM to 8:25 AM
As per the Udaya Tithi principle, the Parama Ekadashi fast should be observed on 11 June 2026.
How to Observe the Parama Ekadashi Fast
Parama Ekadashi Vrat should be observed with purity, self-discipline, and devotion. The devotee should maintain both physical and mental cleanliness throughout the day.
Fasting Procedure
Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a holy bath.
Wear clean or yellow-colored clothes.
Take a vow (Sankalp) to observe the fast while remembering Lord Vishnu.
Maintain purity in thoughts and actions throughout the day.
Avoid anger, lies, arguments, and negative behavior.
Chant the holy names of Lord Vishnu.
Observe the fast according to your physical ability.
Types of Ekadashi Fasting
1. Nirjala Vrat
No food or water is consumed throughout the day. This is considered the most difficult yet highly rewarding form of fasting.
2. Phalahar Vrat
Devotees may consume fruits, milk, dry fruits, and Ekadashi-approved foods.
3. One-Time Sattvic Meal
Those unable to observe a complete fast due to health conditions may have a light sattvic meal once during the day.
Parama Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Purify the worship area with Gangajal.
Install idols or pictures of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Light a lamp and incense sticks.
Apply sandalwood paste (Chandan).
Offer yellow flowers.
Offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.
Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
Read passages from the Bhagavad Gita.
Chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
Perform the evening Aarti with devotion.
Puja Samagri (Worship Materials)
Water vessel
Panchamrit
Sandalwood paste
Roli (vermilion)
Kalava (sacred thread)
Yajnopavita (holy white thread)
Perfume (Ittar)
Incense sticks
Oil or ghee lamp
Yellow flowers
Tulsi leaves
Panchmewa (mixed dry fruits)
Seasonal fruits
Camphor
Sweets
Conch shell
What Can You Eat During the Fast?
If observing a Phalahar fast, you may consume:
Milk
Yogurt
Fruits
Bananas
Apples
Coconut water
Fox nuts (Makhana)
Dry fruits
Sabudana
Water chestnut flour
Rajgira (Amaranth)
Rock salt (Sendha Namak)
Potato-based vrat dishes
Peanuts
What Should You Avoid?
The following items are traditionally prohibited on Ekadashi:
Rice
Wheat
Lentils
Regular table salt
Onion and garlic
Non-vegetarian food
Alcohol and intoxicants
Tamasic foods
Excessively spicy dishes
According to religious beliefs, consuming rice on Ekadashi is strictly avoided.
Bhog to Offer Lord Vishnu
Offer pure sattvic foods to Lord Vishnu, such as:
Panchamrit
Makhan Mishri (butter and sugar candy)
Kheer
Tulsi leaves
Bananas
Coconut
Panchmewa
Makhana Kheer
Dry fruits
Sweets prepared with pure ghee
Note: Bhog offered to Lord Vishnu is considered incomplete without Tulsi leaves.
Powerful Parama Ekadashi Mantras
The following mantra is considered especially auspicious:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
You may also chant:
"Om Vishnave Namah."
Reciting these mantras 108 times is believed to invoke the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu.
How to Break the Fast (Parana Vidhi)
The Ekadashi fast should be concluded during Dwadashi Tithi.
Parana Method
Take a bath in the morning.
Worship Lord Vishnu.
Drink Tulsi-infused water.
Offer bhog to the Lord.
Donate food, clothes, or essentials to Brahmins, cows, or the needy.
Break the fast with sattvic food.
Spiritual Significance of Parama Ekadashi
According to Hindu scriptures, observing this sacred fast:
Destroys accumulated sins.
Removes financial hardships.
Eliminates poverty and scarcity.
Brings peace and harmony to the family.
Reduces mental stress.
Invites the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Promotes spiritual growth and inner peace.
Parama Ekadashi is not merely a traditional fast; it is a rare spiritual opportunity to seek the divine grace of Lord Vishnu. By observing the vrat with devotion, purity, and sincerity, devotees are believed to overcome obstacles, attract prosperity, and progress on the path of spiritual upliftment.
If you are observing Parama Ekadashi today, perform the rituals properly, maintain sattvic conduct, and break the fast during the prescribed Parana time to receive its complete spiritual benefits.
॥ Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya ॥