Ashadhi Ekadashi, popularly known as Tholi Ekadashi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is also called Devshayani Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Shayani Ekadashi, and Padma Ekadashi. It is one of the most sacred Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, especially in His Vitthal (Vithoba) form worshipped in Maharashtra.

The festival is famous for the Pandharpur Wari, one of India’s largest annual pilgrimages, where millions of devotees walk to Pandharpur chanting the name of Lord Vitthal. Ashadhi Ekadashi also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four holy months during which Lord Vishnu is believed to enter Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep).

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time

Ashadhi (Devshayani) Ekadashi will be observed on Saturday, July 25, 2026. One of the most significant Ekadashi fasts in the Hindu calendar, it falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in the Ashadha lunar month. Devotees observe a day-long fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, believing that on this day he enters Yoga Nidra, marking the beginning of Chaturmas.

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Lunar Month: Ashadha
• Paksha: Shukla Paksha
• Tithi: Ekadashi
• Parana (Fast Breaking): Sunday, July 26, 2026, after sunrise (as per local Panchang timings)

Ashadhi Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

Devotees observe the Ashadhi Ekadashi vrat with devotion and follow a simple worship routine throughout the day. The rituals begin before sunrise and continue with prayers, chanting, and devotional activities.

Before Sunrise

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta.
• Take a holy bath.
• Wear clean or traditional clothes.

Take a Sankalp

Take a vow (Sankalpa) to observe the Ashadhi Ekadashi fast with sincerity and devotion.

Perform the Puja

Offer the following to Lord Vishnu or Lord Vitthal:

• Tulsi leaves
• Yellow flowers
• Fruits
• Panchamrit
• Incense
• Ghee lamp

Chant Sacred Mantras

Devotees recite prayers and chant:

• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
• Vishnu Sahasranama
• Om Namo Narayanaya
• Vitthal Naam Jap

Evening Rituals

In the evening, devotees conclude the day’s worship by:

• Performing Aarti
• Reading the Bhagavad Gita
• Listening to devotional bhajans and abhangs

Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat Rules and Allowed Foods

Devotees observing the Ashadhi Ekadashi vrat follow specific dietary guidelines as part of their spiritual practice. They avoid grains and certain foods while consuming simple, sattvic foods permitted during the fast. Some devotees observe a Nirjala Vrat (without water), while others consume only fruits and milk.

Foods to Avoid

• Rice
• Wheat
• Lentils
• Beans
• Onion
• Garlic
• Non-vegetarian food
• Alcohol

Foods Allowed During the Vrat

• Fruits
• Milk
• Curd
• Dry fruits
• Sabudana
• Singhara flour
• Rajgira
• Makhana
• Coconut water

The fast is usually broken the next day during Parana, after sunrise, according to the local Panchang timings.

Spiritual Benefits of Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat

Ashadhi Ekadashi is considered one of the most sacred days for the worship of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu beliefs, observing the vrat with faith, devotion, and sincere prayers brings both spiritual and personal benefits. It is believed that observing the Ashadhi Ekadashi vrat may:

• Purify the mind
• Reduce negative karma
• Bring peace and prosperity
• Strengthen devotion toward Lord Vishnu
• Support spiritual growth
• Bless devotees with good health and happiness

Ashadhi Ekadashi Celebrations in India

People across India celebrate Ashadhi Ekadashi with prayers, fasting, and devotional activities. The customs differ by region, but the spirit of devotion remains the same.

• Maharashtra: Grand celebrations at Pandharpur, the Wari pilgrimage, and special festivities at the Vitthal Temple.
• Karnataka: Vishnu temples organize special pujas, bhajans, and devotional programs.
• Gujarat: Devotees observe the Ekadashi fast and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Vishnu and Venkateswara temples hold special prayers and religious ceremonies.
• North India: Devotees worship Lord Vishnu in temples and at home by observing the Ekadashi vrat and offering prayers.

Famous Temples to Visit on Ashadhi Ekadashi

Ashadhi Ekadashi is celebrated with special prayers and rituals at many Lord Vishnu and Lord Vitthal temples across India. Millions of devotees visit these temples and pilgrimage sites to seek blessings and participate in the festival celebrations. Some of the most popular temples include:

• Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur (Maharashtra)
• ISKCON Temples across India
• Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Andhra Pradesh)
• Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand)
• Jagannath Temple (Odisha)
• Ranganathaswamy Temple (Tamil Nadu)

Pandharpur Wari

The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra’s largest and most important religious pilgrimages. Every year, millions of Warkaris walk to Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal. The pilgrimage culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi and is marked by devotional songs, prayers, and chanting.

Key Highlights of the Pandharpur Wari

• Millions of Warkaris walk hundreds of kilometers.
• The pilgrimage culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
• Devotees chant “Vitthal Vitthal” and “Gyanba Tukaram.”
• Traditional Abhangs are sung throughout the journey.

Major Palkhis

• Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (Alandi)
• Sant Tukaram Maharaj (Dehu)
• Sant Eknath Maharaj
• Sant Nivruttinath
• Sant Muktabai
• Sant Namdev Maharaj

The Wari has been celebrated for over 700 years and typically lasts about 18–21 days before reaching Pandharpur.

Story Behind Ashadhi Ekadashi

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu defeated the demon Shankhasura and then entered Yoga Nidra (divine sleep) on the cosmic serpent Sheshnag in the Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk). He remains in this divine state for four months and awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi, marking the end of Chaturmas.

Another popular legend from the Padma Purana tells the story of King Mandata, whose kingdom suffered from a severe drought. On the advice of Sage Angiras, the king observed the Devshayani Ekadashi vrat with complete devotion. Pleased by his sincerity, Lord Vishnu blessed the kingdom with rainfall, bringing prosperity and ending the drought.

Happy Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026! May Lord Vishnu bless you and your family with peace, prosperity, happiness, and good health. Wishing you a blessed Tholi Ekadashi!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Ashadhi Ekadashi in 2026?
Ashadhi (Devshayani) Ekadashi falls on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Devotees can break their fast (Parana) on Sunday, July 26, 2026, after sunrise, according to local Panchang timings.

Is Tholi Ekadashi the same as Ashadhi Ekadashi?
Yes. Tholi Ekadashi is the Telugu name for Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi). It is widely observed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and marks the beginning of Chaturmas.

Are Ashadhi Ekadashi and Devshayani Ekadashi the same?Yes. Hindus use Ashadhi Ekadashi and Devshayani Ekadashi to refer to the same Ekadashi observed during the Ashadha month.

Why do people call it Devshayani Ekadashi?
People call it Devshayani Ekadashi because Lord Vishnu is believed to begin His four-month Yoga Nidra (divine sleep) on this day.

Why is Pandharpur famous?
Pandharpur is famous for the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple and the annual Wari pilgrimage, which attracts millions of devotees every year.

Why do devotees offer Tulsi on Ashadhi Ekadashi?
Devotees offer Tulsi because they consider it Lord Vishnu’s favorite sacred plant. It is one of the most important offerings during the puja.

When does Chaturmas end?
Chaturmas ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from Yoga Nidra.

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