Yogini Smarta Ekadashi is for Households and Bhagwat Ekadashi is for Varkari and Vaishnava
Ekadashi Kab hai : Yogini Ekadashi 2026 observance falls on July 10 and Bhagwat Ekadashi wil fall on July 11 due to tithi timings.
Householders will fast on July 10, while Bhagwat Ekadashi Vaishnava devotees observe it on July 11.
This Ekadashi is significant for its power to absolve sins and bring healing.
Ekadashi Tithi from 10 July to 11 July Logic
The Ekadashi will start from Friday, July 10, 2026, at 08:16 AM and End on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 05:22 AM.
So Friday all Household people will follow Vrat - Upvas on July 10 - Monday as Yogini Smarta Ekadashi and on Friday which will be 11 July 2026 - Saturday all Varkari's and Vaishnava will do Vrat - Upvas.
The distinction between Smarta and Bhagavata (or Vaishnava) Ekadashi doesn’t change the core legend or spiritual purpose of an observance like Yogini Ekadashi (which purifies past sins and curses).
Instead, it refers to the astronomical calculations used to determine the exact fasting day.
1. Smarta Ekadashi (The Logic of Sunrise)
Who observes it :
People who follow the Smarta tradition—a major philosophical school founded on the Advaita Vedanta teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, as well as family-oriented householders.
The Logic :
Smartas determine the Ekadashi date strictly based on sunrise.
If the Ekadashi tithi (lunar day) is prevailing at the time of local sunrise, the fast is observed on that day.
It is accepted even if the 10th lunar day (Dashami) is still overlapping at dawn.
Philosophy :
Focuses on standard, Veda-based daily rituals and community/family fasting.
2. Bhagavata / Vaishnava Ekadashi (The Logic of Arunodaya)
Who observes it :
Devotees of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, followers of the Vaishnava and Warkari traditions (like ISKCON devotees), and those strictly seeking Moksha (liberation).
The Logic :
Bhagavata calculations strictly state that Ekadashi must begin before Arunodaya—the 96-minute period just before sunrise.
For this to happen, the previous day (Dashami) must have ended before this 96-minute window.
The Result :
Because of this strict rule, the Bhagavata fast almost always falls on the second consecutive day when there is a split.
Philosophy :
Prioritizes absolute purity and devotion by ensuring the fast does not overlap with the previous lunar day.
Yogini Smarta Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi is a highly auspicious Hindu fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed during the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) of the Nija Jyesta month.
Devoutly following this vrat is believed to absolve devotees of sins, overcome chronic ailments, and yield merits equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins.
In the year 2026, Yogini Ekadashi spans across two calendar days, which creates different fasting dates for the Smarta (householder) and Vaishnava traditions.
Tithi Timings for Yogini Ekadashi 2026
According to the Drik Panchang, the astronomical timings for the Ekadashi Tithi are as follows :
Ekadashi Tithi Begins : Friday, July 10, 2026, at 08:16 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends : Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 05:22 AM
Smarta Fasting Timings
Because the Ekadashi tithi is active throughout most of Friday, those following the Smarta tradition (householders) will observe the fast on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Parana (Fast Breaking) Window for Smartas
Breaking the fast must be done at an auspicious time on the following day (Dwadashi) after the period of Hari Vasara ends.
For the Smarta fast kept on July 10, the breaking schedule is :
Hari Vasara End Time : Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:32 AM
Auspicious Parana Time : Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 01:50 PM to 04:36 PM
Significance of the "Smarta" Tradition
The observance falls into two primary Hindu traditions: Smarta (advocated by followers of Adi Shankaracharya) and Vaishnava.
Calculation :
Smartas calculate the date based strictly on sunrise and Udaya Tithi (the tithi prevailing at sunrise), which sometimes shifts the exact fasting date compared to Vaishnavas.
Observance :
Designed heavily for householders (Grihasthas), the Smarta Ekadashi emphasizes family fasting and Vedic rituals preserved in Advaita Vedanta texts.
Rituals & Fasting Rules
Observing the fast requires purity, devotion, and abstaining from certain foods.
What to Avoid :
Grains, beans, rice, and non-vegetarian items are strictly prohibited.
What to Consume :
Devotees typically observe a partial fast eating only fruits, dry fruits, potatoes, and milk products using rock salt (Sendha Namak).
Key Practices :
Wake up early, bathe, and take a sankalp (vow) to fast.
