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Ekadashi — the 11th day of each lunar fortnight — is strictly observed in Swaminarayan tradition. Swaminarayan Bhagwan himself fasted on Ekadashi and gave specific Ekadashi niyams (rules) in the Shikshapatri (verse 80), making it one of the most important observances for all satsangis
Dates 2026–2027
Mantra
સ્વામિનારાયણ સ્વામિનારાયણ
Swaminarayan Swaminarayan
Swaminarayan Swaminarayan — chant the divine name continuously on Ekadashi
How to recite
Chant 'Swaminarayan Swaminarayan' continuously throughout the day. Swaminarayan Bhagwan placed great importance on Ekadashi, observing it strictly and instructing all satsangis (followers) to do the same.
Benefits
Swaminarayan Bhagwan himself strictly observed Ekadashi and instructed all devotees to do the same. Observing Ekadashi with the chanting of Swaminarayan's name is believed to purify the soul, please Bhagwan, and accelerate the path to liberation in his divine abode.
✦ Special Note
The Shikshapatri (Swaminarayan's scripture) instructs all devotees to fast on Ekadashi. Swaminarayan Bhagwan observed nirjala (waterless) Ekadashi himself. Even if you cannot fast completely, avoid grains and observe a fruit fast. Spend the day in kirtan, Vachanamrut reading, and chanting 'Swaminarayan Swaminarayan'.
Foods Allowed
Foods to Avoid
Meal Idea
Farali khichdi (sabudana with rock salt and peanuts) or a spread of seasonal fruits and dry fruits — satvik, light, and offered first as bhog
📜 The story behind this vrat
Once the sage Narada Muni asked Lord Vishnu — "O Lord, what is the greatest vrat a devotee can observe?" Lord Vishnu replied — "Narada, of all vrats Ekadashi is the most sacred. On this day a demon named Mura hid inside grains and pulses to corrupt the minds of humans. When devotees avoid grains on Ekadashi they starve this demon and protect their soul from impurity. I am most pleased by this fast…
Read full katha ›
Once the sage Narada Muni asked Lord Vishnu — "O Lord, what is the greatest vrat a devotee can observe?" Lord Vishnu replied — "Narada, of all vrats Ekadashi is the most sacred. On this day a demon named Mura hid inside grains and pulses to corrupt the minds of humans. When devotees avoid grains on Ekadashi they starve this demon and protect their soul from impurity. I am most pleased by this fast above all others." Narada asked — "Who first observed this vrat?" Lord Vishnu smiled and said — "Long ago a demon named Mura terrorised the heavens and my realm. I fought him for a thousand years and grew weary. I rested in a cave called Badarikashram. From my own divine energy a beautiful maiden emerged — born of my exhaustion and my shakti — and while I slept she fought Mura alone and slew him. When I awoke and saw what she had done I granted her a boon. She said — Lord, give me a name and let those who fast on the day of my birth be freed from all sin. I named her Ekadashi — she who was born on the eleventh day. I blessed her thus: Whoever fasts on Ekadashi shall be freed from the cycle of birth and death. Their devotion shall reach me directly. The sins of seven lifetimes shall be washed away in a single Ekadashi fast observed with pure heart and full devotion. This is why Ekadashi is the most beloved fast among all Vaishnavas. It comes twice every lunar month — on the eleventh day of the waxing moon and the eleventh day of the waning moon. Each Ekadashi carries its own name and its own special blessing. Observe it with devotion, stay awake in prayer if you can, and Lord Vishnu himself will hold you in his heart."
Your family's version of this story may differ — all versions are sacred.
🪔 Aarti
Om Jai Jagdish Hare
ॐ जय जगदीश हरे, स्वामी जय जगदीश हरे । भक्त जनों के संकट, दास जनों के संकट, क्षण में दूर करे ॥ जो ध्यावे फल पावे, दुःख बिनसे मन का । सुख सम्पत्ति घर आवे, कष्ट मिटे तन का ॥ मात-पिता तुम मेरे, शरण गहूं मैं किसकी । तुम बिन और न दूजा, आस करूं मैं जिसकी ॥ तुम पूरन परमात्मा, तुम अंतर्यामी । पारब्रह्म परमेश्वर, तुम सबके स्वामी ॥ तुम करुणा के सागर, तुम पालनकर्ता । मैं सेवक तुम स्वामी, कृपा करो भर्ता ॥ तुम हो एक अगोचर, सबके प्राणपति । किस विधि मिलूं दयामय, तुमको मैं कुमति ॥ दीनबंधु दुःखहर्ता, ठाकुर तुम मेरे । अपने हाथ उठाओ, अपनी शरण में लाओ ॥ विषय विकार मिटाओ, पाप हरो देवा । श्रद्धा भक्ति बढ़ाओ, संतन की सेवा ॥
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Get a reminder before the next Ekadashi
At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.
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