Parama
Ekadashi

Parama Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha of the Adhika Jyestha month and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. it is also known as Parama Shuddha Ekadashi, Kamla Ekadashi and Purushottami Ekadashi so people sometimes get confused and think they are separate vrats. They are not.

This vrat comes during Adhik Maas, the extra lunar month added to the Hindu calendar after some years. Adhika Maas is also called Purushottam Maas.

When is Parama Ekadashi 2026?

Parama Ekadashi: Thursday, 11 June 2026

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12:57 AM on 11 June 2026

Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 10:36 PM on 11 June 2026

Parana Time Begins: 05:23 AM on 12 June 2026

Parana Time Ends: 08:10 AM on 12 June 2026

Parama 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 Parama Ekadashi

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean white or yellow clothes
• Read Parama 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)

What Can Be Eaten During Parama 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 Parama 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.

At the same time, some foods are traditionally avoided almost everywhere during Ekadashi:

• rice
• wheat
• grains
• pulses
• beans
• onion
• garlic

People often ask why grains are avoided on Ekadashi.

Traditional belief says grains should not be consumed on Ekadashi tithi. Onion and garlic are also avoided because they are linked with tamasic tendencies like laziness, irritation, and mental heaviness.

Even people who don’t follow a very strict vrat often avoid these items for the day.

Jagaran and Night Worship

In many Vaishnav traditions, devotees stay awake during Ekadashi night and worship lord Vishnu. This is called Jagaran.

Earlier, entire groups would gather for bhajans and kirtans through the night. That culture still exists in some temples, though modern schedules have changed things quite a bit.

Now most people simply spend extra time in prayer before sleeping.

Some chant Vishnu mantras. Some read devotional texts. Some just sit quietly for some time at night instead of treating the day like any other.

And honestly, that quieter mood is probably what many devotees value the most about Ekadashi.

Why Charity Is Connected With Purushottam Maas

One thing older generations repeatedly emphasize during Adhik Maas is daan.

Food donation, clothes donation, helping someone quietly without showing off — these things are considered important during this month.

Even today, many devotees try to donate something before completing Parama Ekadashi vrat.

Not necessarily in a grand way. Sometimes it’s just food packets, fruits, or helping someone nearby. That spirit has remained attached to Purushottam Maas for a long time.

Parama Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The story connected with this vrat is narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira.

According to the katha, there once lived a poor Brahmin named Sumedha with his wife Pavitra in Kampilya.

The couple struggled financially for years. Even then, Pavitra continued treating guests and saints respectfully despite their condition at home.

Over time, Sumedha became frustrated and started thinking about leaving for another kingdom in search of wealth.

Pavitra tried stopping him.

She believed suffering and prosperity are connected with karma and told him that real change comes only when divine grace also supports a person’s efforts.

One day, sage Kaundinya arrived at their home.

Despite having very little, the couple welcomed him properly and offered whatever hospitality they could manage.

The sage became pleased and advised them to observe Parama Ekadashi vrat during Adhik Maas.

According to the narration, he explained that sincere fasting and Vishnu worship on this Ekadashi could help remove suffering and improve their lives.

The couple followed the vrat faithfully.

Later, their circumstances gradually improved, and eventually they received wealth and stability.

Because of this story, many devotees connect Parama Ekadashi fasting with prayers for relief from hardships and peace within the household.

Traditional narrations also mention that Kubera and King Harishchandra benefited from observing this sacred vrat.

Benefits of observing Parama Ekadashi Fast (Vrat)

Here are the benefits of observing the auspicious Parama Ekadashi Fast:

• Blessings of Lord Vishnu
• Reduced anxiety and mental pressure
• Wealth & Prosperity
• Positivity in life
• Relief from financial struggles