Annada Ekadashi
Fasting day
From grains and beans, from sunrise
Break the fast ·
5:58 – 9:37 AM
Break the fast after sunrise and before Dvadashi ends.
What is Annada Ekadashi?
Annada Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada, the month that spans August and September. When Lord Krishna described this day to Maharaja Yudhishthira, He called it Aja, and many people know it as Aja Ekadashi. In 2027 devotees keep the fast on Saturday, 28 August.
Significance
Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that whoever fasts completely on this day and worships Lord Hrishikesha is freed from the reactions of sin, and that even hearing of its glories clears away past sins. To show its power, the Lord told the story of King Harishchandra, an emperor famed for his truthfulness. Harishchandra lost his kingdom, his family and his rank, and was reduced to guarding a crematorium, yet even there he held to the truth. Gautama Muni advised him to fast on this Ekadashi and stay awake through the night. When the king did so, his troubles ended, and his family and kingdom were restored to him.
The fruits of the fast are many, but the heart of the vow is simple:
To observe Ekādaśī-vrata and Dvādaśī-vrata means to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Srimad-Bhagavatam 9.4.29, purport
How to observe it
Offer the day's worship to Lord Hrishikesha. From sunrise on Saturday, set aside grains and beans, and fill the hours with japa and with hearing the story of Harishchandra. As Gautama Muni advised the king, keep vigil through the night with kirtan. At Kurukshetra the fast is broken on Sunday, 29 August, between 5:58 AM and 9:37 AM.
Questions
When is Aja (Annada) Ekadashi in 2027?
Aja (Annada) Ekadashi falls on Saturday, 28 August 2027. Devotees fast from grains and beans that day and break the fast the next morning, Sunday, 29 August.
What time should I break the Annada Ekadashi fast in Kurukshetra?
Break the fast at Kurukshetra on Sunday, 29 August 2027, between sunrise at 5:58 AM and 9:37 AM, when the tithi ends.
Is Annada Ekadashi the same as Aja Ekadashi?
Yes, they are the same day. Lord Krishna told Maharaja Yudhishthira that the Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada is called Aja, and the Vaishnava calendar lists it as Annada.
Which form of the Lord is worshipped on Annada Ekadashi?
Devotees worship Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses. Lord Krishna promised that whoever fasts completely on this day and worships Him is freed from sinful reactions.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Fasting day
- Break fast
- · 5:58–9:37 AM
- Fast from
- Grains and beans
- Lord worshipped
- Lord Hrishikesha, master of the senses
- Also named
- Aja Ekadashi
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.