Apara Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi
Apara Ekadashi (May 13, 2026) is the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Jyeshtha month. 'Apara' means infinite — the merit of this vrat is immeasurable. Listening to the Vrat Katha of King Mahidhvaja's liberation grants special grace of Lord Vishnu.
Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi, May 13, 2026
Begin Dashami evening (May 12) — Break fast on Dwadashi morning (May 14) after puja
Puja Samagri (Items Required)
- Yellow flowers (marigold, lotus)
- Tulsi leaves
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
- White sesame seeds
- Ghee lamp
- Akshata (rice with turmeric)
- Banana, mango
- Copper water pot
Puja Procedure — Steps
Dashami Evening — Sattvic Food and Sleeping on the Floor
On Dashami evening (May 12), consume only sattvic, simple food. Avoid garlic, onion, and grains. Sleep on the floor that night.
Ekadashi Morning — Sankalp
On Ekadashi (May 13), bathe at Brahma Muhurat and sit facing east. Hold water and Tulsi in your palms. Take the vow (sankalp) for nirjala or phalahar fasting in the name of Lord Vishnu.
Vishnu Puja (Trivikrama Form)
Bathe Vishnu's idol with Ganga jal and panchamrit. Offer yellow flowers, Tulsi, and sandalwood. Light a ghee lamp. Chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.'
Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story Recitation)
Recite or listen to the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha — the story of King Mahidhvaja's spirit being freed from the pishach state through this vrat's merit. Even listening to this story destroys sins as grave as Brahmahatya.
Vishnu Sahasranama Recitation
Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama. If unable to recite fully, chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' 1008 times.
Day-Long Fasting and Devotional Singing
Maintain the fast throughout the day — completely avoid grains, lentils, garlic, and onion. Phalahar (fruits, milk) is permitted. Spend the day in devotional singing and reading scriptures.
Dwadashi Morning — Parana (Breaking the Fast)
On Dwadashi morning (May 14), bathe and perform Vishnu puja. Offer dakshina and food to a Brahmin. Then, saying 'Om Shri Vishnave Namah,' consume food to complete the fast (parana).
Main Mantra
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Om Trivikramaya Namah Vishnave Namah Trivikramaya Namah
Benefits of this Puja
Destruction of all sins including grave ones, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, attainment of Vishnu's abode, liberation of ancestors, infinite spiritual merit
