Understanding Ekadashi Types
A normal Hindu lunar year has 24 regular Ekadashi observances: one in Shukla Paksha and one in Krishna Paksha for each of the 12 lunar months.
When Adhik Maas, also called Purushottam Maas, occurs, two additional observances appear: Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi. That is why some years, including 2026, have 26 Ekadashi fasting dates instead of the usual 24.
Each Ekadashi has its own vrat katha, ritual focus, and traditional benefits. Alternate names such as Vaikuntha, Mukkoti, Prabodhini, Devutthana, Parsva, Parivartini, Saphala, and Safala are shown as aliases where they refer to the same canonical observance.
Calendar model
24 regular names, 2 Adhik Maas names
The regular cycle is built from 12 lunar months and 2 pakshas. Adhik Maas is a calendar adjustment month, so Padmini and Parama are added only in those years.
24
Regular Names
2
Adhik Maas
24
Usually Per Year
26
Adhik Maas Years
Complete List of Ekadashi Types
Kamika Ekadashi
Kamika Ekadashi is observed during Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month and is known for fulfilling desires and bringing spiritual purification.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is observed during Shukla Paksha of Shravana month and is particularly beneficial for couples seeking children.
Aja Ekadashi
Aja Ekadashi is observed during Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month and commemorates the unborn, eternal nature of Lord Vishnu.
Parsva Ekadashi
Parsva Ekadashi marks when Lord Vishnu turns from one side to another during his cosmic sleep in the middle of Chaturmas.
Indira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi is observed during Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month and is particularly powerful for helping ancestors attain liberation.
Papankusha Ekadashi
Papankusha Ekadashi is observed during Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month and is renowned for destroying sins like an ankusha (goad) destroys obstacles.
Rama Ekadashi
Rama Ekadashi is observed during Krishna Paksha of Kartik month and is dedicated to Lord Rama, granting devotees his divine blessings.
Devutthana Ekadashi
Devutthana Ekadashi marks the end of Chaturmas when Lord Vishnu awakens from his cosmic sleep, making it one of the most auspicious Ekadashis.
Utpanna Ekadashi
Utpanna Ekadashi is the first Ekadashi mentioned in scriptures and represents the origin of all Ekadashi observances.
Mokshada Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadashi is observed during Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month and is renowned for granting moksha (liberation) to devotees.
Saphala Ekadashi
Saphala Ekadashi is observed during Krishna Paksha of Pausha month and grants success and fulfillment in all righteous endeavors.
Putrada Ekadashi
Putrada Ekadashi is the primary Ekadashi for blessing childless couples with children, observed with special devotion for progeny.
Shattila Ekadashi
Shattila Ekadashi involves the sacred use of sesame seeds in six different ways for purification and spiritual benefits.
Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi grants victory over all obstacles, enemies, and negative forces, leading devotees to triumph in righteous causes.
Vijaya Ekadashi
Vijaya Ekadashi is the supreme victory-granting Ekadashi, associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and impossible triumphs.
Amalaki Ekadashi
Amalaki Ekadashi is dedicated to worshipping the sacred Amla tree, believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Vishnu and all holy places.
Papmochani Ekadashi
Papmochani Ekadashi is the most powerful fast for liberation from sins, capable of freeing devotees from even the gravest transgressions.
Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi is the most powerful Ekadashi for fulfilling desires, granting both material prosperity and spiritual advancement.
Varuthini Ekadashi
Varuthini Ekadashi provides supreme protection from all forms of misfortune, danger, and negative influences.
Mohini Ekadashi
Mohini Ekadashi helps devotees overcome illusions, delusions, and false attachments, leading to spiritual clarity and wisdom.
Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi is the most challenging of the commonly observed Ekadashis, traditionally involving complete abstinence from food and water by healthy and prepared devotees.
Yogini Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi grants spiritual powers, mystical abilities, and deep yogic realization to dedicated practitioners.
Devshayani Ekadashi
Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas when Lord Vishnu enters cosmic sleep, initiating four months of intensive spiritual practice.
Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is observed during Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month and is known for removing sins and granting immeasurable spiritual merit.
Padmini Ekadashi
Padmini Ekadashi is the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas, observed only in years with the extra lunar month.
Parama Ekadashi
Parama Ekadashi is the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas and appears only in years with the extra lunar month.
Most Popular Ekadashis
Nirjala Ekadashi
The most challenging and meritorious Ekadashi involving complete abstinence from food and water.
Learn More โDevshayani Ekadashi
Marks the beginning of Chaturmas when Lord Vishnu enters his cosmic sleep for four months.
Learn More โPutrada Ekadashi
The supreme Ekadashi for blessing childless couples with children and family prosperity.
Learn More โQuick Reference by Purpose
For Specific Desires
- Children: Putrada, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
- Victory: Jaya, Vijaya Ekadashi
- Wish Fulfillment: Kamada, Kamika Ekadashi
- Protection: Varuthini Ekadashi
- Success: Saphala Ekadashi
For Spiritual Growth
- Liberation: Mokshada, Papmochani Ekadashi
- Sin Removal: Papankusha, Papmochani Ekadashi
- Wisdom: Mohini, Aja Ekadashi
- Spiritual Powers: Yogini Ekadashi
- Ancestors: Indira Ekadashi