Padmini Ekadashi is considered one of the most auspicious and powerful days in the Hindu calendar. This Ekadashi holds immense importance for all Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is also known as Puroshottam Ekadashi as it falls in the rare month (Adhik Maas), and this year it is falling on May 27, 2026. From what to eat to significance, here’s everything you need to know about the rare “extra month” fast.
Adhik Maas Padmini Ekadashi 2026
Padmini Ekadashi Date And Time
This year, Padmini Ekadashi or Kamala Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, May 27. The ekadashi falls on a specific tithi, marking the beginning and end of this rare occasion.
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 5:11 AM on Tuesday, May 26
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 6:21 AM on Wednesday, May 27
Puja Muhurat: 5:25 AM to 8:51 AM
Sarvartha Siddhi Yog: 5:25 AM to 5:56 AM
Important Muhurat On Ekadashi: Brahma Muhurat: 4:03 AM to 4:44 AM
Vrat Parana Time: 5:25 AM to 8:08 AM
What Is Padmini Ekadashi?
Ekadashi is basically the 11th day of any month. Known as a highly auspicious Hindu fasting day, Padmini Ekadashi occurs during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase. It falls once in every three years, as it falls in the Adhik Maas or the extra leap month, and is observed on the 11th day. This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. It is considered to be one of the most powerful in the Hindu calendar.
Also Read: Padmini Ekadashi 2026: Rituals For The Rare Adhik Maas Fast
What Is The Story Behind Padmini Ekadashi?
The story behind Padmini Ekadashi or Kamala Ekadashi originates from a legend in the Padma Purana. The story traces back to the Treta Yuga, which is one of the four yugas or cosmic epochs in Hindu philosophy.
King Kritavirya of Mahishmati had many queens but no heirs. One of his queens was Padmini, who, after years of failure, asked chaste Sage Anusuya for a solution. He asked her to observe a fast on Ekadashi of the rare month, Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas.
Padmini followed the strict fast without food and stayed awake to honor Lord Vishnu. Vishnu was pleased by her devotion and blessed her with a son. He said that his son will be a famous and powerful man.
The born to Padmini and Kritavirya was named Kartaviryarjuna and was a mighty warrior who was destined to rule the world.
Why Is Padmini Ekadashi Considered Rare?
Padmini Ekadashi is considered to be a rare one because it falls only once in every 32 to 33 months. This is unlike other ekadashis, which fall twice every month in a year. The Hindu calendar adds a leap month or 13th month called Adhik Maas. This happens every three years in order to align solar and lunar calendars. The Ekadashi is also unique because it takes place only during the bright half of this extra month. Since the entire Adhik Maas belongs to Lord Vishnu, Padmini Ekadashi is extra special.
What Is The Significance Of Padmini Ekadashi In Adhik Maas?
Padmini Ekadashi is the day that pairs a holy month with a powerful fasting day. Since Adhik Maas is considered to be an auspicious time dedicated to Lord Vishnu, any spiritual activity done during this time gets multiplied by thousands of times.
In the Padma Purana, it is stated that observing fast on Padmini Ekadashi can wipe away negative karmas. The spiritual merit gained on this day is way more than the combined merit gained during the regular Ekadashis.
It is believed that keeping a fast on this day with total faith will help a person attain Vaikuntha. Vaikuntha is the eternal, supreme abode of liberation and peace. Devotees generally worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this day for family prosperity, children, and triumphing over challenges.
Also Read: Understanding Adhik Maas: Why 2026 Features A Rare Extra Lunar Month
Padmini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to perform the puja at home:
- Wake up before sunrise, Brahma Muhurat, ideally between 4:00 AM and 5:25 AM.
- Now take a bath and wear clean clothes. For Padmini EKadashi, it is highly recommended to wear yellow-colored clothes. This is because yellow is Lord Vishnu’s favourite colour.
- Take some water in your hand, pray to Lord Vishnu, stating your intentions of keeping full devotion.
- Clean your home temple and place a clean yellow cloth on a wooden platform.
- Now place a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on it.
- Gently bathe the idols with Panchamirt and water, and then wipe them clean.
- Apply sandalwood, offer yellow flowers, and tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu, and light a lamp.
- Offer makhana, sweets, and seasonal fruits to god.
- Sit and chant the primary and easy mantra: “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaye” for 108 times.
- Read or listen to the Padmini EKadashi Vrat Katha.
- Perform Vishnu aarti.
- Try to stay awake throughout the night for the full benefits of the rare vrat.
Padmini Ekadashi Vrat 2026
If you are observing a fast on the auspicious day of Pamini Ekadashi, make sure you decide which type of fast you wish to observe.
- Nirjala Fast: If you observe a Nirjala fast, you are not allowed to eat or drink anything throughout the day. You are not even allowed to drink water.
- Water Only Fast: If you observe a water-only fast, you are not allowed to eat anything, but you can drink lukewarm water throughout the day.
- Partial Fast: If you observe a partial fast, you can eat fruits and drink milk based on your health.
Padmini Ekadashi Fasting Rules
What To Eat:
- Fresh fruits
- Milk
- Curd
- Ghee
- Paneer
- Poatato
- Sweet potato
- Raw banana
- Bottle Gourd
- Peanuts
- Sabudana
- Use sendha namak instead of normal salt
- An ideal meal can be Sama ke Chawal or barnyard millet.
What To Avoid:
- Pulses
- Lentils
- Rice
- Wheat
- Strong masalas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Alcohol,
- Non vegetarian
- Processed snacks
Also Read: The Adhik Maas Pilgrimage: Why You Should Visit the Ashtavinayak Temples This Month
Summing Up
Padmini Ekadashi is an important and powerful event in Hinduism. It is a rare ekadashi that falls once in every 33 months. If you wish to fast on this day, make sure you decide what type of fast you wish to take based on your faith and health. Avoid the consumption of any sort of grains, pulses, or lentils, too.
