For millions of devotees, Guruvayur Ekadashi isn't just a date on the calendar; it's a feeling. You know what I mean if you've ever been to the "Bhuloka Vaikunta" (Earthly Abode of Vishnu) in Kerala during this time.
There is the smell of camphor and tulsi in the air, thousands of oil lamps flicker against the night sky, and the chant of "Om Namo Narayanaya" can be heard all over.
On Monday, December 1, 2025, this year's lucky Guruvayur Ekadashi will happen.
It is one of the most important days in Guruvayur, a temple town. On other days, silence and meditation might be the norm, but on this day, Guruvayur comes alive with lights, elephants, and music.
Here is the full story behind the festival and how to celebrate it, whether you are going to the temple or staying home to fast.
Dates and times that are important for 2025
Write down these times so you don't miss the important times for fasting and breaking the fast (Parana).
The Guruvayur Ekadashi Monday, December 1, 2025
Parana Time (Breaking the Fast): December 2, 06:31 AM to 08:45 AM
The end of Dwadashi is December 2 at 3:57 p.m.
Why Do We Celebrate Guruvayur Ekadashi? (The Origin Stories)
You might be asking yourself, "What makes this day so special?" It's not just one event; it's a coming together of many divine moments.
1. The Bhagavad Gita (Geetopadesham) is born.
This is the main reason for the celebration. People think that on this day, Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Vrishchika month, Lord Krishna gave Arjuna the Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It shows the time when people got the best guide to doing their duty and being right.
2. Killing the Demon Mura
This is where the "Ekadashi" tradition began. According to legend, a demon named Mura was scaring the gods. A bright energy came out of Lord Vishnu's body and took the form of a woman while he was sleeping in a cave.
She fought Mura and won. Vishnu was happy and gave her the name Ekadashi Devi. He also gave her a gift: anyone who fasts on this day will be free of sins.
3. The Oneness of Shiva and Vishnu
This day is special in Guruvayur because Shaivites also honor it. People think that Lord Shiva honored Lord Vishnu on this day, which makes it a strong symbol of the two gods' unity.
Guruvayur Ekadashi Vrat
If you want to fast, you can't just skip lunch. The Vrat is a spiritual journey that lasts three days. This is how it usually goes:
Day 1: Dashami (the day before, November 30)
- Preparation: The discipline starts the day before. Most of the time, devotees only eat one meal a day.
- Dinner: Don't eat rice or heavy grains at night. A light meal gets the body ready for the fast.
- Mindset: Begin to think about Lord Guruvayurappan.
Day 2: Ekadashi, the Main Day (Dec. 1)
Wake up early in the morning (Brahma Muhurta), take a bath, and pray.
- Nirjala Fasting (Upavasa): The hardest path, where you don't eat or drink anything.
Phalahar means eating only fruits, milk, and nuts. Most people should do this, especially if they work.
- Activities: The goal is to keep the senses focused on God. Say "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya," read the Gita, or go to a Vishnu temple.
- No Sleep: It is customary to stay up all night (Jagran) chanting or listening to stories about the Lord.
Day 3: Dwadashi (The Day After - Dec 2)
- Parana: This is the ceremony for ending the fast. You have to eat between 6:31 AM and 8:45 AM.
- The Meal: It is common to break the fast with Tulsi water and then eat a simple, non-spicy meal. A lot of people in Kerala eat dried ginger (chukku) and gooseberry after the fast to help with digestion.
What are the benefits of Guruvayur Ekadashi Vrat?
Why do so many people put themselves through this? People think that the benefits are both spiritual and physical.
1. Papamochanam, or spiritual detox
The Ekadashi Vrat is called the "King of Vrats" in the scriptures. People think it can wash away bad karma and sins from the past.
People say that the gates of Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu's home, are open on this day, giving the soul a way to reach Moksha, or freedom.
2. Resetting the body
Ayurveda sees the Ekadashi fast that happens every two months as a natural way for the body to get rid of toxins.
Resting the digestive system helps cells heal, speeds up metabolism, and gets rid of toxins (Ama) from the body.
3. Clear Thinking
You show yourself that you are in charge of your senses when you control what you eat and how much you sleep.
This gives you a lot of mental peace and clarity, which helps you focus better in your daily life.
Whether you manage to observe a strict Nirjala fast or simply spend the day avoiding grains and chanting the Lord’s name, remember that Guruvayur Ekadashi is ultimately a celebration of love.
The rules are there to guide us, but it is the purity of your intent that reaches the sanctum.
As the thousands of lamps light up the Guruvayur temple this December, may you also find the light of peace and devotion within your own heart.
May Lord Guruvayurappan accept your prayers and bless you and your family with health and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Day is Guruvayoor Ekadasi?
Guruvayur Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (Scorpio).
In 2025, this holy day falls on Monday, December 1st. The fast continues throughout the day and night, and is broken the following morning during the Dwadashi Parana time.
What are the Rules for Guruvayur Ekadashi?
The rules for this observance are strict but spiritually rewarding. Diet is the primary concern; you must strictly avoid rice, grains, cereals, honey, beans, and non-vegetarian food, while also steering clear of onion and garlic.
Beyond food, your conduct matters just as much. This includes observing complete celibacy and avoiding negative emotions like anger or violence. Finally, remember to break the fast at the specific Parana time on Dwadashi morning to complete the ritual correctly.
Which Ekadashi is Most Powerful?
While Vaikunta Ekadashi is famously celebrated across South India for the opening of the heavenly gates, Guruvayur Ekadashi (Vrishchika Ekadashi) is considered equally powerful, especially within the Kerala tradition.
Because it coincides with the Gita Jayanti the day the Bhagavad Gita was revealed—it is often viewed as the most intellectually and spiritually charging Ekadashi of the year.
Which God is Born on Ekadashi?
The deity "born" on this day is Ekadashi Devi. According to the legend, she is not a separate goddess but a radiant energy form of Lord Vishnu who emerged from his body to destroy the demon Mura.
She represents the protective power of the Lord, and it is said that Lord Vishnu was so pleased with her devotion that he named the day after her.
Who Cannot Do Ekadashi Fast?
Hinduism is inherently compassionate, so strict fasting is not recommended for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or suffering from a serious medical condition like diabetes where skipping meals is dangerous, you should not fast. Young children are also exempt from these strict rules.
For these groups, simply maintaining a pure vegetarian diet and chanting the Lord's name is considered just as meritorious as a full fast.
