Aja Ekadashi 2027: date, parana time, story and significance
By Kulasekhar Mittapalli · Updated
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Aja Ekadashi falls on Saturday, August 28, 2027 in India and on Friday, August 27, 2027 in the US. The fast is broken the next morning: Hyderabad Sun, Aug 29, 6:01 AM – 8:31 AM; Dallas Sat, Aug 28, 7:26 AM – 9:35 AM. It is the Shravana Krishna Ekadashi (Bhadrapada Krishna in the North Indian purnimanta calendar), dedicated to Hrishikesha.
Also called: Annada Ekadashi.
1The story
King Harishchandra, who never broke his word, lost his kingdom, his wife and his son, and became a servant at a cremation ground. Grieving, he met the sage Gautama, who told him to keep Aja Ekadashi. By its merit his sufferings ended: his son was restored to life, his family reunited and his kingdom returned.
From the Ekadashi Mahatmya (Padma and Bhavishyottara Puranas), as Sri Krishna told it to Yudhishthira.
2How to keep the fast
- Dashami (the day before): one simple meal, no rice in the evening.
- Ekadashi: fast as your health allows: without water (nirjala), with fruit and milk (phalahara), or one meal without grains. Rice, wheat, pulses and beans are avoided by all.
- Worship: Vishnu puja with tulasi leaves, a lamp, and the Vishnu Sahasranama or the story of the day.
- Night: many keep jagarana, staying awake with bhajans and readings.
- Dwadashi: break the fast in the parana window shown above, after the Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi) has ended, ideally with tulasi water and a little rice.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone who is unwell or on medication should keep a light fast, or simply avoid grains. Ask your priest and doctor.
3Checklist: what you need
8 items
- Vishnu or Venkateswara picture
- Tulasi leaves (picked the day before; not on Ekadashi)
- Yellow or white flowers, sandalwood, akshata
- Ghee lamp and agarbatti
- Fruits, milk and (if you take them) fasting foods without grains
- Vishnu Sahasranamam book or app
- Ekadashi katha for this Ekadashi (section 1 above)
- For Dwadashi parana: a simple rice dish, and the parana time for your city
4A priest, or do it yourself
5Puja items near you
Indian groceries and puja stores near the city you picked above.
6Aja Ekadashi 2027 by city
| City | Fast · parana |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Sat, Aug 28 Parana Sun, Aug 29, 6:01 AM – 8:31 AM |
| Bengaluru | Sat, Aug 28 Parana Sun, Aug 29, 6:08 AM – 8:37 AM |
| New York | Fri, Aug 27 · Vaishnava Sat, Aug 28 Parana Sat, Aug 28, 8:26 AM – 8:58 AM |
| Dallas | Fri, Aug 27 Parana Sat, Aug 28, 7:26 AM – 9:35 AM |
| Bay Area | Fri, Aug 27 Parana Sat, Aug 28, 6:34 AM – 9:12 AM |
| London | Fri, Aug 27 · Vaishnava Sat, Aug 28 Parana Sat, Aug 28, 1:26 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Singapore | Sat, Aug 28 Parana Sun, Aug 29, 7:01 AM – 9:27 AM |
| Sydney | Sat, Aug 28 Parana Sun, Aug 29, 6:17 AM – 8:33 AM |
Next: India Wed, Aug 16, 2028 · US Wed, Aug 16, 2028.
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More about Aja Ekadashi
Significance
Kept in times of hardship and loss, and for steadfastness in truth.
Smarta and Vaishnava dates
If Dashami still runs at arunodaya, 96 minutes before sunrise, Vaishnavas move the fast to the next day. Where the dates differ, the Vaishnava date is shown in the table above. See the Ekadashi guide.
← Shravana Putrada Ekadashi · All Ekadashis · Parivartini Ekadashi →
Frequently asked questions
When is Aja Ekadashi in 2027?
Saturday, August 28, 2027 in India and Friday, August 27, 2027 in the US (Dallas).
What is the parana time for Aja Ekadashi?
Hyderabad: Sun, Aug 29, 6:01 AM – 8:31 AM. Dallas: Sat, Aug 28, 7:26 AM – 9:35 AM. Open the Global Panchang app for your own city.
What is the story of Aja Ekadashi?
King Harishchandra, who never broke his word, lost his kingdom, his wife and his son, and became a servant at a cremation ground.
Why do Smarta and Vaishnava dates sometimes differ?
If Dashami still runs at arunodaya, 96 minutes before sunrise, Vaishnavas (including ISKCON) move the fast to the next day; Smartas follow the tithi at sunrise.
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Calculated for each city's own sunrise and sunset; times are shown to the minute in local time, including daylight saving. Panchangams can differ by a few minutes, and family and temple traditions vary. For general information only; it may contain errors and is not religious, astrological or medical advice. Always confirm important dates and muhurtams with your priest or temple. See the disclaimer and terms.
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