Ekadasi dates Calendar 2018

Ekadashi dates in Tamil Panchangam Calendar

Ekadeshi is the word derived from sanskrit. In sanskrit, 'Ekadeshi' means eleven. According to Hindu lunar calendar, eleventh day in each of the two lunar phase is called 'Ekadeshi'. Ekadeshi which comes in the bright phase (after new moon day or amavasai) of lunar phase is 'Sukhla Paksha Ekadeshi'. Ekadeshi which comes in the dark phase (after full moon day or pournami) of lunar phase is 'Krishna Paksha Ekadeshi'.

Hindu devotees especially vaishnavas believe ekadeshi is very auspicious day. Some devotees undergo fasting on this day even without drinking water. Some devotees who cannot be able undergo fasting for the whole day can eat once a day. Devotee who fast on this day will get rid of all sins. People who undergo fasting, perform poojas and other rituals will attract the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Though ekadeshi comes in every lunar month, some ekadeshi is considered to be very important. To name a few, ekadeshi that comes in the month of (of Hindu calendar) Aavani, Ippasi and Margazhi.
The ekadeshi that comes in the Krishna Paksha phase of Aavani (August/September) is called as 'Kamika Ekadeshi'. People worship Lord Vishnu on this day by putting garland made of tulsi is religiously significant.
The ekadeshi that comes in the sukhla paksha phase of Ippasi month (October/November) is called as 'Papankusha Ekadeshi'.

The ekadeshi that comes in the sukhla paksha phase of margazhi month (December/January) is called as 'Vaikuntha Ekadeshi'. People undergo fasting, chanting hymns and do prayers. The northern gate which is called is 'Paramapada Vasal' (which is believed to be vaikuntha vasal or vaikuntha gate) will be opened on this day. This gate is opened only once in a year. Vaishnavas believe that one who goes through this gate, will go to vaikundam. People worship Lord Vishnu, undergo fast and chanting prayers on this day will be relieved from all sins.