Bhagwan Vishnu

Parama Ekadashi: Gateway to Prosperity & Liberation

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शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं
विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम् ।
लक्ष्मीकान्तं कमलनयनं योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यं
वन्दे विष्णुं भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम् ॥

Parama Ekadashi occurs during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Adhika Masa (intercalary extra month), also known as Purushottama Masa. Since Adhika Masa comes once in roughly three years, this sacred day carries rare and immense spiritual potency. Devotees dedicate this unique occasion to worship Bhagawan Narayana form of Bhagawan Vishnu to eliminate deep poverty, wash away heavy karmic sins, obtain material abundance, and achieve ultimate spiritual liberation.

Meaning and Significance of Parama Ekadashi

In Sanskrit, Parama means supreme, ultimate, or highest. Therefore, Parama Ekadashi translates to 11th day that grants supreme spiritual merit and ultimate liberation.

Human life often suffers due to poverty, financial hardship, and consequences of past unrighteous deeds. Observing fast on Parama Ekadashi during Purushottama Masa with pure devotion serves as ultimate spiritual remedy to dissolve severe karmic obstacles. Scriptures mention that sincere devotion on this day pleases Shri Hari deeply, granting wealth, prosperity, removal of scarcity, and residence in Vaikuntha Dham.

Legend associated with Parama Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving pious Brahmin named Sumedha and his devoted wife Pavitra who lived in Kampilya city. Sumedha was extremely virtuous, but due to severe past karma, he suffered from extreme poverty and lacked even daily food. Despite deep starvation, couple remained strictly truthful and devoted to Bhagawan Vishnu.

One day, Sumedha expressed desire to leave house and travel to distant lands to earn livelihood. Pavitra humbly advised husband that wealth comes only through past good karma and charity. She suggested staying home and trusting Shri Hari grace instead of wandering aimlessly.

During Adhika Masa, holy Sage Kaundinya visited humble hut of Sumedha. Brahmin couple welcomed sage with deep respect and served him water despite having no food. Moved by their devotion and dire poverty, Sage Kaundinya instructed couple to observe strict fast on Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Adhika Masa, known as Parama Ekadashi. Sage explained that observing Pancharatri fast starting from Parama Ekadashi for five continuous days destroys all poverty and grants divine wealth.

Sumedha and Pavitra strictly followed advice of Sage Kaundinya and observed Parama Ekadashi fast along with Pancharatri vows with total faith. By divine grace of Bhagawan Vishnu and immense spiritual merit of fast, royal prince arrived at their door soon after, gifting them grand house, land, cattle, and abundant wealth. Couple lived happily in prosperity, performed charity, and eventually attained Moksha.

Rituals to be performed on Parama Ekadashi

Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath using clean water without using soap, shampoo, or such cosmetic products.

Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, specifically Bhagawan Narayana form alongside Maata Lakshmi, should be placed respectfully.

Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, sweets, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu.

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Parama Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful state of mind.

Offer your respects to parents and other elders, especially Guru, seeking their heartfelt blessings on this sacred morning.

Observe fast during entire day according to individual health capacity. Healthy individuals can observe strict fast without water or taking only water. Devotees seeking special merit can observe Pancharatri fast for five days starting from Ekadashi till Dwadashi or Purnima. Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is difficult due to health reasons. Rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains must be avoided strictly. Heavy spices, regular salt, garlic, onion, tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol must be strictly avoided.

Perform evening Aarti with devotion, light lamps, offer special Naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, donate food, clothes, and gold or brass items to deserving Brahmins or needy people, and maintain noble thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, falsehood, or harsh speech.

Break fast next day on Dwadashi tithi during scheduled Parana time. Fast should be broken after sunrise once Hari Vasara period concludes. Offer naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform short prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before eating regular food.

