Saphala Ekadashi 2027: date, parana time, story and significance
By Kulasekhar Mittapalli · Updated
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Saphala Ekadashi falls on Sunday, January 3, 2027 in India and on Saturday, January 2, 2027 in the US. The fast is broken the next morning: Hyderabad Mon, Jan 4, 6:47 AM – 9:00 AM; Dallas Sun, Jan 3, 11:11 AM – 6:00 PM. It is the Margashirsha Krishna Ekadashi (Pausha Krishna in the North Indian purnimanta calendar), dedicated to Narayana.
1The story
Lumpaka, the wayward son of King Mahishmata of Champavati, was banished for his misdeeds and lived by theft in the forest. One winter Dashami he was too cold to sleep or eat, and the next day, Ekadashi, he gathered fruits, offered them to Vishnu under a peepal tree and stayed awake through the cold night. Without knowing it he had kept Saphala Ekadashi; he was forgiven, returned home and ruled well.
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.
6Saphala Ekadashi 2027 by city
| City | Fast · parana |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Sun, Jan 3 Parana Mon, Jan 4, 6:47 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Bengaluru | Sun, Jan 3 Parana Mon, Jan 4, 6:42 AM – 8:59 AM |
| New York | Sat, Jan 2 Parana Sun, Jan 3, 12:11 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Dallas | Sat, Jan 2 Parana Sun, Jan 3, 11:11 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Bay Area | Sat, Jan 2 Parana Sun, Jan 3, 9:11 AM – 9:18 AM |
| London | Sun, Jan 3 Parana Mon, Jan 4, 8:05 AM – 9:41 AM |
| Singapore | Sun, Jan 3 Parana Mon, Jan 4, 7:08 AM – 9:32 AM |
| Sydney | Sun, Jan 3 Parana Mon, Jan 4, 5:49 AM – 8:41 AM |
Next: India Thu, Dec 23, 2027 · US Thu, Dec 23, 2027.
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More about Saphala Ekadashi
Significance
Saphala means 'fruitful': the fast is kept for success in one's efforts. Offering fruits to Vishnu is customary.
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.
← Vaikunta Ekadashi (Mokshada) · All Ekadashis · Pushya Putrada Ekadashi →
Frequently asked questions
When is Saphala Ekadashi in 2027?
Sunday, January 3, 2027 in India and Saturday, January 2, 2027 in the US (Dallas).
What is the parana time for Saphala Ekadashi?
Hyderabad: Mon, Jan 4, 6:47 AM – 9:00 AM. Dallas: Sun, Jan 3, 11:11 AM – 6:00 PM. Open the Global Panchang app for your own city.
What is the story of Saphala Ekadashi?
Lumpaka, the wayward son of King Mahishmata of Champavati, was banished for his misdeeds and lived by theft in the forest.
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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