Sarvasammata Parama Ekadashi

Sarvasammata Parama Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the dark fortnight in Chaitra month (March-April). It is considered the supreme ('parama') among all Ekadashis, universally acknowledged as granting the highest form of liberation.

The Padma Purana declares that Parama Ekadashi is the king of all Ekadashis, for it bestows the ultimate fruit of spiritual practice -- complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Purana recounts that even Lord Brahma observed this fast to gain the power of creation, and Lord Shiva observed it to destroy the Tripurasura demons. The supreme nature of this Ekadashi is also reflected in the story of a devotee who had committed every possible sin but was freed by the merit of observing Parama Ekadashi once in his lifetime.

In Odisha, Sarvasammata Parama Ekadashi is observed with the highest level of devotion and discipline. Devotees fast completely without any food or water, spend the entire day in prayer and meditation, and break the fast on Dwadashi only after elaborate Vishnu puja. The distribution of food, clothes, and money to the needy is considered an essential part of the observance. It is believed that this single fast can grant liberation not only to the devotee but also to their ancestors and family members.