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Padmini Ekadashi: Blessings During Purushottama Masa

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सशङ्खचक्रं सकिरीटकुण्डलं सपीतवस्त्रं सरसीरुहेक्षणम् ।
सहारवक्ष:स्थलशोभिकौस्तुभश्रियं नमामि विष्णुं शिरसा चतुर्भुजम् ॥

Padmini Ekadashi occurs during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Adhika Masa (intercalary extra month), also known as Purushottama Masa. Since Adhika Masa comes once in roughly three years, this sacred day carries rare and immense spiritual potency. Devotees dedicate this unique occasion to worship Bhagawan Purushottama form of Bhagawan Vishnu to gain spiritual glory, fulfill desires, wash away heavy karmic sins, and attain place in Vaikuntha Dham.

Meaning and Significance of Padmini Ekadashi

In Sanskrit, Padmini refers to lotus-like pure nature or Queen Padmini who first observed this fast, while Ekadashi means 11th lunar day. Therefore, Padmini Ekadashi translates to 11th day of Adhika Masa that brings divine purity, fame, and spiritual elevation.

Human existence often faces suffering due to lack of spiritual progress, childlessness, and heavy karmic debts. Observing fast on Padmini Ekadashi during Purushottama Masa with pure devotion provides spiritual merit greater than performing grand Yagnas or severe penance. Scriptures mention that sincere devotion on this day pleases Shri Hari deeply, granting fame, noble child, wealth, and freedom from cycle of rebirth.

Legend associated with Padmini Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving King Kritavirya who ruled kingdom of Mahishmati during Treta Yuga. King Kritavirya was mighty ruler, but despite having many queens, he had no son to carry forward royal lineage. King tried all sacrifices, medicine, and rituals, but failed to get offspring.

Deeply sorrowful, King Kritavirya decided to renounce royal duties, hand over kingdom to ministers, and leave for forest penance. Queen Padmini, daughter of King Harischandra, accompanied her husband to Mandrachala mountain forest to perform intense austerity. King practiced severe penance for thousands of years, becoming extremely weak and frail, yet failed to receive divine darshan of Bhagawan Vishnu.

Seeing condition of king, Queen Padmini approached Maa Anusuya, wife of Sage Atri, seeking guidance. Compassionate Anusuya informed queen that Adhika Masa occurs once in three years, containing two special Ekadashis. Anusuya instructed Queen Padmini to observe strict fast on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Adhika Masa with total devotion to Bhagawan Purushottama.

Queen Padmini strictly followed advice of Maa Anusuya and observed fast on Padmini Ekadashi along with night vigil. Pleased with deep faith and sacrifice of Queen Padmini, Shri Hari appeared before couple riding on Garuda. Bhagawan offered boon to queen, but queen humbly requested Bhagawan to grant powerful son to her husband. By divine grace of Bhagawan Vishnu, Queen Padmini soon gave birth to powerful son Kartavirya Arjuna, who grew up to become mighty king, defeated demon king Ravana, and ruled righteously.

Rituals to be performed on Padmini Ekadashi

Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath using clean water without using soap, shampoo, or such cosmetic products.

Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, specifically Bhagawan Purushottama form alongside Maata Lakshmi, should be placed respectfully.

Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, betel leaves, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu.

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Padmini Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful state of mind.

Offer your respects to parents and other elders, especially Guru, seeking their heartfelt blessings on this sacred morning.

Observe fast during entire day according to individual health capacity. Healthy individuals can observe strict fast without water or taking only water. Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is difficult due to health reasons. Rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains must be avoided strictly. Heavy spices, regular salt, garlic, onion, tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol must be strictly avoided.

Perform evening Aarti with devotion, keep night vigil (Jagaran) singing devotional hymns, offer special Naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, and maintain noble thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, falsehood, or harsh speech.

Break fast next day on Dwadashi tithi during scheduled Parana time. Fast should be broken after sunrise once Hari Vasara period concludes. Offer naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform short prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before eating regular food.

