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Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026: Date, Time, Vari, Puja and Vrat

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 date time vrat parana Pandharpur Vari Lord Vitthal bhakti
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 falls on Saturday, July 25, 2026. If you're asking when is Ashadi Ekadashi, this is the main vrat date in India. The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 9:12 AM on July 24, 2026, and ends at 11:34 AM on July 25, 2026. Parana, or breaking the fast, is done on Sunday, July 26, 2026, after sunrise, as per your city timing. This ekadashi July 2026 observance is also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, Shayani Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, and Ashadhi Ekadashi.

What is Ashadi Ekadashi?

Ashadi Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashadha. It is dedicated to Shri Vishnu and is celebrated with deep love for Lord Vitthal, also called Vithoba or Panduranga, in Maharashtra.
This day marks the start of Chaturmas, the four holy months when many devotees follow simple food habits, do extra prayers, read sacred texts, and reduce unnecessary comforts. In many homes, the day begins with a bath, sankalp, Vishnu puja, Tulsi offering, and naam japa.
For Varkaris, Ashadhi Ekadashi is also the day when the long walk to Pandharpur reaches its most emotional point. The chants of “Gyanba Tukaram” and “Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal” make the day feel personal, pure, and full of devotion.

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time in India

For anyone searching ashadhi ekadashi 2026 date in India, the vrat will be observed on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The Ekadashi Tithi starts on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 9:12 AM. It ends on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:34 AM. Since the Ekadashi Tithi is present at sunrise on July 25 in major Indian cities, this date is followed for the vrat.
City wise parana timings for July 26, 2026 are:
Mumbai and Maharashtra: 6:13 AM to 8:50 AM.
New Delhi and North India: 5:39 AM to 8:22 AM.
Bengaluru and many South Indian cities: 6:04 AM to 8:37 AM.
Kolkata and eastern India: 5:05 AM to 7:44 AM.
If you're keeping a strict fast, check your local Panchang once before sankalp. Parana depends on local sunrise and Dwadashi timing. This is why the time changes slightly for Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Odisha, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other places.

How to Worship on Ashadhi Ekadashi

On Ashadhi Ekadashi, start your day early with a bath and wear clean clothes. Clean your puja space and place an idol or photo of Shri Vishnu, Shri Krishna, or Lord Vithal Rukmini on a clean cloth. Light a diya and incense, then offer flowers, tulsi leaves, sandalwood, fruits, and simple naivedya. Tulsi is very important in Vishnu puja, so try to include it if available.
Begin the puja by praying to Shri Ganesha, then worship Shri Vishnu or Vithal with devotion. You can chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Shri Vitthal Rukmini Namah” 108 times. Many devotees also recite Vishnu Sahasranama, read a chapter from the Bhagavad Gita, or listen to the stories of Shri Vithal and his devotees.
If you follow the Maharashtrian tradition, you can sing abhangs of Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, and Sant Eknath. You can also remember the devotion of Pundalik and the Ashadi Ekadashi Vari, where lakhs of Warkaris walk to Pandharpur with the name of Vithal on their lips.
In the evening, light a diya again and sit quietly for naam japa. Pray for peace, good health, family well-being, and a steady mind. End the puja by offering aarti to Shri Vithal or Shri Vishnu and distributing prasad among family members.

Why is Ashadhi Ekadashi So Famous?

Ashadhi Ekadashi is famous because it brings together vrat, bhakti, community prayer, and the Pandharpur tradition. People ask about Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 because the day is deeply connected with Shri Vishnu and Shri Vitthal.
In Maharashtra, the day is known for the ashadi ekadashi vari. The word Vari refers to the yearly pilgrimage of Varkaris to Pandharpur. Devotees walk for many days with palkhis linked to great saints. The palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar starts from Alandi, and the palkhi of Sant Tukaram starts from Dehu. Many devotees walk barefoot, sing abhangas, carry tulsi malas, and keep their mind fixed on Vitthal.
This is why ashadhi ekadashi vari 2026 is more than a religious event. It is a living tradition. It teaches simple living, service, discipline, and love for God through music, walking, and shared prayer.

