Padmini Ekadashi 2026: The Rare and Powerful Fast of Purushottam Maas

In Sanatan Dharma, Purushottam Maas (also known as Adhik Maas or Malmas) holds immense spiritual significance. This sacred month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered highly auspicious for devotion, meditation, charity, and spiritual practices. The Ekadashi that falls during the Shukla Paksha of this holy month is known as Padmini Ekadashi.

Padmini Ekadashi is also popularly known as “Purushottami Ekadashi” and “Kamala Ekadashi.” According to scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Bhavishya Purana, and Vishnu Purana, observing this fast with faith and discipline destroys sins and ultimately helps devotees attain the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.

In 2026, this sacred Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Religious beliefs state that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day removes obstacles, negativity, and suffering while bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Why Is Padmini Ekadashi So Special?

Purushottam Maas occurs once every three years and is considered one of the holiest periods in the Hindu calendar. Since the entire month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Ekadashi falling during this period becomes exceptionally powerful and spiritually rewarding.

According to Hindu scriptures, the merit gained from observing Padmini Ekadashi is believed to be greater than performing grand rituals like the Ashwamedha Yajna and Vajapeya Yajna. Devotees believe that this vrat helps cleanse past sins and opens the path toward liberation and spiritual upliftment.

Why Is It Called “Purushottami Ekadashi” and “Kamala Ekadashi”?

Padmini Ekadashi is known by different names in religious texts, each carrying deep spiritual meaning.

Purushottami Ekadashi

This Ekadashi falls during Purushottam Maas, a month dedicated entirely to Lord Vishnu, who is also known as “Purushottam.” Hence, this sacred fast is called Purushottami Ekadashi.

It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu and observing the fast on this day brings divine blessings and removes difficulties from one’s life.

Kamala Ekadashi

Goddess Lakshmi is also known as “Kamala.” Religious beliefs suggest that observing Padmini Ekadashi pleases both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

For this reason, the vrat is also called Kamala Ekadashi, and devotees believe it brings wealth, prosperity, abundance, and harmony into the home.

Padmini Ekadashi 2026: Date and Auspicious Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi begins on the night of May 26, 2026, but based on Udaya Tithi, the fast will be observed on May 27, 2026 (Wednesday).

Important Timings

• Vrat Date: May 27, 2026, Wednesday

• Best Time for Worship: Early morning after sunrise

• Parana (Breaking the Fast): May 28, 2026, after sunrise during Dwadashi Tithi

Timings may slightly vary according to local calendars and regions.

The Mythological Story of King Kirtiveerya and Queen Padmini

The story of Padmini Ekadashi comes from the Treta Yuga and beautifully highlights the power of devotion, patience, and divine grace.

King Kirtiveerya Was Childless

According to ancient legends, King Kirtiveerya of Mahishmati was a powerful and wealthy ruler. Despite having immense prosperity and luxury, he remained unhappy because he had no children.

The king and his beloved wife, Queen Padmini, performed many yajnas and religious rituals to seek a child, but nothing worked. Eventually, the king renounced royal comforts and decided to perform severe penance.

Severe Penance on Gandhamadan Mountain

Queen Padmini accompanied the king into the forest, and together they performed intense penance on Gandhamadan Mountain for many years while worshipping Lord Vishnu.

Despite hardships and difficulties, their faith and devotion remained unwavering.

Guidance from Mata Anusuya

Pleased by Queen Padmini’s devotion, the revered Mata Anusuya appeared before her. The queen humbly asked for a way to attain the blessing of a child.

Mata Anusuya advised her to observe the Ekadashi fast that falls during Purushottam Maas. She explained that this vrat is extremely dear to Lord Vishnu and fulfills sincere desires when observed with devotion.

The Divine Blessing

Following Mata Anusuya’s guidance, King Kirtiveerya and Queen Padmini observed the Padmini Ekadashi vrat with complete faith and discipline.

Lord Vishnu became pleased with their devotion and blessed them with a powerful and glorious son. It is believed that the Ekadashi was later named after Queen Padmini.

Spiritual Message of Padmini Ekadashi

Padmini Ekadashi is not just a religious fast but also a powerful spiritual lesson for life.

This sacred vrat teaches us:

• Never lose faith in God during difficult times.

• True devotion, patience, and discipline always bear fruit.

• Inner peace comes from surrendering to the divine rather than chasing worldly attachments.

• Lord Vishnu’s blessings can make even the impossible possible.

Observing this vrat helps devotees attain spiritual purity, mental peace, and positive energy.

What Should You Do on Padmini Ekadashi?

1. Offer Yellow Items to Lord Vishnu

Yellow is considered highly auspicious for Lord Vishnu. Offer yellow flowers, bananas, besan laddoos, and Panchamrit during worship. Wearing yellow clothes is also considered.

2. Offer Tulsi Leaves

Tulsi is an essential part of Lord Vishnu’s worship. Always include Tulsi leaves in the bhog.

3. Chant Vishnu Mantra

Chant the following mantra throughout the day with devotion:

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”

This mantra is believed to bring peace, positivity, and spiritual strength.

4. Perform Charity

Donating food, yellow clothes, or helping the needy on this day is considered highly meritorious.

5. Maintain Purity and Positivity

Avoid tamasic food such as onion, garlic, and negative emotions like anger or arguments.

Conclusion

Padmini Ekadashi is one of the most sacred and spiritually rewarding fasts observed during Purushottam Maas. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this divine vrat symbolizes devotion, purity, faith, and spiritual transformation.

Observing this Ekadashi with sincerity and discipline is believed to bring peace, prosperity, happiness, and divine blessings into one’s life.