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Sesame & Soul: The Merit of Shattila Ekadashi

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Shattila Ekadashi is a powerful day of purification dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. The name itself reveals its essence: Shat (six) and Tila (Ellu in Kannada or sesame). It emphasizes the use of sesame seeds in six specific ways to cleanse sins and attract prosperity. This Ekadashi is unique because it focuses on karmic cleansing. According to the Padma Purana, observing this fast helps a person break free from poverty—not just financial, but also spiritual and mental. It is believed that for every sesame seed you donate on this day, you earn a thousand years of peace in the celestial realms.

In Hindu tradition, Ekadashi is not just a date on the calendar; she is a divine goddess and the personification of the 11th lunar day. Ekadashi is a Shakti (divine energy) who manifested from Bhagwan Vishnu’s own body. She is the embodiment of penance and purity, often depicted as a beautiful maiden equipped with divine weapons.

Ekadashi Vrata Set-up

The story traces back to the Satya Yuga and involves a fierce demon named Mura (or Murdanav). Mura had defeated the Devas (gods) and seized control of the heavens. Terrified, the gods turned to Bhagwan Vishnu for protection. Vishnu fought Mura for 1,000 celestial years. To change his strategy and draw the demon out, Vishnu traveled to a cave in the Himalayas called Himavati and entered a deep meditative sleep (Yog Nidra). Mura entered the cave and raised his sword to kill the sleeping Bhagwan. At that exact moment, a luminous woman emerged from Vishnu’s 11th sense (the mind/intellect). The demon was mesmerized by her beauty and challenged her. She agreed to marry him only if he could defeat her in battle. During their duel, she eventually beheaded Mura, saving Vishnu and the universe. When Vishnu woke up, he was pleased with her valor. He named her Ekadashi (since she appeared on the 11th day) and granted her a boon. She asked that anyone who fasts on her day be cleansed of their greatest sins and granted spiritual liberation (Moksha).

“Ekadashi” literally means eleven. The fast is meant to gain control over Eleven Senses: 5 sense organs or Jnanendriyas through which we perceive and comprehend the world around us : Ears (Shrotra): For hearing (Sound); Skin (Tvak): For touching (Feel); Eyes (Chakshu): For seeing (Sight); Tongue (Rasana): For tasting (Flavor); Nose (Ghrana): For smelling (Scent). 5 action organs or Karmendriyas through which we interact and respond to the world around us: Mouth/Speech (Vak): For speaking and communicating; Hands (Pani): For grasping, creating, and handling; Feet (Pada): For movement and locomotion; Excretory Organ (Payu): For elimination and cleansing; Reproductive Organ (Upastha): For procreation and generation and Finally, Mind (the 11th sense). The mind is considered the “Master Sense.” It coordinates all the other ten. For example, Without the mind’s focus, the eyes may see but the brain won’t register and so on.

Detaching from 5 Sense + 5 Action + 1 Mind (Ekadashi Organs)

It is said that the Papa Purusha (personification of sin) has no place to hide from Ekadashi’s power, so he takes shelter in grains on this day. This is why devotees strictly avoid rice and wheat during the fast.

The Legend behind Shattila Ekadashi

The legend of Shattila Ekadashi is a powerful lesson on the balance between personal devotion and social compassion. It is primarily found in the Bhavishyottara Purana as a conversation between Bhagwan Krishna and Narada Muni. Long ago, there lived a Brahmin woman who was an extraordinary devotee of Bhagwan Vishnu. She spent her entire life observing strict fasts, performing complex rituals, and maintaining deep celibacy. Her devotion was so intense that her body became frail and her soul incredibly pure. However, she had one major flaw: she never gave anything in charity. Despite her wealth, she never offered food to a hungry person, a Brahmin, or a monk.

Bhagwan Vishnu decided to teach her the value of Daana (charity). He descended to Earth disguised as a wandering beggar (Sanyasi) and approached her door for alms. The woman, annoyed by the interruption to her prayers, initially refused. When the beggar persisted, she lost her temper. Instead of giving him food, she picked up a lump of dry mud and dropped it into his begging bowl. Bhagwan Vishnu quietly accepted the alms and returned to his abode, Vaikuntha.

