Ekadashi in July 2026: Yogini & Devshayani Ekadashi Dates, Vrat Timings, Significance, Rituals and Benefits

Ekadashi is one of the most sacred fasting observances in Hinduism, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Observed twice every lunar month, Ekadashi is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul while helping devotees attain spiritual growth and divine blessings.

In July 2026, devotees will observe Yogini Ekadashi and Devshayani (Shayani) Ekadashi, two highly significant Ekadashis during the Ashadha month. Yogini Ekadashi is associated with the removal of sins and negative karma, while Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of the holy Chaturmas period when Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (divine sleep).

Ekadashi Dates in July 2026

Note: The date of Yogini Ekadashi differs because Smarta and Vaishnava traditions follow different fasting rules based on the Ekadashi Tithi at sunrise. Devotees should follow the Panchang or tradition observed in their region.

Yogini Ekadashi 2026 Date

• Smarta Yogini Ekadashi: Friday, 10 July 2026
• Vaishnava Yogini Ekadashi: Saturday, 11 July 2026

Yogini Ekadashi falls during the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month. According to the Padma Purana, observing this Ekadashi with devotion frees devotees from accumulated sins, grants prosperity, and leads to spiritual progress.

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most powerful Ekadashis for spiritual purification. Hindu scriptures narrate the story of Kubera's gardener, Hemamali, who was relieved of a severe curse after observing this sacred fast.

Observing Yogini Ekadashi is believed to:

• Remove sins and negative karma.
• Protect devotees from misfortunes.
• Improve physical and mental well-being.
• Bring prosperity and happiness.
• Strengthen devotion to Lord Vishnu.
• Lead to spiritual liberation.

Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Rituals

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a holy bath.
• Clean the home temple and prepare for worship.
• Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, incense, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu.
• Observe a fast according to your health and tradition.
• Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Listen to or read the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Perform evening aarti and devotional prayers.
• Break the fast on Dwadashi during the prescribed Parana time.

Devshayani (Shayani) Ekadashi 2026 Date

Saturday, 25 July 2026

Devshayani Ekadashi is among the most significant Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. It marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month sacred period dedicated to worship, penance, charity, and spiritual practices.

According to Hindu belief, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (divine sleep) on this day and awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi, celebrated four months later.

Importance of Devshayani Ekadashi

Devshayani Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious because it:

• Marks the beginning of Chaturmas.
• Is especially important for devotees of Lord Vishnu.
• Encourages spiritual discipline and self-control.
• Is an ideal day for charity, donations, and religious observances.
• Brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.

Devshayani Ekadashi Rituals

• Wake up early and take a sacred bath.
• Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, sandalwood, flowers, and lamps.
• Observe a complete or partial fast.
• Read the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Purana.
• Perform Vishnu Aarti in the evening.
• Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy.
• Observe the fast with devotion until Dwadashi Parana.

Ekadashi Fasting Rules

Devotees generally follow these traditional rules:

• Avoid rice, wheat, lentils, and grains.
• Consume fruits, milk, dry fruits, sabudana, makhana, and vrat-approved foods.
• Use only Sendha Namak (rock salt).
• Avoid onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food.
• Spend the day in prayer, meditation, and chanting.
• Practice truthfulness, kindness, and self-discipline.

Benefits of Observing Ekadashi

According to Hindu scriptures, observing Ekadashi with devotion may help devotees:

• Purify the body and mind.
• Reduce negative karma.
• Improve concentration and spiritual awareness.
• Receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
• Promote peace, prosperity, and happiness.
• Strengthen faith and devotion.
• Encourage discipline and healthy eating habits.

Popular Vishnu Mantras for Ekadashi

• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
• Om Namo Narayanaya
• Om Vishnave Namah

Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama and reading the Bhagavad Gita are also considered highly auspicious on Ekadashi.

Foods Allowed During Ekadashi Fast

• Fresh fruits
• Milk and curd
• Coconut water
• Dry fruits
• Sabudana
• Makhana
• Singhara flour
• Kuttu flour
• Potatoes
• Rock salt (Sendha Namak)

Foods to Avoid

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

Conclusion

The month of July 2026 offers two spiritually significant opportunities to observe the sacred Ekadashi fast. Yogini Ekadashi inspires devotees to seek forgiveness, overcome negative karma, and strengthen their devotion, while Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of the holy Chaturmas period dedicated to worship and self-discipline.

Whether you observe the Smarta or Vaishnava tradition, observing Ekadashi with faith, prayer, charity, and devotion to Lord Vishnu is believed to bring spiritual progress, peace, and divine blessings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many Ekadashis are observed in July 2026?

Ans: There are two Ekadashi observances in July 2026: Yogini Ekadashi and Devshayani (Shayani) Ekadashi.

Q2. Why does Yogini Ekadashi have two dates in 2026?

Ans: The fasting date differs because Smarta and Vaishnava traditions follow different Panchang rules based on the Ekadashi Tithi at sunrise.

Q3. What are the Yogini Ekadashi dates in 2026?

Ans: Smarta devotees observe Yogini Ekadashi on 10 July 2026, while Vaishnava devotees observe it on 11 July 2026.

Q4. When is Devshayani Ekadashi in 2026?

Ans: Devshayani Ekadashi falls on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

Q5. Why is Devshayani Ekadashi important?

Ans: It marks the beginning of Chaturmas and the symbolic Yoga Nidra of Lord Vishnu.

Q6. Can I drink water during Ekadashi?

Ans: Yes. Many devotees observe a fruit-and-water fast, while some choose the stricter Nirjala fast.

Q7. What should be avoided on Ekadashi?

Ans: Rice, grains, lentils, onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are traditionally avoided.

Q8. Which deity is worshipped on Ekadashi?

Ans: Lord Vishnu is worshipped on every Ekadashi.

Q9. Can elderly people or children observe Ekadashi?

Ans: Yes. They may observe a simplified fast based on their age and health.

Q10. What is the spiritual benefit of observing Ekadashi?

Ans: Ekadashi is believed to purify the mind, reduce negative karma, increase devotion, and bring the blessings of Lord Vishnu.