Rama Ekadashi 2026: Fast, Significance And Puja Muhurat

Rama Ekadashi is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (also called Ramaa). Falling on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha, the dark phase of the Moon in the Kartik month, it is a great time to cleanse your sins and attain Moksha. Get full details on Rama Ekadashi 2026 ahead.

2026 Rama Ekadashi Date and Time

Rama Ekadashi 2026 Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Tithi Begins: 09:33 AM on Nov 04, 2026
Tithi Ends: 09:05 AM on Nov 05, 2026

What is Rama Ekadashi?

Rama Ekadashi 2026 is a special observance during which devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi alongside Lord Vishnu as a couple. Worshipping this Goddess of fortune and wealth can be highly beneficial, as this Ekadashi falls four days before Diwali.

Also, on this day, devotees worship his 8th avatar, Lord Krishna, as Damodara. The word “Damodara” is another name for Lord Krishna. It is derived from two Sanskrit words: Dam, meaning “cord,“ and Udhar, meaning “belly.”

Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, often refers to him as Damodara because she tied him around her waist as a baby to keep checking on him, as he was very naughty.

Also, read more about all the Ekadashi in 2026.

Why do We Celebrate Rama Ekadashi 2026?

The Rama Ekadashi is associated with Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna. Observing fast and following the rituals of this Ekadashi with complete devotion can be beneficial for devotees.

Also, as Rama Ekadashi falls four days before Deepawali, it can be the best day to seek blessings for well-being, wash away sins, and achieve wealth and prosperity.

Furthermore, fast observation, worshipping the deities, and following their rituals are equivalent to performing 1000 Ashwamedha Yajnas and 100 Rajasuya Yajnas. These yajnas are the most powerful, given the significance of Rama Ekadashi.

Also Read: Aja Ekadashi 2026: A Day to Wash Away One’s Sins!

Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Ancient Story Tale

The vrat katha of Rama Ekadashi revolves around the story of Chandrabhaga, her father, King Muchukunda, and her husband, Prince Shobhana. Chandrabhaga married Shobhana, who was the son of King Chandrasena.

So, one day, Chandrabagha and Shobhana visited his father’s kingdom on Rama Ekadashi’s day. The king, Muchukunda, was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu; thus, he was very strict about observing the fast.

This trapped Chandrabagha in a tough situation. She couldn’t deny her father’s order, but she knew her husband was weak and would not be able to fast for so long. Therefore, Chandrabagha allowed her husband to go to another kingdom and return only after the Ekadashi.

Prince Shobana’s Decision to Observe the Fast

After hearing his wife Chandrabagha’s words, Shobana observed the fast, leaving the rest to his fate. So, as the day proceeds, it starts to get very difficult for him, and he struggles with thirst and hunger.

However, due to extreme hunger, Shobana dies by midnight. But despite his health issues, he observed the fast. As a reward, he gets a kingdom in Mandarachala Mountain when he dies during Ekadashi vrat.

Moreover, Lord Krishna narrated this story to Yudhisthira, describing Mandarachala Mountain as a magical palace. He also compared its beauty to the residences of Gods and Devas. Krishna mentioned that fast observation and following the rituals of Rama Ekadshi eliminate even the greatest sins.

Also Read: When is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 2026?

Rituals / Vrat Vidhi of Rama Ekadashi 2026

The Rama Ekadashi has some specific rituals to follow to get the benefits and blessings of the deities.

1. Firstly, on the day of Ekadashi, the devotees wake up early and take a holy bath in the nearby river.

2. After that, we set up a puja to pray to Lord Vishnu.

3. The puja starts with worshipping Lord Vishnu, followed by Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi.

4. Devotees should offer a special bhog (white butter and Mishri) to the dieties as a sign of gratitude.

5. The puja starts with offering bhog, lighting diya and incense sticks, followed by aarti and bhajan.

6. For people observing vrat, the fast and rituals start from Dashami, one day before the actual Ekadashi.

7. The breaking of the fast, Parana, occurs on the dwadashi tithi. Devotees should break the fast by eating the bhog and the proper satvik meal.

8. People who do not observe the fast must only eat the satvik food and abstain from eating grains and rice.

9. One should also avoid sleeping the entire night. Instead, they should dedicate the night to singing bhajans and kirtans and reading the verses of the Bhagwad Gita.

Also Read: Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Welcome Good Health and Well-Being

Conclusion

Celebrating Rama Ekadashi 2026 on November 5 honours Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Occurring four days before Diwali, this sacred fast purifies sins and invites prosperity. Following the legend of Prince Shobhana, devotees perform rituals like holy baths and night-long prayers to attain spiritual rewards and ultimate Moksha.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is worshipped on the day of Rama Ekadashi?

On the day of Rama Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu and his 8th avatar, Lord Krishna, worshipped in the form of Damodara. Moreover, Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped on this day as she is called Rama.

2. When is Rama Ekadashi 2026?

In 2026, the Rama Ekadashi falls on November 5, Thursday. This day will be celebrated on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha, the dark phase of the Moon in the month of Kartik.

3. When is Rama Ekadashi celebrated in different parts of India?

Rama Ekadashi falls in different parts of India in different months according to the calendar they follow. For example, according to the Tamil calendar, it falls in the month of Puratassi. Moreover, it occurs during the Ashwin month in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

4. What are the benefits of fasting on Rama Ekadashi?

According to ancient belief, performing the rituals and observing vrat can grant individuals wealth, good fortune and spiritual enlightenment. This ekadashi vrat is equal to performing 1000 Ashwameg Yajnas and 100 Rajshuya Yajnas.

5. What mantras should you chant before breaking Rama Ekadashi vrat?

Before breaking the fast of Rama Ekadashi, one should chant a prayer saying, “O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat. Please protect me.”

6. Who gets the rewards for fasting on Rama Ekadashi as per Hindu mythology?

As mentioned in Hindu mythology, Prince Shobana, the son of King Chandrasena, got the kingdom in Mandarachala Mountain as a reward. This is because he died while observing the fast of Rama Ekadashi despite his poor health.

For interesting Astrological Facts and Videos, follow us on Instagram and read your daily horoscope.