{"id":29002,"date":"2026-01-05T11:08:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T05:38:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/?p=29002"},"modified":"2026-01-05T11:08:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T05:38:32","slug":"mokshada-ekadashi-vrat-katha-date","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/mokshada-ekadashi-vrat-katha-date\/","title":{"rendered":"Mokshada Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha &#038; Gita Jayanti"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\n      \"headline\": \"Mokshada Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Gita Jayanti\",\n      \"description\": \"Mokshada Ekadashi 2026 falls on Dec 19, coinciding with Gita Jayanti. Read the Vrat Katha of King Vaikhanasa, check Parana time, and learn why reading the Gita is essential today.\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mokshada-ekadashi-2026-gita-jayanti.jpg\",\n      \"author\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"SmartPuja\" },\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-02-22\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-02-22\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Event\",\n      \"name\": \"Mokshada Ekadashi 2026\",\n      \"startDate\": \"2026-12-19\",\n      \"endDate\": \"2026-12-20\",\n      \"description\": \"A sacred fasting day known as the giver of Moksha, coinciding with the birth of the Bhagavad Gita (Gita Jayanti).\",\n      \"location\": { \"@type\": \"Place\", \"name\": \"India\" }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When is Mokshada Ekadashi in 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Mokshada Ekadashi will be observed on Saturday, December 19, 2026.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the relation between Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Both fall on the same day. It is believed that Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on this Ekadashi tithi.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the Parana time for Mokshada Ekadashi 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The fast should be broken (Parana) on December 20, 2026, between 07:05 AM and 09:15 AM.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"mokshada-container\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; color: #444; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-29003\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1-1024x577.png\" alt=\"Mokshada Ekadashi 2026 and Gita Jayanti Celebration\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1-150x85.png 150w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1-1536x865.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1.png 1640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h1 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; text-align: center;\"><strong>Mokshada Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha &amp; Gita Jayanti<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><strong>Mokshada Ekadashi<\/strong> falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of <strong>Margashirsha<\/strong> (Agrahayana). As the name implies (*Moksha* = Liberation, *Da* = Giver), observing this sacred Vrat destroys all sins and grants liberation to the soul.<\/p>\n<p>This day is doubly auspicious because it is also celebrated as <strong>Gita Jayanti<\/strong>. It was on this specific Tithi, over 5,000 years ago, that Lord Krishna delivered the divine knowledge of the <em>Shrimad Bhagavad Gita<\/em> to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, Mokshada Ekadashi falls on a <strong>Saturday<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff8e1; border-left: 5px solid #ffb300; padding: 20px; margin: 30px 0; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); font-size: 1.05em;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #e65100;\">\ud83d\udcc5 Mokshada Ekadashi 2026 Muhurat<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0;\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Vrat Date:<\/strong> Saturday, December 19, 2026<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Parana Time (Break Fast):<\/strong> Dec 20, 07:05 AM to 09:15 AM<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hari Vasara End Time:<\/strong> Dec 20, 10:15 AM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.9em; font-style: italic; color: #666; margin-top: 15px; border-top: 1px solid #ffcc80; padding-top: 10px;\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Note:<\/strong> <em>Tithi timings and Parana windows may vary slightly based on your location (sunrise time). Please check your local Panchang.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px dashed #ffb300; margin: 15px 0;\" \/>\n<p><strong>Want to perform a special Puja for Gita Jayanti?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 15px;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #d35400; color: #ffffff !important; padding: 10px 25px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none !important; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1em; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); transition: transform 0.2s;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/vishnu-sahasranamam-puja\">Book Vishnu Puja<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Significance: The Day of Liberation<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Lord Krishna told King Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi is dear to him. It is believed that the merit obtained from this fast can be transferred to deceased ancestors (who did not attain Moksha) to release them from hellish planets and grant them entry into Vaikuntha.