अजा एकादशी
Aja Ekadashi
Bhadrapada Krishna Ekadashi, a fast said to remove the effects of past sins and restore what was lost.
About Aja Ekadashi
Aja Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha. It is a fast said to remove the effects of past sins and restore what was lost.
Like every Ekadashi it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The fast runs from sunrise on Ekadashi to the Parana, the breaking of the fast, after sunrise the next morning on Dwadashi.
How to celebrate
Eat a light sattvic meal before sunset on Dashami, the day before.
On Ekadashi morning, bathe and take a sankalp, a resolve, to keep the fast.
Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, a diya and fruit.
Read or listen to the Aja Ekadashi vrat katha and chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Stay awake for part of the night in bhajan or prayer if you can.
Break the fast the next day within the Parana time for your city.
Do
- Fruit, milk, nuts, sabudana, kuttu and singhara flour
- Rock salt instead of regular salt
Avoid
- Rice and all grains, beans and lentils
- Onion, garlic, meat and alcohol
The story
King Harishchandra lost his kingdom, family and freedom for the sake of truth. Sage Gautama told him to keep Aja Ekadashi, and he regained everything.
Questions
When is Aja Ekadashi in 2026?
Aja Ekadashi 2026 is on Monday, 7 September 2026. Krishna Ekadashi tithi begins at 7:29 PM on Sunday 6 September and ends at 5:04 PM on Monday 7 September IST.
When should I break the Aja Ekadashi fast?
In New Delhi, Parana is from 6:02 AM on Tuesday 8 September to 11:03 AM IST. Break the fast after sunrise and before Dwadashi ends. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
What can I eat during the Aja Ekadashi fast?
Fruit, milk and curd, nuts, sabudana, potatoes, and kuttu or singhara flour cooked with rock salt. Grains, rice, beans and lentils are avoided.
Why is rice avoided on Ekadashi?
Grains are believed to hold the sin that sought refuge on Ekadashi. Rice in particular is avoided by everyone, even those who do not keep the full fast.
Around Aja Ekadashi
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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