Perform puja for Lord Vishnu using yellow flowers, incense, and a ghee lamp, and chant the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
The Yogini Smarta Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (the sacred story behind the fast) is narrated in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
It was originally told by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira to explain how this fast can rid a person of severe sins and chronic illnesses.
The Legend of Hemamali and Swarupavati
In ancient times, there was a beautiful city named Alakapuri, ruled by the king of Yakshas, Kuvera (the god of wealth).
Kuvera was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and performed daily worship.
To conduct his daily rituals, Kuvera employed a Yaksha named Hemamali, whose sole duty was to fetch fresh flowers from the sacred Mansarovar Lake every morning before the king's prayers.
Hemamali was married to a stunningly beautiful woman named Swarupavati, and he was deeply infatuated with her.
The Neglect of Duty
One morning, Hemamali went to Mansarovar, collected the flowers, but instead of delivering them to King Kuvera's palace, he returned home to spend time with his wife.
Blinded by passion, he completely forgot about his duty.
Meanwhile, King Kuvera waited at his altar.
The auspicious time for the puja was passing, but Hemamali had not arrived.
Outraged, the king sent his messengers to find out what had delayed the flower bearer.
The messengers returned and informed Kuvera that Hemamali was at home enjoying the company of his wife.
The Curse of King Kuvera
Furious at this disrespect toward Lord Shiva, King Kuvera summoned Hemamali to the court. Trembling with fear, Hemamali stood before the king with his head bowed. Kuvera scolded him harshly, saying, "You have neglected your divine duty for the sake of lust. Therefore, I curse you! You will be separated from your beloved wife immediately, and you will suffer from leprosy on Earth."
Hemamali’s Suffering
Due to the curse, Hemamali fell from Alakapuri down to the earthly realm.
He was instantly afflicted with severe leprosy, and his body began to exude a foul odour.
He was separated from his wife, wandering aimlessly through dense forests without food, water, or sleep.
Because of the merits of his past service to Lord Shiva, Hemamali remembered his past life and continued to chant the names of the gods despite his intense physical agony.
The Meeting with Sage Markandeya
After wandering for a long time, Hemamali reached the foothills of the Himalayas, where he stumbled upon the ashram of the highly revered and ancient Sage Markandeya.
Seeing Hemamali’s miserable condition, the kind-hearted sage called him closer and asked , " What great sin have you committed to suffer from such a dreadful disease ? " Hemamali fell at the sage's feet, wept bitterly, and narrated the entire story of his lust, the neglected flowers, and King Kuvera's curse.
He begged the sage for mercy and a way out of his suffering.
The Remedy : Yogini Ekadashi
Moved by his genuine repentance, Sage Markandeya said,
" You have spoken the truth without hiding your sins.
Out of compassion, I will tell you a powerful remedy.
In the month of Ashadha, during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon), there falls an auspicious day known as Yogini Ekadashi.
If you observe this fast with strict devotion, all your sins will be burnt away, and you will be cured."
Redemption and Return
Hemamali prostrated before the sage in deep gratitude.
When Yogini Ekadashi arrived, he followed all the fasting rules and rituals exactly as instructed, worshipping Lord Vishnu with complete devotion.
As a result of the immense merits gained from the fast, Hemamali was completely cured of leprosy.
His body returned to its radiant, heavenly form.
He was allowed to return to Alakapuri, where he was happily reunited with his wife, Swarupavati.
Significance of the Katha
Lord Krishna concluded the narration by telling King Yudhishthira that anyone who reads, hears, or tells this sacred story with a pure heart receives the same merits as performing a grand Vedic sacrifice.
Bhagavat Ekadashi - 11 July 2026 - Saturday for Varkaris and Vaishnava
When an Ekadashi is designated specifically as Bhagavata Ekadashi (also commonly known as Vaishnava Ekadashi), it means the day is calculated under the strict rules of Arunodaya Viddha.
This observance focuses heavily on absolute ritualistic purity, ensuring that no residue of the 10th lunar day (Dashami) overlaps with the dawn of the fast.
Because it is highly revered by Lord Vishnu's devotees, this calculation is strictly followed by the Vaishnava sect, sanyasis, and the Warkari Sampradaya.
The Current Cycle: Yogini Bhagavata Ekadashi (July 2026)
Currently, the ongoing lunar phase presents a distinct split between the two traditions :The Lunar Tithi :
The Nija Jyestha - Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi began on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 8:16 AM and concludes on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 5:22 AM.
