Ekadashi Tithi: Meaning & Significance
🪷 · Tithi 11 (Shukla) & 26 (Krishna)
Nanda (Joy)
Highly auspicious for fasting and devotion
Sacred | Nanda | Devotional
Ekadashi is the eleventh Tithi of each lunar fortnight, part of the Nanda ("joy") group, and one of the most widely observed fasting days in the Hindu calendar — dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Occurs At
11 (Shukla) & 26 (Krishna)
Classical Group
Nanda (Joy)
Ruling Deity
Vishnu
Nature
Highly auspicious for fasting and devotion
Significance of Ekadashi
Observing the Ekadashi Vrat (fast) is believed to bring spiritual merit and purification. Millions of devotees across India observe this fast twice a month, every month of the year.
Sacred
Devotional
Purifying
The Ekadashi Vrat
The Ekadashi fast, typically avoiding grains and observed with Vishnu worship, is one of the most widely followed devotional practices tied to a specific Tithi.
Activities Suited to Ekadashi
Ekadashi favours Vishnu worship, fasting, and spiritual or charitable activity.
Favourable For
- Vishnu worship
- Fasting (ekadashi vrat)
- Spiritual and charitable activity
Best Avoided
None
- Eating grains (for those observing the fast)
- Starting purely materialistic ventures
🪷
Ruling Deity
Vishnu
Classical Group
Nanda (Joy)
The Deity of Ekadashi — Vishnu
Ekadashi is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver — each of the 24 Ekadashis in a year carries its own name and specific significance, but all are united by their devotion to Vishnu and the practice of fasting.
Ekadashi in the Panchanga
Ekadashi belongs to the Nanda (joy) group of Tithis, recurring at Tithis 1, 6 and 11. Its widespread observance as a fasting day makes it arguably the most well-known individual Tithi among the general public, independent of its classical group classification.
People Also Ask
What does Ekadashi mean?
Ekadashi is the eleventh Tithi of each lunar fortnight, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and widely observed as a fasting day.
Why is Ekadashi fasted?
Observing the Ekadashi Vrat is believed to bring spiritual merit, purification and Vishnu's blessings.
How many Ekadashis are there in a year?
There are 24 Ekadashis in a typical year (two per lunar month), each with its own name and significance.
Which deity is associated with Ekadashi?
Ekadashi is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver.
Explore Other Tithis
🌱Pratipada
🌒Dwitiya
🌓Tritiya
🐘Chaturthi
🐍Panchami
⚔️Shashthi
☀️Saptami
🔱Ashtami
🙏Navami
🏹Dashami
🪔Dwadashi
💘Trayodashi
🕉️Chaturdashi
🌕Purnima
🌑Amavasya
Looking for the rest of today's Panchang? Explore the 27 Nakshatras, the 11 Karanas, the 7 Vaars, or check today's full Panchang.
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