AjaEkadashi
‖ 7 September 2026 (Monday) ‖
Bhadrapada Krishna Ekadashi — also called Annada Ekadashi, this day destroys sins and sorrows. By the power of this very fast, the truthful King Harishchandra regained his lost kingdom, wife and son.
Aja Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada. The Puranas describe it as destroying every sin and granting fruit equal to the Ashwamedha sacrifice. For Shyam devotees it is a day to surrender one's troubles and sins at Baba's feet and rise again — for Baba is the "support of the defeated" (Haare ka Sahara).
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The story of King Harishchandra
For the sake of truth, King Harishchandra gave up his kingdom, wealth, wife and even his son, and became the keeper of a cremation ground. On Sage Gautama's advice he kept the Aja Ekadashi fast — by its power all his sins and sorrows were destroyed, his dead son was restored to life, and he regained his lost kingdom along with his wife. This is why the Ekadashi is held to return lost fortune.
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Destroyer of sin, fruit of the Ashwamedha
The scriptures say that a devotee who keeps the Aja Ekadashi fast with faith has the sins of many births worn away and gains merit equal to the Ashwamedha sacrifice. The day is also held especially fruitful for the peace and upward passage of the ancestors.
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Shyam Baba — the support of the defeated
Shri Khatu Shyam Ji is Krishna's own form in the age of Kali, and Ekadashi is the day dear to Vishnu-Krishna. As Harishchandra found ground beneath him again through this fast, so the broken and defeated find support at Baba's court. Keeping Aja Ekadashi in remembrance of Baba is a beautiful occasion for the prayer for release from suffering.
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Sattvic food and restraint from the night of Dashami.
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On Ekadashi, bathe at dawn, worship Vishnu / Shyam Baba with tulsi leaves, flowers and panchamrit, and take the vow.
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Keep a fruit fast through the day — Vishnu / Shyam naam-japa, bhajan-kirtan and hearing the Aja Ekadashi katha.
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In the evening make a lamp-offering (deep-daan) and pray for the ancestors.
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Break the fast (paran) on Dwadashi morning, giving food as you are able.
Aja Ekadashi — FAQ
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When is Aja Ekadashi?
Aja Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada — the next date is given at the top of this page. It is also known as Annada Ekadashi.
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What is the story of Aja Ekadashi?
The truthful King Harishchandra had given up his kingdom, wife and son for the sake of truth. On the counsel of Sage Gautama he kept the Aja Ekadashi fast, by whose power his sins and sorrows were destroyed, his son was restored to life, and his kingdom was returned to him.
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Why is the Aja Ekadashi fast kept?
The Aja Ekadashi fast is kept to destroy sins and sorrows and to regain lost fortune. The Puranas describe it as granting fruit equal to the Ashwamedha sacrifice and as bringing peace to the ancestors.