Introduction: Ekadashi Vrat January 2026
Ekadashi Vrat January 2026 is among the most sacred fasting observances in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi falls on the 11th lunar day of both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha each month and is believed to cleanse sins, purify the mind, and guide devotees toward spiritual liberation.
In January 2026, two highly auspicious Ekadashi fasts — Putrada Ekadashi and Shattila Ekadashi — are observed during the holy Paush and Magha months. These vrat days are especially significant for blessings related to progeny, family harmony, karmic purification, and inner growth.
Also Read :- Surya Uttarayan 2026: Spiritual Meaning & Astrology Impact
January Ekadashi dates and Parana time
There are two Ekadashi vrats in January 2026, both dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
1. Putrada Ekadashi – January 2026
- Date: Tuesday, 6 January 2026
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha
- Hindu Month: Paush
- Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Significance: Blessings for progeny, family prosperity, and spiritual merit
Putrada Ekadashi is especially observed by married couples seeking the blessing of healthy children and happiness in family life.
2. Shattila Ekadashi – January 2026
- Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
- Paksha: Krishna Paksha
- Hindu Month: Magha
- Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Significance: Removal of sins, karmic purification, and spiritual cleansing
Shattila Ekadashi is associated with sesame (til) donations and is considered extremely powerful for destroying past negative karma.
Ekadashi fasting rules in January
Parana is the ritual of breaking the Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi Tithi after sunrise. Observing Parana at the correct time is mandatory to gain the full benefits of Ekadashi Vrat January 2026.
Putrada Ekadashi Parana Time
- Parana Date: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
- Parana Time: After sunrise until Dwadashi Tithi ends
- Ideal Parana Food: Fruits, milk, tulsi water, light sattvic meals
Shattila Ekadashi Parana Time
- Parana Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
- Parana Time: Morning hours after sunrise
- Important Rule: Avoid Parana during Hari Vasara
Failure to observe proper Parana timing may reduce the spiritual merit of the vrat.
Ekadashi Vrat Rules (January 2026)
Following vrat rules strictly enhances the spiritual power of Ekadashi Vrat January 2026.
General Ekadashi Vrat Rules
- Fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to Parana on Dwadashi
- Avoid grains, rice, wheat, pulses, onion, and garlic
- Consume fruits, milk, water, nuts, and vrat-approved food
- Maintain physical and mental purity
- Avoid sleeping during daytime
- Chant Vishnu mantras or read Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Nirjala Ekadashi Followers
- No food or water for 24 hours
- Recommended only for physically fit devotees
- Elderly and sick people should follow partial fasting
Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
Morning Rituals
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes
- Clean the puja space
Puja Procedure
- Place Lord Vishnu’s idol or image
- Offer tulsi leaves, fruits, flowers, and sweets
- Light a ghee or sesame oil diya
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
- Read Ekadashi Vrat Katha
- Perform evening aarti
Spiritual Significance of Ekadashi in January 2026
Scriptures state that Lord Vishnu resides in Ekadashi Tithi. Observing this vrat helps devotees:
- Reduce karmic burdens
- Progress toward mokshaue to its immense spiritual rewards.
- Attain emotional balance
- Strengthen devotion
Importance of Putrada Ekadashi (January 2026)
Putrada Ekadashi is especially beneficial for couples desiring children.
Benefits include:
- Blessings of healthy progeny
- Harmony in married life
- Removal of obstacles related to childbirth
- Spiritual merit equal to major yajnas
Importance of Shattila Ekadashi (January 2026)
Shattila Ekadashi focuses on charity and purification.
Key rituals include:
- Donation of sesame seeds
- Bathing with sesame-infused water
- Offering sesame sweets to Lord Vishnu
This Ekadashi is known to eliminate deep-rooted karmic debts.
Health Benefits of Ekadashi Fasting
Scientific studies also highlight the benefits of Ekadashi fasting:
- Detoxifies the digestive system
- Improves metabolism
- Enhances mental clarity
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Thus, Ekadashi Vrat January 2026 offers both spiritual and physical rejuvenation.
Dos and Don’ts for Ekadashi Fast in January
Dos
- Chant Vishnu mantras
- Practice charity and kindness
- Read sacred texts
- Maintain calmness
Don’ts
- Avoid grains and tamasic food
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Avoid anger and arguments
Ekadashi Vrat January 2026 for Zodiac Signs
Though beneficial for all, Ekadashi fasting especially helps:
- Cancer & Pisces: Emotional healing
- Taurus & Virgo: Stability and prosperity
- Leo & Scorpio: Spiritual transformation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In January 2026, there are two Ekadashi Vrat—one during Shukla Paksha and one during Krishna Paksha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
The Ekadashi dates in January 2026 are decided by Tithi calculations of the Panchang. Both Ekadashi fasts are observed on separate days for Shukla and Krishna Paksha.
Parana should be done on Dwadashi Tithi after sunrise, within the prescribed Parana Muhurat, while strictly avoiding Hari Vasara.
Parana completes the Ekadashi Vrat. If Parana is not performed within the correct time, the spiritual benefits of fasting are considered incomplete.
Devotees can observe Nirjala fast, Phalahar (fruits & milk), or a single sattvic meal. Consumption of grains, rice, lentils, and beans is strictly prohibited.
Devotees should wake up early, take a bath, worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, offer Tulsi leaves, chant Vishnu Sahasranama, and listen to Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Yes, beginners, elderly devotees, pregnant women, and sick people may observe a partial fast or focus on prayers and naam-japa.
One should avoid grains, onion, garlic, alcohol, anger, harsh speech, and sleeping during daytime to maintain spiritual discipline.
Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Ekadashi. Some devotees also worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and liberation.
Ekadashi Vrat helps remove sins, improve mental clarity, attract divine blessings, and support spiritual growth and Moksha.
Conclusion
Ekadashi Vrat January 2026 offers a sacred opportunity for spiritual purification and divine blessings. By observing Putrada and Shattila Ekadashi with correct Parana time and vrat rules, devotees can experience peace, prosperity, and inner transformation.
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