<br \/>\nFurthermore, reciting or hearing the <strong>Bhagavad Gita<\/strong> on this day is considered the highest form of worship.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha (King Vaikhanasa)<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The legend tells of a compassionate King named <strong>Vaikhanasa<\/strong> who ruled the city of Champaka Nagar. He treated his subjects like his own children. One night, the King had a terrifying dream in which he saw his father suffering in a hellish realm (Naraka), begging for help.<\/p>\n<p>Distressed, the King consulted the learned Brahmins, who directed him to the ashram of <strong>Parvata Muni<\/strong>, a sage who could see the past, present, and future. The Sage meditated and revealed that in his previous life, the King&#8217;s father had committed a sin by quarreling with his wife and forcing himself upon her during her menstrual cycle, ignoring her pleas. This sin led him to hell.<\/p>\n<p>Parvata Muni advised King Vaikhanasa to observe the <strong>Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat<\/strong> with his family and transfer the merit (Punya) to his father. The King followed the instructions faithfully. As soon as he offered the merit to his father&#8217;s soul, flowers showered from the sky. His father was instantly liberated from hell and ascended to heaven, blessing his son.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 40px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #ff6600; color: #ffffff !important; padding: 16px 35px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none !important; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; text-align: center; box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(255, 102, 0, 0.4); transition: transform 0.2s;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/satyanarayan-puja\">Book Satyanarayan Puja<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Puja Vidhi for Mokshada Ekadashi<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Morning Ritual:<\/strong> Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Krishna-Arjuna Worship:<\/strong> Worship Lord Krishna and Arjuna. If you have a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, wrap it in a new cloth and worship it with flowers and sandalwood paste.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gita Path:<\/strong> Reading the Bhagavad Gita (at least Chapter 11 or 12) is mandatory and highly auspicious on this day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fast &amp; Jagran:<\/strong> Observe a strict fast (or fruit diet) and stay awake at night singing Bhajans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parana:<\/strong> Break the fast the next morning (Dwadashi) after feeding a Brahmin.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"background: #e0f7fa; border: 1px solid #b2ebf2; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; margin: 30px 0; text-align: center;\"><strong>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Looking for other dates?<\/strong><br \/>\nCheck the complete list of 26 Ekadashis this year in our master guide.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color: #006064; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; font-size: 1.1em;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/ekadashi-dates-2026-vrat-calendar\/\">View All Ekadashi Dates 2026 \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\" style=\"font-size: 1.1em; color: #333; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">1. When is Mokshada Ekadashi 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Mokshada Ekadashi falls on <strong>Saturday, December 19, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\" style=\"font-size: 1.1em; color: #333; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">2. Why is Gita Jayanti celebrated on this day?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It is believed that on this specific Ekadashi, Lord Krishna revealed the supreme knowledge of the Gita to Arjuna to remove his delusion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\" style=\"font-size: 1.1em; color: #333; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">3. Can we give the merit of this fast to others?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, the Vrat Katha specifically highlights transferring the merit (Punya) of Mokshada Ekadashi to ancestors to grant them liberation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mokshada Ekadashi 2026 (Dec 19): What makes this Ekadashi unique? It is the day Lord Krishna enlightened the world with the Bhagavad Gita. Known as the &#8220;Giver of Liberation,&#8221; observing this Vrat can release your ancestors from suffering and grant you Moksha. Discover the legend of King Vaikhanasa.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5,4,9],"tags":[1272,1276,1271,727,253,1275,663,731,1273,728,1274],"class_list":["post-29002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-festivals","category-rituals","category-traditions","tag-bhagavad-gita","tag-bhagavad-gita-puja","tag-gita-jayanti","tag-gita-jayanti-2026","tag-hindu-calendar-2026","tag-king-vaikhanasa-story","tag-lord-krishna","tag-margashirsha-shukla-ekadashi","tag-moksha","tag-mokshada-ekadashi-2026","tag-mokshada-ekadashi-vrat-katha"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/utpanna-ekadashi-2026-devi-origin-1.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29002"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29004,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29002\/revisions\/29004"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}