Ekadashi · 2026
Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 — Monday, 13 April 2026
Varuthini Ekadashi falls on Monday, 13 April 2026 in New Delhi. Parana is on 14 Apr, 6:55 AM – 8:30 AM.
Computed for New Delhi
Monday, 13 April 2026
- Tithi
- Krishna Ekadashi: 13 Apr, 1:17 AM – 14 Apr, 1:09 AM
- Lunar month
- Vaishakha (purnimanta) / Chaitra (amanta)
- Sunrise / sunset
- 5:58 AM / 6:45 PM
- Arunodaya (96 min before sunrise)
- 4:22 AM
- Hari Vasara ends
- 14 Apr, 6:55 AM
| Parana (breaking the fast) | 14 Apr, 6:55 AM – 14 Apr, 8:30 AM |
|---|
Rule: Smarta rule: the day with Ekadashi at sunrise, with Dwadashi left for the next morning’s parana.
Smarta and Vaishnava
Both traditions fast on the same day this time: Ekadashi has begun by arunodaya (4:22 AM), so the day is not touched by Dashami.
The Vaishnava day uses the simple arunodaya rule only; ISKCON computes its calendar for its own place, so check with your temple.
How the parana window is set
The fast is broken the next day, in Dwadashi: after Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi, ending at 6:55 AM), preferably in the pratah kaal, avoiding madhyahna, and before Dwadashi ends.
All times come from our own engine for New Delhi’s sunrise, sunset and moonrise. In another city they shift by some minutes, and occasionally the day moves. Your city’s panchang
About Varuthini Ekadashi
Varuthini Ekadashi falls in the dark half of Vaishakha (Chaitra in the amanta reckoning). Varuthini means “protected, as if by armour”, and the day is linked with Vishnu’s Varaha form. Followers of the Pushti Marg also keep it as the birth anniversary of Vallabhacharya.
The katha
King Mandhata was absorbed in penance on the banks of the Narmada when a bear seized his foot and dragged him into the forest. He did not break his meditation but called on Vishnu, who came and freed him with his discus. The king had lost his leg; Vishnu told him to keep Varuthini Ekadashi at Mathura and worship him as Varaha, and by that fast his body was made whole again.
A summary of the Ekadashi mahatmya in the Padma and Bhavishya Uttara Puranas.
How Ekadashi is kept
- The fast runs from sunrise on Ekadashi to the parana on the next day. Many eat a single simple, sattvic meal on Dashami evening, before the fast begins.
- Grains and pulses, rice above all, are traditionally avoided. Fruit, milk, curd, nuts and phalahar foods such as sabudana, kuttu, singhara and potato are commonly eaten; the exact custom differs from family to family.
- The fast can be kept at different levels: nirjala (without water), phalahar (fruit and milk), or one meal without grains. Choose what suits your body; no single level is required of everyone.
- The day is given to Vishnu: tulsi leaves, a lamp, the Vishnu Sahasranama or a mantra such as Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and the katha of that Ekadashi. Tulsi is usually picked the day before, as many avoid plucking it on Ekadashi.
- Some stay awake at night singing bhajans (jagaran), and many give food or grain in charity.
- Parana is on Dwadashi, within the window shown in the list: after Hari Vasara, ideally early in the day, and before Dwadashi ends. The fast is usually broken with something light, often with a little tulsi water.
- Anyone who is pregnant or nursing, elderly, diabetic, on regular medication or unwell can keep a lighter fast — fruit and milk, or one meal — or simply keep the day in prayer. If you have a health condition, ask your doctor before fasting.
Questions people ask
When is Varuthini Ekadashi 2026?
Varuthini Ekadashi is on Monday, 13 April 2026 (New Delhi). Krishna Ekadashi tithi runs from 13 Apr, 1:17 AM – 14 Apr, 1:09 AM.
What is the parana time for Varuthini Ekadashi?
Parana is on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 6:55 AM – 8:30 AM, after Hari Vasara and while Dwadashi lasts.
Is the Vaishnava Varuthini Ekadashi on a different day?
No. Ekadashi has begun by arunodaya, so Smarta and Vaishnava calendars both keep the fast on 13 April 2026.