📜 Significance:
Ekadashi is the 11th day of each lunar fortnight (both waxing and waning phases), considered extremely sacred for devotees of Lord Vishnu. Fasting and puja on this day help in the purification of body and mind, and it is believed to remove sins and grant moksha (liberation). In Maharashtra, Ekadashi is widely observed with strict fasting, bhajans, and devotional reading, particularly of the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Sahasranama. The day symbolizes control over desires and deepening spiritual connection with the divine.

🗓️ When It’s Performed:

  • On every Ekadashi tithi, which occurs twice a month (approx. every 15 days)
  • Most significant: Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadhi Ekadashi) and Devuthani Ekadashi (Kartik Ekadashi)
  • Begins from sunrise on Ekadashi day and ends after sunrise on Dwadashi (next day)

🛐 Who Can Perform:

  • Any devotee of Lord Vishnu regardless of gender or age
  • Particularly followed by Vaishnav families and spiritual seekers
  • Can be done at home or in temples, either individually or with the help of a Panditji

📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):

  • Idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Shri Krishna
  • Tulsi leaves (mandatory in offerings)
  • Diya (oil lamp), incense sticks, ghee, camphor
  • Chandan (sandalwood paste), kumkum, turmeric
  • Fresh flowers and fruits
  • Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee)
  • Holy texts like Vishnu Sahasranama, Gita
  • Satvik food items for next-day offering (no grains on Ekadashi)

🕯️ Main Rituals:

  1. Morning bath and Sankalpa (vow) to observe fast and perform puja
  2. Cleaning and decorating the puja altar
  3. Offering Tulsi leaves, flowers, and Panchamrit to Lord Vishnu
  4. Chanting mantras, bhajans, or reciting Vishnu Sahasranama
  5. Lighting diya and performing aarti in morning and evening
  6. Observing Nirjala (without water) or Phalahar (fruit/milk only) fast
  7. Parana (breaking fast) on Dwadashi morning with proper rituals

⏳ Duration:
Puja time is flexible – usually 30 to 45 minutes for basic ritual
(Reading or singing bhajans may take longer based on devotion)

🎁 Benefits of Ekadashi Puja:

  • Helps in detoxification of body and mind
  • Destroys sins and brings spiritual upliftment
  • Grants peace, prosperity, and divine grace of Lord Vishnu
  • Aids in overcoming worldly attachments and ego
  • Considered a powerful step toward liberation (moksha)