Adhik Maas is also known as Purushottam Maas. When Ekadashi falls during the Shukla Paksha of this sacred month, it is called Padmini Ekadashi. Although there are usually 24 Ekadashis in a year, two additional Ekadashis are observed in a year that includes Adhik Maas. This year, Padmini Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. It is believed that observing a fast and offering prayers on this day brings the same spiritual merit as penance and yajna, and is especially beneficial for those praying for children.
Padmini Ekadashi 2026 Date
In 2026, Padmini Ekadashi will be observed on 27 May. The fast will be broken on the morning of 28 May.
Ekadashi tithi begins: 26 May at 5:10 am
Ekadashi tithi ends: 27 May at 6:21 am
Paran timing: 28 May from 5:25 am to 7:56 am.
“Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The most preferred time to break the fast is Pratahkal. One should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna. If due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one should do it after Madhyahna,” states Drik Panchang.
Padmini Ekadashi Significance
Padmini Ekadashi falls during Adhik Maas, which makes it especially significant. Observing this fast is believed to cleanse one of sins and bring spiritual merit. Devotees pray for the fulfilment of their wishes, particularly those related to children and family life. It is also believed that worshipping on this day brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.
Padmini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Fasting and worship hold special importance on Padmini Ekadashi, so devotees are advised to begin the day early. One should bathe before sunrise, or at the latest before midday, and take a vow to observe the fast. Chanting the Lord’s name with devotion and a calm mind is considered highly auspicious on this day.
Special prayers are also performed during the four phases of the night. In the first phase, Lord Vishnu is worshipped with coconut. In the second phase, bel leaves are offered. In the third phase, custard apple is used in the puja, while in the fourth and final phase, oranges and betel nut are offered. It is believed that worship performed in this manner helps fulfil sincere wishes quickly and brings the special grace of Lord Vishnu.
Padmini Ekadashi Remedy to Get Blessed With Children
On Padmini Ekadashi, couples praying for children should worship Lord Krishna together. Offer yellow flowers and yellow fruits to the deity, and then chant the mantra:
“Om Kleem Krishnaya Namah.”
Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha According to Drik Panchang
This beautiful story was told by Maharishi Pulastya to Narada Ji – Once, Kartavirya imprisoned Ravana in his prison. Maharishi Pulastya requested Kartavirya to release Ravana. Hearing this incident, Naradaa Ji questioned Maharishi Pulastya, saying – “O Maharishi! How was Kartavirya able to conquer the powerful Ravana, who had defeated all the gods, including Indra? Please explain it to me in detail.”
Maharishi Pulastya said – “O Narada! First, listen to the story of Kartavirya’s birth – In the Treta Yuga, a king named Kartavirya ruled the city of Mahishmati. The king had a hundred wives, but none of them bore him a worthy son to inherit the kingdom. In his desperation, the king respectfully invited Brahmins and performed Yajnas in hopes of obtaining a son, but all his efforts were in vain. Just as pleasures appear tasteless to a sad person, the king’s kingdom felt sorrowful without an heir. Finally, realising that he could attain Siddhis only through penance, he decided to go to the forest to perform Tapasya. His wife, Pramada, the daughter of King Harishchandra, left her clothes and ornaments behind and accompanied her husband to the Gandhamadana Mountain. There, they performed Tapasya for ten thousand years, yet they could not achieve Siddhi. The king’s body was reduced to a mere skeleton due to the severity of the penance. Seeing his condition, Pramada, filled with devotion, asked the revered Sati Anasuya – “My Lord has been performing Tapasya for ten thousand years, yet the Lord has not been pleased. This is why I have not been able to bear a son. What could be the reason for this?”
On hearing Pramada’s question, Goddess Anasuya replied – “In the Adhika i.e. Launda month, which occurs every thirty-six months, there are two Ekadashis. The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha is called Padmini, while the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha is known as Parama. By observing their fasts and staying awake at night, you will surely be granted a son by God.”
After that, Goddess Anasuya explained the procedure for the fast. Queen Pramada observed the Ekadashi fast and stayed awake at night, following the method described by Goddess Anasuya. Lord Vishnu was very pleased with her efforts and wished to bless her with a boon. Queen Pramada requested – “Lord, please grant this boon to my husband.”
On hearing Queen Pramada’s words, Lord Vishnu responded – “O Queen Pramada! Mala Masa is extremely dear to me and among its days, Ekadashi is the most cherished. You have observed this Ekadashi fast and stayed awake through the night according to the prescribed rituals; therefore, I am very pleased with you.” Lord Vishnu turned to the king and continued – “O King! Ask for any boon you desire, because your wife has pleased me greatly.”
Listening to the divine words of God, the king said – “O Lord! Please grant me the best son, who is revered by all and invincible against gods, demons and humans, except for You.”
After granting the king the desired boon, the Lord disappeared. Subsequently, both the king and his queen returned to their kingdom. In due course, they had a son named Kartavirya. He was invincible against everyone except Lord Shri Hari. Kartavirya had even conquered Ravana. This was all a result of the Padmini Ekadashi fast. After recounting this story, Maharishi Pulastya departed from there.
Shri Krishna said – “O son of Kunti, Arjuna! I have described the fast of the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Adhika i.e. Launda Masa. The person who observes this fast will go to Vishnu Loka.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.