Apara Ekadashi 2026 vrat katha, puja timings, rituals, significance, Lord Vishnu mantras and more

Apara Ekadashi 2026: In May, Apara Ekdashi is being observed today on May 13, 2026, Wednesday, and it falls on 11th day of krishna paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. Ekdashi holds a significant religious importance in the Hindu religion and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Ekadashi falls twice a month during shukla paksha and krishna paksha.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha, during the time of the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira once asked Lord Krishna about the Ekadashi that falls during the Krishna Paksha of the month of Jyeshtha. He wanted to know its importance and the story behind it.

Lord Krishna explained that this Ekadashi is known as Apara Ekadashi and is considered extremely sacred. He said that observing this fast with devotion can wash away even major sins and bring immense spiritual benefits. According to the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha, the vrat is believed to free a person from wrongdoings committed knowingly or unknowingly, such as dishonesty, speaking ill of others, or neglecting responsibilities. Lord Krishna also said that the merit gained from this fast is equal to visiting many holy pilgrimage sites and performing important religious rituals.


He further told Yudhishthira that worshipping Lord Vishnu, especially in his Vamana form, on this day is highly auspicious. Devotees usually wear yellow clothes and offer yellow fruits, sweets, and Tulsi leaves to the Lord. Many people observe a day-long fast, chant Vishnu mantras, and spend the night singing bhajans and kirtans. The vrat is considered complete after listening to or reading the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

Later in the conversation, Bhima admitted that he found fasting very difficult because he could not tolerate hunger. His family members encouraged him by explaining that observing Ekadashi with sincerity and self-control brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu, along with happiness, peace, and prosperity in life.

Ekadashi kab ki hai?

Apara Ekadashi 2026 Date

May 13, 2026 (Wednesday)

Ekadashi Tithi Begins

May 12, 2026 – 02:52 PM

Ekadashi Tithi Ends

May 13, 2026 – 01:29 PM

Parana Date

May 14, 2026

Parana Time

05:31 AM to 08:14 AM

Dwadashi End Time

May 14, 2026 – 11:20 AM

Apara Ekadashi 2026 in May 2026 Puja Rituals

1. Devotees observing the fast begin puja rituals in the morning.

2. Place an idol of Lord Vishnu, light a diya with desi ghee, and offer him garlands and flowers

3. Prepare panchamrit (milk, ghee, curd, honey, and sugar) and sattvik bhog prasad on Apara Ekadashi 2026

4. On the day of Ekadashi, devotees must spend their day chanting this mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye".

5. Recite Lord Vishnu aarti and offer prepared bhog prasad.

6.The majority of devotees visit the temple of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings.

7. The fast is broken on the next day, dwadashi tithi and devotees who are unable to control their hunger can eat satvik food in the evening; others can break it on the next day.

Apara Ekadashi 2026 in May Significance

Apara Ekadashi is considered one of the most sacred and spiritually significant days in Hinduism. Dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, Ekadashi, one of the most auspicious occasions, is observed with deep devotion by Vaishnav followers, who keep a strict fast from sunrise and break it the following day on Dwadashi after performing Parana rituals.

Observing the Ekadashi fast is believed to promote spiritual growth, self-discipline, inner peace and greater awareness in life. Devotees believe that sincere worship and fasting on this day invite positivity, prosperity and divine blessings from Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu beliefs, those who observe the vrat with pure devotion may attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and ultimately find a place in the abode of Lord Vishnu.

The word “Apara” means limitless, symbolising boundless spiritual merit and blessings. Mythological beliefs also suggest that the Pandavas observed this fast to gain strength and victory in their battle against the Kauravas. Devotees observe the vrat to purify their mind, body and soul while engaging in prayers, charity, chanting and other religious practices throughout the day. It is widely believed that observing the fast of Apara Ekadashi with true faith can help devotees overcome difficulties and move closer to spiritual salvation.

Lord Vishnu mantras on Apara Ekadashi

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Om Namo Narayanaya

Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam

Vishnu Gayatri Mantra

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

(With TOI