Apara Ekadashi 2026: Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi & Significance
AstroAnanta Team
May 12, 2026
4 Min Read
14
Key Takeaway
Apara Ekadashi, falling on May 13, 2026, is a highly auspicious fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The fast begins on Ekadashi and is broken (Parana) on the next day (Dwadashi). Devotees wake up during Brahma Muhurta, offer prayers, light a ghee lamp, and perform acts of charity (Daan) to attain infinite merit (Apara Punya) and salvation
The first Ekadashi of the Jyeshtha month is known as Apara Ekadashi (अपरा एकादशी), which falls during the Krishna Paksha. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observing a strict fast with proper rituals on this day is believed to fulfill all desires and maintain peace and prosperity in the family.
🕒 अपरा एकादशी 2026 कब है? (Dates & Timings)
📅 13 May 2026 (Wednesday)
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12 May 2026, at 02:53 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 13 May 2026, at 01:30 PM
व्रत का पारण (Fast Breaking Time):
According to Shastras, the fast is observed on Udaya Tithi (sunrise). Therefore, the fast will be kept on 13th May. The Parana (breaking of the fast) will be done on Dwadashi Tithi, which is 14th May at 11:20 AM.
🕉️ आध्यात्मिक महत्व (Spiritual Significance)
The word "Apara" (अपरा) translates to "Limitless" or "Infinite." This signifies that the prayers, penance, fasting, and charity performed on this day yield infinite rewards (अनंत गुना फल).
शास्त्रों में वर्णित है कि जो साधक इस एकादशी का व्रत करता है, उसके समस्त पापों का क्षय होता है। It is considered highly auspicious for people seeking redemption from past sins, knowingly or unknowingly committed, such as speaking untruths or criticizing others (परनिंदा). Ultimately, this Vrat leads the devotee toward the path of salvation (मोक्ष).
🌸 पूजा विधि (Puja Vidhi)
1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.
2. Sprinkle holy water in your Puja room and take a vow (Sankalp) for the fast.
3. Place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu on a wooden stool covered with a yellow cloth.
4. Bathe the deities and offer them fresh yellow clothes.
5. Light a Ghee lamp, chant Vishnu Mantras, and offer Makhan Mishri (माखन मिश्री) as Bhog.
6. Read the Ekadashi Vrat Katha, perform the Aarti, and distribute Prasad to your family.
⚖️ क्या करें और क्या न करें (Do's & Don'ts)
- Eat only Satvik fruits (फलाहार) if fasting.
- Keep your mind calm and continuously chant the name of God.
- Donate water, fruits, grains, or clothes to the needy.
- Strictly avoid eating rice (चावल का सेवन वर्जित है).
- Avoid Tamasic food (onion, garlic, meat), anger, and lies.
- Do not cut your hair or nails, sleep during the afternoon, or pluck Tulsi leaves.
🌾 दान का महत्व (The Power of Charity)
In the Sanatan tradition, Daan (दान) is considered the highest form of Karma. On a highly auspicious day like Apara Ekadashi, its significance increases manifold. Donating food, clothes, or money to Brahmins, the helpless, and the needy provides Akshaya Punya (undiminishing merit).
