Padmini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha & Benefits (पद्मिनी एकादशी)
AstroAnanta Team
May 26, 2026
5 Min Read
226
Key Takeaway
Padmini Ekadashi, also known as Purushottam Ekadashi, will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. It is a rare and highly auspicious fasting day that occurs only during the Adhik Maas (extra lunar month) once every three years. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu, Radha-Krishna, and Shiva- Parvati to seek worldly happiness and ultimate salvation.
In Hinduism, Ekadashi holds profound spiritual significance. Typically, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year. However, during the Adhik Maas (Malmaas or Purushottam Maas)—an extra lunar month added to the calendar approximately every three years—the number of Ekadashis increases to 26. The Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of Adhik Maas is known as Padmini Ekadashi (पद्मिनी एकादशी) or Purushottam Ekadashi (पुरुषोत्तम एकादशी). It is considered exceptionally meritorious and capable of granting salvation (Moksha).
🗓️ पद्मिनी एकादशी 2026 की तिथि और शुभ मुहूर्त (Date & Timings)
This year, Padmini Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
⏳ एकादशी तिथि प्रारंभ (Tithi Begins): 26 May 2026 at 05:10 AM
⌛ एकादशी तिथि समाप्त (Tithi Ends): 27 May 2026 at 06:21 AM
🙏 पद्मिनी एकादशी पूजा विधि और महत्व (Puja Vidhi & Significance)
🪔 पूजा विधि (How to perform Puja)
On Padmini Ekadashi, devotees worship Lord Vishnu with complete dedication. Along with Lord Vishnu, there is a special tradition of worshipping Radha-Krishna and Shiva-Parvati.
- Wake up at sunrise and take a holy bath.
- Place a small idol or picture of Lord Vishnu at the worship altar.
- Offer sandalwood paste (चंदन), sesame seeds (तिल), fresh fruits, a ghee lamp (दीपक), and incense (धूप).
- Reciting the 'Vishnu Sahasranama' and 'Narayana Stotra' is considered highly auspicious on this day.
- On the next day (Dwadashi), feed Brahmins, offer them gifts, and then break your fast (Parana).
🌟 एकादशी का महत्व (Spiritual Significance)
Ekadashi is considered one of the most auspicious days for spiritual practices. Fasting on this day cleanses the body of toxins and the mind of negative thoughts. By observing the Padmini Ekadashi Vrat, a person easily attains the fruits of all major Yagyas, Vrats, and penances. The observer enjoys worldly comforts and ultimately secures a place in Lord Vishnu's heavenly abode, 'Vaikuntha'.
📖 पद्मिनी एकादशी की पौराणिक कथा (Vrat Katha)
The Legend of King Kritavirya and Queen Padmini
According to Lord Krishna, in the Treta Yuga, there lived a highly valiant king named Kritavirya. Despite having many queens and all the worldly luxuries, he was deeply saddened because he had no children. Desiring an heir, the King and his queens went to the forest to perform rigorous penance. They meditated for thousands of years until only the king's bones remained, yet their penance did not bear fruit.
Distressed, Queen Padmini sought the guidance of the divine Goddess Anusuya. Goddess Anusuya advised her to observe a strict fast on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Malmaas (Adhik Maas) and explained the complete Puja Vidhi.
Following her instructions, Queen Padmini observed the Padmini Ekadashi Vrat with utmost devotion. Pleased with her fast, Lord Vishnu appeared before her and offered a boon. The devoted queen requested the Lord to grant the boon to her husband instead. The King then prayed for a son who would be endowed with all virtues, respected across the three worlds, and invincible to anyone except the Lord Himself. Lord Vishnu granted the boon with a "Tathastu" and departed.
Soon after, Queen Padmini gave birth to a mighty son who came to be known as Kartavirya Arjuna (Sahastrabahu). He grew up to be an exceptionally powerful emperor who even managed to capture the mighty demon king, Ravana.
