New Delhi: If you are looking for the Nirjala Ekadashi date for Jyeshtha month this year, you should pause. This year, Nirjala Ekadashi is not in May but in June, and this is a rare occurrence. At the moment, Adhik Maas is going. And, as as a result Jyeshtha month will be observed for two months. And, during this extra monthRare Padmini Ekadashi to Be Observed on 27 May, Comes Only Once in Three Years, Padmini Ekadashi also known as Kamala Ekadashi, Adhika Masa Ekadashi, or Purushottam Ekadashi is observed.
This Ekadashi is very special because it occurs once every three years. Padmini Ekadashi is one of the rarest and most powerful Ekadashis in the Vedic calendar. It is mentioned in the Padma Purana, where Lord Krishna says that the Ekadashi that falls during Adhik Maas is known as Kamala or Padmini Ekadashi. It is considered one of the most auspicious dates. Observing this fast is believed to bring Goddess Lakshmi closer to you.
According to the Skanda Purana, observing this Ekadashi grants merit equal to performing great sacrifices like the Ashwamedha Yajna. It is believed to absolve deep-seated sins and help the devotee progress toward liberation.
Tulsi worship on Ekadashi in Adhik Maas
On this day, worship Tulsi and light a ghee diya (earthen lamp) near it. It is said: “Those who offer Tulsi leaves and flowers to Janardana… the sins accumulated over lifetimes are burnt away.”
The blessings of worshipping the sacred Tulsi and Lord Vishnu is immense on this day. The story of this fast also mentions Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that observing the Kamala Ekadashi fast pleases Goddess Lakshmi. Lighting diyas and Deep daan on this day is considered very auspicious. Therefore, one should definitely observe Padmini Ekadashi. Take a vow to fast in the morning, then read the story “Ekadashi Vrat Katha”.
In the evening, perform kirtan of Lord Vishnu. The importance of this fast is also because Adhik Maas is the month of Lord Hari (Vishnu). So, worshipping Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi on this day is considered to get their blessings. Tulsi leaves should be offered to the Lord Vishnu on this day.
If fasting, eat only fruits; even if you are not fasting, avoid rice. Light earthen lamps near the Peepal tree and the Tulsi plant. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is also considered very beneficial on this day. It is said that worshipping Tulsi takes you closer to Lord Hari. Remedies for Goddess Lakshmi on this day bring happiness into your life.
When is Ekadashi?
According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi date of the Shukla Paksha in Adhik Maas begins on 26 May at 5:11 am and ends on 27 May at 6:22 am. Since fasting for Ekadashi is not observed on Dashami-touched timings, the fast will be observed on 27 May based on the Udaya Tithi. However, the rules and rituals that one follows during Ekadashi will be followed from 26 May.
