Ekadashi
ఏకాదశి
Sanskrit: एकादशी · Category: Vrata
Quick Definition
The 11th tithi of each paksha — fortnightly fasting day dedicated to Vishnu.
Detailed Explanation
24 Ekadashis per year (with extras in Adhik Maas). Most famous: Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Tirumala), Nirjala Ekadashi (waterless fast), Mokshada Ekadashi (Bhagavad Gita Jayanti). Fast on Ekadashi, break on Dwadashi morning (parana). Skip rice + grains. Read Vishnu Sahasranama.
Where Ekadashi Fits
This term belongs to Vrata (vow) tradition — the disciplined observance of a specific day, tithi, or period through fasting, prayer, and abstention. Vratas are considered efficacious for specific goals (Ekadashi for liberation, Karva Chauth for spouse's long life, Varalakshmi for prosperity, Pradosham for Shiva's grace). Each has its own tithi, deity, and vidhi. See the Vrata library for the full list, or the Ekadashi guide for the most-observed lunar-day vratas.
Common Questions About Vedic Terminology
Why do Vedic terms have Sanskrit, Telugu, and English forms — which one should I use?
All three are legitimate. Sanskrit (एकादशी) is the original scriptural form found in the Vedas, Puranas, and Sutras. Telugu (ఏకాదశి) is the regional adaptation used in daily practice across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. English transliteration (Ekadashi) is a modern convenience for cross-cultural communication. For ritual accuracy and mantra chanting, Sanskrit pronunciation matters. For everyday discussion — including with a purohit — Telugu is perfectly fine. In writing (blogs, calendars, apps), English transliteration is the practical choice for reach.
Where can I verify this term in the classical texts?
The definitions on this site are cross-referenced against the primary Vedic sources — Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (astrology), Muhurta Chintamani (electional), Surya Siddhanta (astronomy), Gṛhya Sūtras (household ritual), and the Rig/Yajur/Sama/Atharva Veda (foundational). Modern reference works include Panchanga Ganitam by K. S. Krishnamurti and the Rashtriya Panchang (Government of India). For deeper study, consult a qualified acharya or the glossary editorial team.
How is Ekadashi used differently in North India vs South India?
Regional variations exist for almost every Vedic term. North Indian traditions (Vikram Samvat calendar, Purnimanta month convention) may compute or observe the same concept slightly differently from South Indian traditions (Shalivahana Shaka calendar, Amanta month convention). The underlying scriptural definition is the same; the applied practice varies. Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam traditions typically follow Amanta reckoning; Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati traditions typically follow Purnimanta. For this term, both systems produce equivalent results when interpreted correctly — differences are in nomenclature, not substance.
See Also
Related Terms
Author & Sources
Compiled by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma, Vedic Astrologer & Panchangam Scholar. Definitions cross-referenced against classical texts: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Muhurta Chintamani, Surya Siddhanta, Gṛhya Sūtras. See the full Vedic Glossary for 58 terms across Panchanga, Astrology, Calendar, Dosha, Ritual, and Sanskara categories.