Moksada Ekadashi
Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-gita
Fasting day
From grains and beans, from sunrise
Break the fast ·
7:14 – 10:38 AM
Break the fast after sunrise and before a third of the day has passed.
What is Moksada Ekadashi?
Moksada Ekadashi, also spelled Mokshada, comes in the bright fortnight of Margashirsha (November to December). In 2026 devotees keep it on Sunday, 20 December, and the same day is Gita Jayanti, when they celebrate the Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-gita.
Significance
In the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Krishna tells Maharaja Yudhishthira the glories of this Ekadashi. King Vaikhanasa of Champaka-nagar once dreamed that his father was suffering in hell. The sage Parvata Muni told the king to keep this Ekadashi with a full fast and to give its merit to his father. The king did so, and his father was freed and went to the heavenly region.
Krishna also says that the Deity to worship on this day is Lord Damodara.
How to observe it
As on every Ekadashi, devotees avoid grains and beans, chant more of the holy names and hear about Krishna. They also worship Lord Damodara with incense, a ghee lamp and Tulasi. At Kurukshetra the fast is broken on Monday, 21 December 2026, between 7:14 AM and 10:38 AM.
Read more: Mokshada Ekadashi
Questions
When is Mokshada Ekadashi in 2026?
Mokshada Ekadashi falls on Sunday, 20 December 2026, which is also Gita Jayanti.
What time should I break the Mokshada Ekadashi fast in Kurukshetra?
At Kurukshetra, break the Mokshada Ekadashi fast on Monday, 21 December 2026, between 7:14 AM and 10:38 AM.
Which Deity is worshipped on Mokshada Ekadashi?
Lord Damodara is the Deity of Mokshada Ekadashi, according to the Brahmanda Purana. Devotees offer Him incense, a ghee lamp, fragrant flowers and Tulasi buds.
Why is it called Mokshada Ekadashi?
The word Mokshada means one who gives liberation. In the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi frees the faithful devotee from all sinful reactions and grants liberation.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Fasting day
- Break fast
- · 7:14–10:38 AM
- Also on this day
- Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-gita
- Fast from
- Grains and beans
- Deity worshipped
- Lord Damodara
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.