UtpannaEkadashi
‖ 4 December 2026 (Friday) ‖
Margashirsha Krishna Ekadashi — the day the Goddess Ekadashi herself appeared. The whole tradition of the Ekadashi fast is held to begin here.
Of the twenty-four Ekadashis of the year, this is the only one that tells the birth-story not of a deity but of the tithi itself. For a devotee who wishes to begin keeping Ekadashi, tradition holds this to be the best day to start.
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The appearance of Goddess Ekadashi
The Puranas tell that while fighting the demon Mura, Vishnu withdrew to rest in a cave at Badrikashram. When Mura moved to strike the sleeping Lord, a goddess emerged from his own radiance and slew the demon. Pleased, Vishnu named her "Ekadashi" and granted that this tithi would be the dearest to him.
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The mother of all Ekadashis
This is the tithi from which the Ekadashi fast itself began, and so it is called the mother of all the Ekadashis. Devotees who wish to take a vow of keeping Ekadashi through the year most often begin on Utpanna.
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The vow taken after the Janmotsav
Utpanna holds a particular place for Shyam devotees — it comes only weeks after Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Baba’s manifestation day, and the Kartik Mela. Returning from the mela, a devotee takes on this day the year-long vow of Ekadashi, giving devotion a settled rhythm.
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Sattvic food, restraint and continence from the night of Dashami.
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Bathe at dawn on Ekadashi and worship Vishnu and Shyam Baba; if you intend a year-long Ekadashi vow, take it today.
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Offer tulsi leaves and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or a Shyam stavan.
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Keep the fast through the day, without food or on fruit, as you are able; keeping vigil at night is held auspicious.
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Break the fast on Dwadashi morning after bathing and puja, having first fed a brahmin or someone in need.
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Utpanna Ekadashi — FAQ
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What is the significance of Utpanna Ekadashi?
On this tithi the Goddess Ekadashi emerged from Vishnu’s own radiance and slew the demon Mura. The tradition of the Ekadashi fast is held to begin here, which is why it is called the mother of all the Ekadashis.
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Should an Ekadashi vow begin on Utpanna?
Tradition treats it as the best starting point, since the Ekadashi fast itself began on this day. It is not a binding rule, however — with sincerity, a vow may be begun on any Ekadashi.
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When does Utpanna Ekadashi fall?
Utpanna Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of Margashirsha, some weeks after Dev Uthani Ekadashi and the Kartik Mela at Khatu. The next date is given at the top of this page.