When the woman eventually died, she was granted a place in Vaikuntha because of her lifelong devotion. She was given a magnificent, gold-studded palace and a beautiful mango tree. However, when she entered the palace, she was shocked to find it completely empty. There was no furniture, no wealth, and most importantly, no food. She began to starve in the middle of her own paradise.

She prayed to Bhagwan Vishnu, asking why her devotion led to such a barren existence. The Bhagwan replied: “You received a palace because you were devoted, but since you only gave mud as charity on Earth, your home here is filled with nothing but that same mud.” He told her that soon, the wives of the demigods would visit her. He instructed her not to open the door until they explained the significance of Shattila Ekadashi. The woman followed his advice. When the celestial ladies arrived, she kept the door shut until they revealed the secret of the “Shattila or Six Sesame Seeds” ritual. She then observed the Shattila Ekadashi fast with full faith and donated sesame seeds as prescribed. And Lo!!! Her palace instantly filled with grains, wealth, and comforts. She understood that while fasting purifies the self, charity sustains the universe.

Miserly Woman & Bhagwan Vishnu

Takeaways

The legend emphasizes that spiritual merit is two-fold:
Vrata (Fasting): Purifies your internal character and body.
Daan (Charity): Secures your external abundance and supports others. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT
It is pertinent to remember that one without the other is considered incomplete in the eyes of the Divine. Spiritual growth is incomplete without compassion and charity.

The Shat-Tila Rituals

Devotees use sesame seeds in six ways to gain maximum spiritual merit:

  1. Bathing: Mixing sesame seeds in bathwater.
  2. Paste: Applying sesame paste (ubtan) on the body.
  3. Havan: Offering seeds into the sacred fire.
  4. Libation: Offering water with seeds to ancestors (Tarpan).
  5. Eating: Consuming sesame-based food (like Ellunde or til-laddu).
  6. Charity: Donating seeds to the needy.

Procedures and Rituals for Puja

Preparation for Abhishekha

To observe Shattila Ekadashi at home, the focus is on simplicity and the sacred use of sesame seeds. Since it falls on January 14 this year (2026), we can easily integrate these steps into our morning routine.

  • Bath: Add a few black sesame seeds to your bathing water. This is believed to cleanse your aura.
  • Sankalpa (Intention): While bathing, make a mental resolve (Sankalpa) to observe the fast with devotion and kindness.
  • Clean your puja space and place an image or idol of Bhagwan Vishnu (or Krishna).
  • Light a Deepa (lamp) using ghee.
  • Offer yellow flowers, as yellow is the color most dear to Vishnu.
  • Abhisheka: If you have a small idol, perform a symbolic bath with water mixed with sesame seeds.
  • Naivedya: Offer sweets or dishes made of sesame, such as Ellunde or Til-Laddu or Til-Chakli.
  • Ensure the food that we offer as Naivedya (or that one we consume), is free of onion or garlic.
  • Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) or simply chant: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
  • Read or listen to the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha (the story of the stingy woman explained earlier) to remind yourself of the importance of charity
  • Daana or Charity (Most Important) Before sunset, set aside some sesame seeds, warm clothes, or food to give to someone in need. In the Indian context, donating Ellu-Bella or Til-Gur (sesame and jaggery) is considered highly auspicious on this day.
  • Parana (Breaking the Fast): Maintain the fast throughout the day. You can have fruits and milk if a full waterless fast is too difficult,
  • Break the fast the next morning after sunrise by taking a small portion of the Ellu or sesame seeds you offered to the Bhagwan.

Summary for 2026

In 2026, Shattila Ekadashi falls on Wednesday, January 14, coinciding with the auspicious period of Makar Sankranti.

Parana (Fast Breaking): January 15, between 07:15 AM and 09:20 AM.
Mantra: Vishnu Sahasranama or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Vrata Date: January 14, 2026.

Since this Ekadashi falls on Makar Sankranti day, the spiritual benefits of donating sesame seeds are considered Akshaya (everlasting). Even a small donation goes a long way.