Annada Ekadashi

On this page we list Ekadashi date and Parana time as observed in ISKCON temples. The date and Parana time given on this page might be different from those which are based on rules given in Dharma Sindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu.

ISKCON Ekadashi rules are similar to Vaishnava Ekadashi rules. However, dates and Parana time are calculated based on Gaurabda Calendar rules mentioned in GCAL program mostly followed by all ISKCON temples.

Some of points which are important to note that, Maha Dwadashi fasting prevails over Ekadashi fasting. Whenever, Ekadashi and Maha Dwadashi fasting are consecutive, ISKCON temples, rather observe fasting on Ekadashi day observe it on Maha Dwadashi day. In other words Shuddha Ekadashi fasting is abandoned due to importance of fasting on Maha Dwadashi day.

There are total 8 Maha Dwadashi which are observed by ISKCON -

- Unmilini Maha Dwadashi
- Vyanjuli Maha Dwadashi
- Trisparsha Maha Dwadashi
- Paksha Vardhini Maha Dwadashi
- Jaya Maha Dwadashi
- Jayanti Maha Dwadashi
- Papa Nashini Maha Dwadashi
- Vijaya Maha Dwadashi

Rules to determine Parana timings are not exactly same as those given in Dharma Sindhu but they don't contradict each other. ISKCON calendar considers Hari Vasara while calculating Parana timings.

Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence.

Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The most preferred time to break the fast is Pratahkal and Parana time for most ISKCON Ekadashi fasting happens to be Pratahkal.