Parama Ekadashi

Story of Parama Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

Sumedha, a devout Brahmin of Kampilya, and his wife Pavitra lived in extreme poverty but never gave up their dharma. Pavitra was ready to beg for food, and Sumedha refused. Sage Kaundinya visited them and told them to keep the Parama Ekadashi of Adhika Krishna Paksha, along with five nights of vigil. They observed it with devotion. A prince, sent by Kubera in disguise, appeared and gave them a house and wealth, and they lived in comfort for the rest of their lives.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Parama Ekadashi

Parama Ekadashi (also Kamala or Purushottam Ekadashi) comes only in an Adhika Maas. Like Padmini, it comes about once in three years.

The tradition says that keeping Parama Ekadashi gives wealth, relief from poverty and the favour of Kubera. It falls in Adhika Maas, the extra month (only in years that have one) and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

How to keep Parama Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.