Apara Ekadashi 2026: Date, Auspicious Timings, and Significance
Understanding Apara Ekadashi 2026
Apara Ekadashi 2026 Date: The Ekadashi that occurs during the *Krishna Paksha* (waning moon phase) in the month of *Jyeshtha* is known as Apara Ekadashi. This marks the first Ekadashi of Jyeshtha. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in his *Trivikrama* form, particularly his *Vamana* avatar. Observing this fast is believed to bring fame, wealth, happiness, prosperity, and *Moksha* (liberation). It is said to alleviate life's hardships and cleanse one from sins. Let's explore the date, auspicious timings (*Muhurat*), and *Parana* (fast-breaking) time for Apara Ekadashi.
Apara Ekadashi 2026 Date Details
Apara Ekadashi 2026 Date
According to the Vedic *Panchang* (calendar), the *Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi Tithi* (lunar day) for Apara Ekadashi begins on Tuesday, May 12, at 2:52 PM and concludes on Wednesday, May 13, at 1:29 PM. Based on the *Udayatithi* (the lunar day at sunrise), the fast will be observed on May 13, with the *Parana* (breaking of the fast) occurring on Thursday, May 14.
Auspicious Timings for Apara Ekadashi 2026
Apara Ekadashi 2026 Auspicious Timings (*Muhurat*)
The *Brahma Muhurat* on Apara Ekadashi is from 4:08 AM to 4:50 AM, but there is no *Abhijit Muhurat* on this day. Devotees can worship Lord Vishnu and his *Vamana* avatar during the morning hours, particularly during the *Labha-Unnati Muhurat* (05:32 AM to 07:13 AM) or the *Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurat* (07:13 AM to 08:55 AM). Additionally, the *Shubh-Uttam Muhurat* is available from 10:36 AM to 12:18 PM. After this period, the *Rahukal* will begin.
Astrological Significance of Apara Ekadashi
This year, Apara Ekadashi coincides with the Vishkumbha Yoga and the Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra. Vishkumbha Yoga starts at dawn and lasts until 8:55 PM, after which Preeti Yoga takes over. The Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra is present from dawn until 12:17 AM on May 14, followed by the Revati Nakshatra.
Acts of Charity on Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi 2026: Acts of Charity (Daan)
After completing the worship rituals for Apara Ekadashi, it is customary to donate water. In Jyeshtha, giving water is believed to bring spiritual merit (Punya) and lead to salvation (Moksha).
Parana (Fast-Breaking) Time for Apara Ekadashi 2026
Apara Ekadashi 2026: Parana (Fast-Breaking) Time
For those observing the Apara Ekadashi fast, the *Parana* will occur on May 14th, with the designated time for breaking the fast set between 5:31 AM and 8:14 AM.
The Importance of Observing Apara Ekadashi
The Significance of the Apara Ekadashi Fast
Those who have received guidance from a Guru (spiritual teacher) but later speak negatively about them incur sin. If you have made such a mistake, whether knowingly or unknowingly, observing the Apara Ekadashi fast is believed to help you seek forgiveness from Lord Vishnu and attain liberation from this sin.