Complete Ekadashi Calendar: Dec 2025 – Dec 2026

Mark your calendar with these scientifically aligned fasting days. Each corresponds to the optimal 120°-132° or 300°-312° lunar elongation window.

The Science Behind Ekadashi: Lunar Elongation

The "Scientific" in Scientific Ekadashi refers to the precise astronomical timing. Each lunar day (Tithi) represents a 12° increase in the Moon's angular distance from the Sun.

During this specific lunar position, Earth experiences the lowest influence of atmospheric pressure of the lunar cycle. Fasting during this low-pressure window minimizes digestive strain while maximizing cellular repair processes like autophagy.

Vedic Traditions & Spiritual Significance

In Hindu tradition, Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver. The fast originates from the Padma Purana, where Ekadashi personified emerged to defeat the demon Mura.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Ekadashi:

1. Spiritual Purification: Believed to cleanse past karma and accumulate spiritual merit (Punya)
2. Path to Liberation: Aids in progressing toward Moksha (spiritual liberation)
3. Mental Discipline: Strengthens willpower and focuses the mind on spiritual practice

Each Ekadashi has a unique name and legend, like Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi (waterless fast) for ultimate penance, or Mokshada Ekadashi believed to grant liberation.

Ekadashi Fasting Rules

To maximize benefits, follow these evidence-based guidelines that align with the body's natural rhythms during low lunar pressure periods.

Breaking the Fast (Parana): Break your fast on Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day) during the prescribed morning window. Traditional breaking foods like amla (Indian gooseberry) offer additional cleansing benefits.

Holistic Health Benefits of Lunar-Aligned Fasting

Fasting during the optimal lunar elongation window provides synergistic benefits for body, mind, and spirit:

• Autophagy Activation: Triggers cellular self-cleaning (2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine recognized autophagy research)
• Digestive System Reset: Gives your GI tract a complete rest, improving gut health and efficiency
• Mental Clarity Boost: Redirects energy from digestion to cognitive functions, enhancing focus and awareness
• Lunar Rhythm Synchronization: Aligns your body's cycles with natural gravitational patterns
• Metabolic Flexibility: Trains your body to efficiently switch between fuel sources (carbs to fats)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Utpanna Ekadashi?

Utpanna Ekadashi, observed on the 11th day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in Margashirsha (November-December), marks the auspicious birth of Ekadashi Devi, the personification of Vishnu's supreme power. Unlike other Ekadashis focused on fasting alone, Utpanna celebrates the origin of the vrat itself, emphasizing its role in sin eradication and divine communion. In 2026, it falls on December 4, inviting devotees to fast, worship Vishnu-Krishna, and invoke Ekadashi's blessings for spiritual rebirth and protection from adversities.

Origins of Utpanna Ekadashi

Rooted in the Brahmanda Purana and narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira, the legend unfolds in Satya Yuga. The demon Mura, after defeating Indra and conquering heaven, terrorized the gods. Seeking refuge, they approached Vishnu at Kshira-sagar. Vishnu battled Mura's hordes, slaying thousands, before retiring to Badarikashram's Singhavati cave for rest.

As Mura stealthily attacked the sleeping Vishnu, a radiant goddess—armed with divine weapons—manifested from Vishnu's body. With a mere roar, she vanquished Mura, restoring cosmic order. Pleased, Vishnu named her "Utpanna Ekadashi" (born on Ekadashi) and declared this day his favorite, promising that its observance grants boundless merits, equaling thousands of yajnas, and direct passage to Vaikuntha.

Key Timings for Utpanna Ekadashi 2026 (India)

• Ekadashi Date: December 4, 2026 (Friday)
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: December 3, 2026, at 11:03 PM IST
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: December 4, 2026, at 11:44 PM IST
• Parana Time (Breaking Fast Window): December 5, 2026, from 6:02 AM to 8:12 AM IST
• Hari Vasara End Moment (End of Vishnu's rest period; parana starts after this): 9:09 AM IST on Dec 5.
• Dwadashi Tithi Ends (Parana deadline): 12:51 AM, December 6.

Fasting Guidelines

• Start Fasting: From sunrise on December 4th (after sankalpa). 
• End Fasting (Parana): Strictly within the window on December 5th—after Hari Vasara ends but before Dwadashi tithi concludes. Avoid parana during Hari Vasara (Vishnu's sleep time) to prevent dosha.
• Nirjala Option: For intense sadhana, absolute fast (no water/food) from sunrise December 4 to parana next day.

Ritual Timing Suggestions

• Brahma Muhurta Wake-Up: 4:30–5:30 AM on Dec 4 for sankalpa and initial puja.
• Abhishekam/Puja Muhurat: 7:00–9:00 AM or evening 6:00–8:00 PM on Dec 4.
• Night Jagran: From 9:00 PM Dec 4 to 3:00 AM Dec 5—recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Ekadashi Stotram, and katha.
• Charity/Daan: Before parana on December 5; offer grains, fruits, or clothes to Brahmins.

