What is Unmilani Mahadvadasi?
Dvadasi is the twelfth lunar day, the day after Ekadashi, and certain Dvadasis are called Mahadvadasis, or "great" Dvadasis. Unmilani Mahadvadasi is one of them. In 2027 the Kurukshetra calendar lists it on Thursday, 4 March, together with Vijaya Ekadashi.
Significance
The Ekadashi fast is normally broken on Dvadasi. Under certain conditions, however, the Dvadasi itself becomes the day of fasting. Vaishnava teaching names eight such conditions, and Unmilani is one of them.
These rules rest on exact timings of sunrise and tithi, so calendars can differ on the date. That is why devotees follow the Vaishnava calendar ISKCON uses for their own place, not a reckoning from a general almanac. Srila Prabhupada gives the reason both vows matter:
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
Fast just as you would on Ekadashi. Set aside grains and beans and anything made from them, and give the day to hearing and chanting about Lord Vishnu. Because Vijaya Ekadashi falls on the same date, its page gives the parana window for Kurukshetra. If you are unsure which day to fast, ask your own spiritual guide or follow the ISKCON calendar.
Questions
When is Unmilani Mahadvadasi in 2027?
Unmilani Mahadvadasi is on Thursday, 4 March 2027, in the Vaishnava calendar for Kurukshetra. Vijaya Ekadashi is listed on the same date.
What is a Mahadvadasi?
A Mahadvadasi is a Dvadasi that becomes the fast day because a special condition applies. Vaishnava teaching names eight such conditions, and when one of them is met, devotees fast on the Mahadvadasi.
What should I avoid eating on Unmilani Mahadvadasi?
Avoid grains, beans, peas and dal, and any food made from them, just as on Ekadashi. Spend the day hearing and chanting about the Lord.
Why are Unmilani Mahadvadasi and Vijaya Ekadashi on the same date?
The Vaishnava calendar lists both on 4 March 2027. Vijaya Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of Phalguna, while Unmilani is a Mahadvadasi, a special Dvadasi fast.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Date
- Thursday, 4 March 2027
- Also on this day
- Vijaya Ekadashi
- Type of observance
- Mahadvadasi (a special Dvadasi fast)
- Fast from
- Grains and beans
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.