The Alignment :
Because the tithi begins after sunrise on Friday, it does not fulfill the pure dawn requirement for the Bhagavata calculation.
Therefore, the Bhagavata (Vaishnava) Ekadashi fast is being observed on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Know the Fasting Rules for Bhagavata Devotees
If you are observing the fast on Saturday, July 11, the core practices outlined by the scriptures include :
Complete Abstinence from Grains :
Devotees strictly avoid grains, wheat, rice, corn, and beans. Instead, a diet of fruits, milk, water, or light Sattvik roots (like potatoes or sweet potatoes) is adopted.
Spiritual Focus :
The day is meant for intensive meditation, reading sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam, and chanting the Mahamantra.
The Parana Window (Breaking the Fast) :
For those fasting on Saturday, the fast must be broken the following morning on Sunday, July 12, 2026, between 5:30 AM and 8:20 AM.
Breaking the fast correctly within this window is essential to complete the spiritual merit of the vow.
Ekadashi and Types of Ekadashi Information in Simple Language
Full information about 26 Ekadashis that occurs in One year and after 3 years as per Hindu Calendar explained in Simple easy to understand Language.
What is Ekadashi ?
The 11th Day of the Lunar Cycle in Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha is the Ekadashi.
In one year there are 24 Ekadashi's , 12 Ekadashi's in Krishna Paksha and 12 Ekadashi's in Shukla Paksha , but in Adhik Maas also known as Purushottam Maas which occurs after every 3 years there are 2 extra Ekadashi's Padmini Ekadashi which occurs in Shukla Paksha and Parama Ekadashi which occurs in Krishna Paksha.
So in total there are 26 Ekadashi's in one year as per Hindu Calendar.
How many times Ekadashi's are in one year ?
My Grandmother explained me the logic of Ekadashi , so there is one Purnima and one Amavasya in each month as per lunar cycle so the 11th day from Purnima of Krishna Paksha is Ekadashi and in same way 11th day after Amavasya in Shukla Paksha is Ekadashi.
Rules about keeping Vrat on Ekadashi
The rules are simple to honor the Diety it includes Vrat Fasting Time Duration , What to eat and what not to eat in the Vrat.
Fasting Time in Ekadashi Vrat
My Grandmother use to start the Ekadashi Fasting from Morning and use to eat food means break the fast on next morning which was called as Dwadashi.
Which Foods to eat during Ekadashi Vrat Fasting
We eat these food during Ekadashi Vrat which include fruits , Dairy foods , Vegetables , Fasting Staples , Nuts & Seeds , Sweeteners and Spices.
Satvik Foods that we eat during Ekadashi Vrat
Bananas, apples, pears, pomegranates, and papayas are the fruits which are satvik as told by our old people and it is followed in our satara and pune region of Maharashtra.
I have seen Varkari Samapradya Devotees means Vitthal Bhakts observe Nirjala fast meaning NO WATER and NO FOOD on Ekadashi , my Grandmother use to observe Nirjala Fast when she was young later in her old age she started eating only Satvik Food.
Other Foods that we can eat during Ekadashi Vrat
We can consume of Desi Cow which will be Organic Milk, Curd (yogurt), Paneer, and Makkhan (Butter).
In vegtables we eat Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (shakarkandi), Pumpkins, and some people also eat cucumbers ,but we do not.
Afternoon Fasting food in Maharstra is Sabudana (sago/tapioca pearls), Singhara atta (water chestnut flour), and makhana (fox nuts) , so we eat Sabudana Khichdi, Singhara atta Puri and Sabudana Kheer.
We can eat nuts and seeds like Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews , in Marathwada people eat sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
For sweet dish we can use Jaggery and Honey.
Which foods we do not eat during Ekadashi Vrat as per Satara - Pune Culture
In Grains and Cereals we do not eat Rice, Wheat, Barley, Oats, and Maize , All types od Dal's are not allowed , Onions and Garlic are strictly not allowed.
Meat , Eggs are not allowed in Ekadashi Vrat , Fish and Sea Food are also not allowed.
What can be eatan on Ekadashi Fast ?
Only Satvik Foods must be eaten on Ekdashi as it clears out all Tamasic Energy from our body and Rajasic Energy is created so that we can do our work with more energy and enthusiasm and we can also do our spiritual practices with more devotion and dedication.
Can I eat Chapati in Ekadashi Vrat ?
Wheat is not eaten in Ekadashi Vrat , while ending the Vrat we eat Wheat Chapati or Wheat Puri but if you following the Vrat please do not eat.
