Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comRama Ekadashi
Rama Ekadashi is observed on Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, three or four days before Diwali, and is kept with the wish for freedom from hardship and poverty.
This Ekadashi falls one or two days before Dhanteras (one day in 2026, two in 2027), and is regarded as signaling the start of Diwali's five-day celebration. In 2026 the fast is on 5 November and the parana on 6 November between 6:37 and 8:48 AM (New Delhi).
Significance of Rama Ekadashi
'Rama' is a name of Maa Lakshmi, and on this Ekadashi, which comes just before Diwali, Maa Lakshmi is worshipped together with Lord Vishnu. In the Padma Purana Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira its story: King Muchukunda's daughter Chandrabhaga was married to Shobhan, son of King Chandrasena, who was very frail in body.
Once, in Kartik, Shobhan was visiting his in-laws when Rama Ekadashi arrived. Muchukunda's kingdom had a decree that no one, not even the animals, should eat on Ekadashi. Frail as he was, Shobhan kept the fast. He suffered from hunger all day, the night passed, and by sunrise he had died. The king had him cremated, and Chandrabhaga, after performing her husband's last rites, went on living in her father's home.
By the merit of the fast Shobhan gained a divine city on the peak of Mount Mandarachal, but it was unstable, because he had kept the fast out of compulsion rather than faith. Somasharma, a brahmin on pilgrimage, saw him there and on returning told Chandrabhaga. Chandrabhaga went with Somasharma to the ashram of the sage Vamadeva, and offered her husband the merit of the Ekadashi fasts she had kept since the age of eight. With that Shobhan's city became stable, and the two lived there happily.
How Rama Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotees bathe in the morning and take the vow, observing a fruit-based fast through the day. Lord Vishnu is worshipped, and the legend of Rama Ekadashi is heard.
Since this Ekadashi falls a day or two before Dhanteras, many homes also begin their Diwali cleaning and decoration preparations from this very day. The fast is broken the next day, on Dwadashi, within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat.
This vow is observed especially with the wish for freedom from life's hardships, poverty, and instability, and the legend of Shobhan and Chandrabhaga is regarded as symbolizing how a couple's combined vow and merit brings stability to life.
Rama Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning, take the vow, and observe a fruit-based fast. Worship Lord Vishnu and listen to the legend of Rama Ekadashi. The next day, on Dwadashi, give alms and break the fast within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat.
About Rama Ekadashi
Rama Ekadashi is the vow observed on Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, a day or two before Dhanteras, for freedom from hardship and poverty. This page covers the vow's significance, the legend of Shobhan and Chandrabhaga, and the vidhi for observing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Rama Ekadashi observed?
This vow is observed every year on Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, a day or two before Dhanteras.
When is Rama Ekadashi in 2026, and when is the parana?
In 2026 the Rama Ekadashi fast is on Thursday, 5 November. Ekadashi tithi runs from 11:03 AM on 4 November to 10:35 AM on 5 November. Break the fast on Friday, 6 November, between 6:37 and 8:48 AM; Dwadashi ends at 10:30 AM that day (New Delhi).
Why is it called 'Rama' Ekadashi?
'Rama' is a name of Maa Lakshmi. On this Ekadashi before Diwali, Maa Lakshmi is worshipped together with Lord Vishnu, which is why it is called Rama Ekadashi.
What is the legend of Shobhan and Chandrabhaga?
The frail Prince Shobhan kept the Rama Ekadashi fast in his father-in-law Muchukunda's kingdom and died by the next sunrise. By the fast's merit he gained a divine city on Mount Mandarachal, but it was unstable. His wife Chandrabhaga offered him the merit of her own Ekadashi fasts, and the city became stable.
How is Rama Ekadashi connected to Diwali?
Rama Ekadashi falls a day or two before Dhanteras, and Maa Lakshmi (Rama) is worshipped on it too, so it is also regarded as signaling the start of Diwali's five-day celebration.
What is the benefit of observing Rama Ekadashi?
It is believed that this vow grants freedom from life's hardships, poverty, and instability, and brings stability and prosperity to the home and family.