Mokshada
Ekadashi
2026

Mokshada Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha (Agrahayana). As the name implies (*Moksha* = Liberation, *Da* = Giver), observing this sacred Vrat destroys all sins and grants liberation to the soul.

It is also called the Gita Jayanti or Margasheersha Shukla Ekadashi; in the southern regions of India, it is known as Baikuntha Ekadashi.

It was on this specific Tithi, over 5,000 years ago, that Lord Krishna delivered the divine knowledge of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

When is Mokshada Ekadashi in 2026? Date, Timings & Muhurat

This year,2026, this festival will be observed on: 04 December, 2026

Tithi Beginning: On December 19, 2026, at 10:09 PM.

Tithi Ends: On December 20, 2026, at 08:14 PM.

The prana timing: 07:10 AM - 09:13 AM on December 21.

Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi

It is said and believed that a single day spent in devotion of Lord Vishnu in the form of Vaikuntha Ekadashi Vrat can cleanse all of one’s sins while also proving divine blessings. There is a heavenly door that leads to the divine world named Vaikuntha Dwaram and it is said that this door opens on this day. By passing through this door, devotees manifest and believe to attain liberation and would be free from the cycle of birth and death.

Something that makes this day special is that it is dominated by the planet Jupiter which also rules other days of the month along with some days from other months. For Hindus, Jupiter is a sign of wisdom and holds spiritual significance. With Hindu mythology and astrologers, in conjunction with this specific day, the Vaikuntha Ekadashi is said to bring positive benefits to those seeking strong spiritual sense while also reducing all difficulties associated with finances and education. From one’s perspective, the anxieties about looking inward and discovering one’s true self is greatly balanced due to the enhancement of positive Vibration on this day.

Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat & Puja Vidhi

Day Before Ekadashi

• Devotees consume only one meal and perform prayers for deceased forefathers.
• Devotees should sleep on the floor that night

On Mokshada Ekadashi

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean white or yellow clothes
• Read Mokshada Ekadashi katha
• Recite the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” repeatedly. Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama or listening to the vrat story deepens concentration on the Divine.
• Perform special prayers acknowledging divine turning
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.

Breaking the Fast (Dwadashi)

• Break fast after sunrise on Dwadashi
• Offer prayers for positive life changes
• Feed Brahmins and distribute food
• Donate items representing transformation (new clothes, books)

Mokshada Ekadashi Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Ekadashi and the next day is on Dvadashi.
• On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), devotees are not to eat in another person's house, have only one meal, Honey and Urad-dal (black lentil) been not to be consumed, eating on Bell metal plate or cutlery is prohibited and should not massage oil on the body.

What not to eat on Mokshada Ekadashi

During Mokshada Ekadashi fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Ekadashi fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Ekadashi fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Mokshada Ekadashi Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Mokshada Ekadashi fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of Mokshada Ekadashi

• Remove one’s sins and cleanses the body, mind and the soul.
• Attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death for self and one’s ancestors.
• Receive benefits equal to performing Ashwamedha Yaga (Horse Sacrifice Ritual by Kings).
• According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Mokshada Ekadasi is equivalent to the benefits combined from observing Vrat on the other 23 Ekadasis of the year.

Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha is a story that explains the significance of Mokshada Ekadashi and often emphasizes the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita which were given by Shri Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He covered various paths to attain spiritual epitome that is moksha and enlightenment, through the path of devotion (bhakti), selfless action (karma yoga), and knowledge (jnana yoga). Moreover, he emphasized that Mokshada Ekadashi is the best day to observe a fast to seek forgiveness for your sins and connect with the power above us all to move forward on the path of spiritual awakening.