Can I eat Curd in Ekadashi Vrat ?
We eat only Organic Desi Cow Curd in Ekadashi Vrat we call Vrat as Ekadashi Upvas , Buffalo Curd is not eaten in our region in our Satara village even packed Curd - Dahi is not eaten.
Can I eat Potato in Ekadashi Vrat ?
Yes , Potato can be eaten but no masala is added only it is fired in ghee or ground nut oil and eaten with Rajgira Aata Puri and Potato is added in Sabudana Khichdi.
Can we eat Bananas in Ekadashi Vrat
Big Big Yes to Banaas in Ekadashi Vrat , one of the most comman food eaten - We eat Bananas like by peeling it , Banana No Masala Chips and Banana Milk Shake and Banana with Curd , Banana is stuffed in Rajgira Puri and fired in Ghee or Groundnut Oil.
Know the Main Reasons and Benefits of Keeping Vrat on Ekadashi
I have seen many Hindu poeple from different states of India who eat non-veg but follow Ekadashi Vrat and seen many Hindus who are eat Veg and also follow Ekadashi Vrat I have asked many people so I found out these reasons some are attached to God and Some to Science but I was convinced by all of the reasons and Benefits that they told me.
Our Guru from Wai in Satara in Khavli Village told me that we eat veg and non-veg with all kinds of fast food with Masala some people drink and smoke but following Vrat detach our body from all these things atleast keep yourself away from these things to body , Just attach with our God and Pray , Chant and eat only Satvik Food.
Once I met on Uncle in Swami Samarth Math in Dadar he told me that on Ekadashi Planets Gravity is full is high so we have to fast and just have water so our body will be light , that uncle said that our body has connections with universe , later I searched this on Internet and he was 100% right.
Ekadasi meaning in English in Very Simple Logic
In 15 days of Lunar cycle both in Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon) and Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon) , the 11th Day is called as Ekadashi , So in every month there are 2 Lunar Cycle so there are 2 Ekadashi's in each month which makes 24 Ekadashi's One year and in every Adhik Maas there are 2 more Ekadashi in this case it makes 26 Ekadashi in that year so this 2026 has Adhik Maas.
All 26 Types of Ekadashi's Complete Information
24 Ekadashi Names and plus 2 Ekadashi that comes in Adhik Mass in every 3 years in mobile friendly format with Name of Ekadashi , Name of Hindu Month , Deity to be worshipped on that day and Benefits of that Ekadashi.
Papamochani
Month: Chaitra (Krishna)
Deity: Vishnu
Note: Known for washing away sins.
Kamada
Month: Chaitra (Shukla)
Deity: Vishnu
Note: Grants desires and fulfillment.
Varuthini
Month: Vaishakha (Krishna)
Deity: Vamana
Note: Brings prosperity and luck.
Mohini
Month: Vaishakha (Shukla)
Deity: Mohini
Note: Aids in overcoming illusions.
Apara
Month: Jyeshtha (Krishna)
Deity: Trivikrama
Note: Removes negative karma.
Nirjala
Month: Jyeshtha (Shukla)
Deity: Vishnu
Note: Strict fast without water.
Yogini
Month: Ashadha (Krishna)
Deity: Vishnu
Note: Promotes physical/mental health.
Devshayani
Month: Ashadha (Shukla)
Deity: Padmanabha
Note: Marks the start of Chaturmas.
Kamika
Month: Shravana (Krishna)
Deity: Sridhara
Note: Grants liberation and peace.
Putrada
Month: Shravana (Shukla)
Deity: Vishnu
Note: Sought for blessings of progeny.
Aja
Month: Bhadrapada (Krishna)
Deity: Hrishikesha
Note: Removes past regrets.
Parsva
Month: Bhadrapada (Shukla)
Deity: Vamana
Note: Honors the 'turning' of Vishnu.
Indira
Month: Ashwina (Krishna)
Deity: Shaligram
Note: Helps ancestors reach heaven.
Papankusha
Month: Ashwina (Shukla)
Deity: Padmanabha
Note: Removes sinful tendencies.
Rama
Month: Kartika (Krishna)
Deity: Damodara
Note: Enhances devotion.
Devutthana
Month: Kartika (Shukla)
Deity: Damodara
Note: Vishnu awakens from sleep.
Utpanna
Month: Margashirsha (Krishna)
Deity: Keshava
Note: Appearance of Ekadashi Devi.
Mokshada
Month: Margashirsha (Shukla)
Deity: Damodara
Note: Grants liberation (Moksha).
