Padmini Ekadashi is a special day of fasting and worship
for devotees of Lord Vishnu. It occurs once in every three years, during the extra month
of the lunar calendar, also known as Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas. This year, Padmini
Ekadashi falls on July 29, 2023.
- Padmini Ekadashi is also called Kamala Ekadashi
or Purushottam Ekadashi, as
it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s form as Purushottam, the best among men. It
is said that observing this Ekadashi fast with devotion and sincerity can
erase all sins and grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It
can also fulfill all material and spiritual desires of the devotees.
-
The story of Padmini Ekadashi is a legend that
explains the origin and
significance of this special day. A king named Krit Virya and his queen
Padmini performed severe penance in the
forest to get a son. They met Devi Anasuya, the
mother of Dattatreya, Durvasa and Soma, who advised them to observe a fast on Padmini
Ekadashi with certain rules and rituals. They followed her instructions and pleased Lord
Vishnu, who appeared before them and blessed them with a son named Kartavirya. He grew
up to be a mighty king who conquered many lands and even defeated Ravana, the king of
Lanka.
- The rituals and customs of Padmini Ekadashi are
similar to other Ekadashis,
but with some additional rules and offerings. The devotees should fast from
grains and beans on the previous day (Dashami) and avoid eating certain
foods like urad dal, chickpeas, spinach, honey, sea salt, dining in others’
homes, or using bell-metal plates. They should also sleep on the floor and
remain celibate. On the day of Ekadashi, they should wake up early and take
a bath . Then they should smear their body with various substances like cow
dung, clay,
sesame paste, kusha grass, and amalaki powder while chanting
Vedic hymns. After another bath, they should worship Lord Vishnu with
flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and sweets. They should also listen to or
read the story of Padmini Ekadashi from the Padma Purana or other
scriptures. They should chant the holy names of Lord Vishnu and meditate on
His form throughout the day. On the next day (Dwadashi), they should break
the fast by offering food to a brahmana or a cow before eating anything
themselves. They should also donate clothes, grains, gold, or money to the
needy as per their capacity.
- Here are the details of Padmini Ekadashi 2023 date and
timing:
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 28, 2023 at 02:51 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 29, 2023 at 01:05 PM
- Parana Time: July 30, 2023 from 05:41 AM to 08:23 AM
- Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment: July 30, 2023 at 10:34 AM
