Today ‘Param Ekadashi’ is being celebrated, which falls during ‘Adhikamas’ (extra lunar month). The day of Ekadashi is considered very sacred and important. By observing fast and worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day, one gets great spiritual virtue. Apart from religious beliefs, from the scientific point of view this fast is also considered beneficial for both body and mind; This promotes mental peace, concentration and physical health.
Usually there are 24 Ekadashis in a year, but when ‘Adhikamas’ (also known as ‘Purushottam Maas’) arrives, the number becomes 26. Ekadashi falling during ‘Adhikamas’ is considered especially auspicious and spiritually fruitful. ‘Param Ekadashi’ is one such occasion; It is considered rare as it occurs only during ‘Adhikamas’.
**Param Ekadashi 2026: Auspicious time**
Param Ekadashi fast started today (June 11) at 12:57 pm and will end at 10:36 pm tonight. ‘Paran’ (breaking of the fast) can be done tomorrow, June 12, between 5:23 am and 8:10 am.
**Rules of Param Ekadashi fast**
There is a tradition of keeping the fast of Param Ekadashi for five days. The fast can be started a day before Ekadashi or on the day of Ekadashi. Grains are not consumed during this period; Only fruits, milk or liquids are taken, although if possible a ‘nirjala’ fast (not drinking even water) is considered the most sacred. On the day of the fast, one should take bath in the morning, wear clean clothes (preferably white) and worship Lord Vishnu as per the prescribed rituals. Chanting mantras like “Om Namo Narayanay” and “Vishnave Namah” during the puja is considered auspicious. Apart from this, reciting ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’, ‘Bhagavad Geeta’ or other religious scriptures is considered very beneficial. The fast ends on the second day, i.e. ‘Dwadashi’ with donating food or grains to the needy, after which the fast is broken with lemonade or light food. Things to keep in mind during fasting
It is important to keep the mind calm and positive during Ekadashi fast. On this day, one should avoid anger, fights and negative thoughts and spend maximum time in devotion to God. Also, by doing charity, the virtue of fasting increases manifold, which gives spiritual and mental benefits to the person.
Importance of Param Ekadashi
Param Ekadashi has special significance among all the Ekadashis. It is believed that observing this fast removes poverty and financial obstacles. This also increases the chances of having a child and the person gets respect and fame. From a religious point of view, this fast is considered very fruitful, because by observing it one can get salvation and divine darshan of Lord Vishnu. Anyone who wants to fulfill any special wish of his should observe this fast with full devotion and worship Lord Narayana as per the prescribed rules.