Saphala
Month: Pausha (Krishna)
Deity: Narayana
Note: Ensures success in endeavors.
Putrada
Month: Pausha (Shukla)
Deity: Narayana
Note: Fasting for family blessings.
Shattila
Month: Magha (Krishna)
Deity: Madhava
Note: Ritual use of sesame seeds.
Jaya
Month: Magha (Shukla)
Deity: Vishnu
Note: Removes fear and obstacles.
Vijaya
Month: Phalguna (Krishna)
Deity: Govinda
Note: Encourages victory.
Amalaki
Month: Phalguna (Shukla)
Deity: Govinda
Note: Worship of the Amla tree.
Padmini
Month: Adhika (Shukla)
Deity: Purushottama
Note: Occurs every 3 years.
Parama
Month: Adhika (Krishna)
Deity: Purushottama
Note: Highest merit achieved.
Ekadashi Kab Hai ?
Ye ekdum simple aur easy tool hai where you will have to select Month and you will get the 2 Ekadashi's of that month and this is updated as 2026 year has Adhik Mass so there are 2 more Ekadashi's than normal year.
2026 ki Ekadashi Kab Hai Full Information
Check the Name , Date ,Date ,Paksha Information about Ekadashi of 2026 in Simple and Easy way.
The most asked question is that ,Can we eat Jaggery in Ekadashi Fast ?
Yes, Organic Jaggery can be eaten in any fast including Ekadashi we know that it is made from Sugarcane ,we eat Jaggery with Sabudana khichdi and with curd (Dahi) and if we feel low in energy then Jaggery and water is the best drink to get instant boost in Upvas it cools the body naturally.
Jaggery is stuffed in Rajgira and made sweet puri it adds so much taste.
कोणत्याही प्रकारच्या त्रयोदशी, एकादशीच्या व्रतात टाळायचे तामसिक पदार्थ
शिळे किंवा पुन्हा गरम केलेले अन्न : जे अन्न बराच वेळ शिजवलेले असते, तसेच ठेवलेले असते किंवा अनेक वेळा पुन्हा गरम केलेले असते.
मांस आणि मासे : प्राण्यांचे मांस, ज्यात लाल मांस, कोंबडी आणि मासे यांचा समावेश आहे, ते त्याच्या स्रोताशी संबंधित ऊर्जेमुळे अत्यंत तामसिक मानले जाते.
अंडी : त्यांच्या जड स्वरूपामुळे अनेकदा तामसिक म्हणून वर्गीकृत केली जातात.
कांदा आणि लसूण : जरी यावर कधीकधी वादविवाद होत असला तरी, कठोर पारंपरिक वर्गीकरणानुसार, हे तामसिक/राजसिक मानले जातात, कारण ते मनाला अस्वस्थ करतात आणि तीव्र शारीरिक लालसा निर्माण करतात असे मानले जाते.
प्रक्रिया केलेले आणि पॅकेज केलेले पदार्थ : कृत्रिम संरक्षक, रसायने आणि स्थिरीकरण घटकांनी भरलेले डबाबंद पदार्थ, गोठवलेले जेवण आणि स्नॅक्स.
किण्वित पदार्थ : ज्या पदार्थांवर लक्षणीय प्रमाणात किण्वन प्रक्रिया (केवळ साध्या दह्यापलीकडे) झालेली असते, जसे की विशिष्ट प्रकारचे जुने चीज किंवा व्हिनेगर-आधारित अतिरिक्त उत्पादने.
मादक पदार्थ : मद्य, तंबाखू आणि मनोरंजनासाठी वापरली जाणारी अमली पदार्थ ही तामसिक पदार्थांची प्रमुख उदाहरणे आहेत, कारण ते जाणीव धूसर करतात आणि शरीराची नैसर्गिक लय विस्कळीत करतात.
साखरयुक्त आणि अति-प्रक्रिया केलेले पदार्थ : अति-प्रक्रिया केलेली पांढरी साखर, मैदा आणि तळलेले फास्ट फूड्स, ज्यामुळे शरीर जड किंवा फुगल्यासारखे वाटते.
बुरशी : पारंपरिक आहारविषयक मार्गदर्शक तत्त्वांमध्ये मशरूमला अनेकदा तामसिक पदार्थांमध्ये गणले जाते, कारण ते अंधाऱ्या, दमट वातावरणात वाढतात आणि त्यांना "विघटक" मानले जाते.
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