These timings align with Smarta and Vaishnava traditions, ensuring maximum punya.

Mantra Lyrics for Utpanna Ekadashi

Central to the puja is the Ekadashi Sankalpa Mantra and the devotional hymn "Ekadashi Stotram" (from Puranic traditions). Chant these during worship. Below is the key mantra with transliteration.

Sankalpa Mantra: उत्पन्न एकादशी संकल्प मंत्र

Ekadashi Stotram (Key Verses)

एकादशी देवी त्वं विष्णोः शक्तिरनुत्तमा ।  
मुरं हत्वा सुरान् रक्ष भक्तानां पापमोचनी ॥१॥  

Ekādaśī devī tvaṁ viṣṇoḥ śaktir anuttamā |  
Muraṁ hatvā surān rakṣa bhaktānāṁ pāpamocanī ||1||

This stotram praises Ekadashi Devi's glory; full recitations include 10+ verses extolling her as Vishnu's power.

Verse-by-Verse Meaning

The Sankalpa and Stotram encapsulate the vrat's essence. Here's a breakdown:

1. Sankalpa Verse: "O King, I shall narrate the glory of Ekadashi; by hearing it, mortals destroy sins like heavenly beings." (Sets intent for listening to the katha, invoking purification.)
2. Stotram Verse 1: "O Ekadashi Devi, you are Vishnu's supreme Shakti; having slain Mura, protect the gods and devotees, freeing them from sins." (Honors her origin, seeking protection and absolution.)
3. Verse 2 (Extended): "Born from Hari's form on the auspicious tithi, granter of punya, destroyer of tamas—bestow devotion and moksha upon us." (Highlights birth's sanctity, promising virtue and liberation.)
4. Verse 3: "With divine weapons and radiant form, you embody sattva; observing your vrat, devotees attain Vaikuntha's eternal bliss." (Emphasizes fasting's role in transcendence.)

These verses, drawn from Puranic hymns, guide meditation on Ekadashi's victory over darkness.

Significances of Utpanna Ekadashi

As the "birth" of the Ekadashi tradition, it signifies spiritual awakening and Vishnu's protective Shakti manifesting against evil. Astrologically, it balances lunar energies during Krishna Paksha, enhancing sattva for inner clarity. In Vaishnavism, it equals Ashwamedha yajnas in merit, purifying the 24 body elements and karmic residues. Celebrating Ekadashi Devi fosters unshakeable bhakti, turning devotees into virtuous souls destined for divine realms, while warding off Mura-like obstacles in life.

Why is Utpanna Ekadashi So Important?

In Kali Yuga, where tamas prevails, Utpanna Ekadashi is pivotal for reclaiming purity—its observance destroys accumulated sins, averts misfortunes, and invites Vishnu's grace amid modern stresses like anxiety and materialism. As the vrat's origin, missing it diminishes other Ekadashis' potency; keeping it ensures progeny blessings, prosperity, and moksha. For sadhakas, it awakens kundalini-like devotion, countering Rahu doshas and fostering resilience—essential for holistic evolution toward Vaikuntha.

Rituals for Utpanna Ekadashi Fasting

Follow this vidhi for auspicious results:

• Dashami Eve: Sattvic dinner before sunset; prepare altar with Vishnu idol, tulsi, and fruits.
• Fasting Day (Nov 15): Wake at Brahmamuhurta, bathe; take sankalpa. Fast on fruits/milk (or nirjala); avoid grains, tamasic foods.
• Puja: Light ghee lamp; offer 16 upacharas (incense, flowers, bhog). Chant mantras, read vrat katha; night jagran with bhajans.
• Parana (Nov 16): Break fast 1:10 PM-3:18 PM; feed Brahmins/poor, donate grains.
• Special: Worship Ekadashi Devi with yellow attire; if unable, mental fast suffices.

Benefits of Observing Utpanna Ekadashi

Puranas promise profound rewards:

• Sin Eradication: Washes paap, grants punya like divine yajnas.
• Spiritual Elevation: Direct path to Vaikuntha; awakens bhakti shakti.
• Material Prosperity: Removes poverty, ensures health, progeny, success.
• Mental Peace: Dissolves sorrows, fears; boosts focus and serenity.
• Health Boost: Detoxifies body, enhances vitality via sattvic discipline.

Devotees experience immediate grace, with lifelong protection.

FAQs on Utpanna Ekadashi 2026

When is Utpanna Ekadashi 2026?

December 4th (Friday); Parana December 5, 6:02 AM - 8:12 AM IST.

Can I eat fruits during fast?

Yes, phalahar is allowed; nirjala for intense merits.

Who should observe it?

All Vishnu bhaktas; especially for sin removal and family welfare.

What if I miss Parana time?

Extend to Dwadashi end; consult pandit for atonement.

Benefits for non-fasters?

Hearing katha grants partial punya; intent is key.

Mantra for beginners?

Chant "Om Ekadashyai Namah" 108 times daily.