The Story of Pundalik and Vitthal Mauli

The most loved story of Vitthal is connected with Pundalik. As the story is told in the bhakti tradition, Pundalik was once careless, but later changed through devotion and service to his parents. His service became so sincere that Shri Krishna came to meet him.
When Shri Krishna arrived, Pundalik was serving his parents. He did not want to stop that service. So he offered a brick and asked the Lord to wait. Krishna stood on that brick with hands on his waist. This form became known as Vitthal, Vithoba, or Panduranga.
In Pandharpur, devotees lovingly call him Vitthal Mauli. Mauli means mother. It shows how close the devotee feels to the Lord. Vitthal is seen as loving, patient, and easy to approach. He waits for his devotees. He accepts simple songs. He listens to honest hearts.
This story gives Ashadhi Ekadashi its soft devotional feeling. It reminds you that serving your parents, helping people, and chanting the Lord’s name can become worship when done with sincerity.

Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar and Other Great Saints

Sant Tukaram is one of the most loved saints of the Varkari tradition. His abhangas speak directly to Vitthal. His words are simple, sharp, and full of feeling. Even today, many devotees sing Tukaram Maharaj’s abhangas during the ashadi ekadashi vari.
Sant Dnyaneshwar, also called Dnyaneshwar Mauli, gave deep spiritual wisdom in a language people could understand. His Dnyaneshwari brought the meaning of the Bhagavad Gita close to ordinary people. His link with Alandi and the Wari is central to the Pandharpur tradition.
Sant Namdev is another great devotee of Vitthal. His bhakti was full of personal love. He saw Vitthal as a close companion, someone present in daily life.
Sant Chokhamela is remembered for his pure devotion in the face of social pain. His life teaches that Vitthal belongs to every sincere devotee. Rank and outer identity become small in front of true bhakti.
Together, these saints made Vitthal bhakti feel close to common people. They used songs and everyday language. That is why Ashadhi Ekadashi still feels alive in homes, temples, and on the road to Pandharpur.

How to Observe Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat

On Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026, you can start the day with a clean bath and a simple sankalp. Offer water, tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and sattvik food to Shri Vishnu or Shri Vitthal. Many devotees keep a full fast. Some take fruits, milk, sabudana, peanuts, or simple vrat food, depending on health and family custom.
Avoid grains, rice, wheat, pulses, onion, garlic, and heavy food during the vrat. Keep your mind calm. Read Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, or stories of Shri Vitthal. If you are unable to fast because of age, health, pregnancy, travel, or medicine, you can still pray and do naam japa.
The spirit of the vrat matters. You can chant softly while working, help someone at home, feed cows, donate food, or offer fruits in a Vishnu temple.

Mantra and Naam Japa for Ashadhi Ekadashi

Since this is a devotional day, naam japa is one of the best practices. You can chant any one of these with faith:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Shri Vitthal Rukmini Namah.
Ram Krishna Hari.
Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal.
You can chant 108 times using a tulsi mala. You can also sing Vitthal abhangas in the evening with your family. If you want a simple practice, sit quietly for a few minutes and repeat “Ram Krishna Hari.” Keep your attention on the sound. Let the day stay simple.

FAQs on Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026

What is Ashadi Ekadashi?
Ashadi Ekadashi is the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the month of Ashadha. It is dedicated to Shri Vishnu and is celebrated with special devotion to Shri Vitthal in Maharashtra.
When is Ashadi Ekadashi in 2026?
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in India.
What is Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 date and time?
The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 9:12 AM on July 24, 2026, and ends at 11:34 AM on July 25, 2026. The vrat date is July 25, 2026. Parana will be done on July 26, 2026, after sunrise as per local city timing.
What is Ashadi Ekadashi Vari?
Ashadi Ekadashi Vari is the yearly Varkari pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Devotees walk with palkhis, sing abhangas, and take darshan of Shri Vitthal on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Is Ashadhi Ekadashi the same as Devshayani Ekadashi?
Yes. Ashadhi Ekadashi is also called Devshayani Ekadashi, Shayani Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. It marks the start of Chaturmas.
Which mantra should you chant on Ashadhi Ekadashi?
You can chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” “Ram Krishna Hari,” or “Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal.” A simple naam japa 108 times is good for this day.

Conclusion

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 is a day to remember Shri Vishnu, take the name of Vitthal Mauli, and keep your heart soft through prayer. Whether you are in Pandharpur, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Odisha, or any other place, you can observe the day with sincerity.
May Vitthal Mauli bless your home with peace and steady faith.
Ram Krishna Hari.
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