Vrat Katha
The sacred stories (vrat kathas) read during Hindu fasts — each given in both English (Hinglish) and Hindi for easy reading.
Karwa Chauth Vrat KathaKarwa Chauth Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the complete story read by married women during the Karwa Chauth fast for their husband's long life.- Ahoi Ashtami Vrat KathaAhoi Ashtami Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story mothers read while fasting for the long life and prosperity of their children.
- Hartalika Teej Vrat KathaHartalika Teej Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of Parvati's penance to win Lord Shiva, read during this nirjala fast.
- Kajari Teej Vrat KathaKajari Teej (Kajli Teej) Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the traditional story read during the Bhadrapada Krishna Teej fast.
- Chhath Puja Vrat KathaChhath Puja Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya read during the four-day Chhath fast.
- Vat Savitri Vrat KathaVat Savitri Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of Savitri and Satyavan read by married women around the banyan tree.
- Bhai Dooj Vrat KathaBhai Dooj Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of Yamraj and Yamuna behind the festival of the brother-sister bond.
- Satyanarayan Vrat KathaSatyanarayan Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the complete five-chapter story of Lord Vishnu read during the Satyanarayan Puja.
- Solah Somvar Vrat KathaSolah Somvar (16 Mondays) Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of Lord Shiva read during the 16-Monday fast.
- Santoshi Mata Vrat KathaSantoshi Mata Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story read during the 16-Friday fast of the Goddess of contentment.
- Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat KathaVaibhav Lakshmi (Vaibhav Laxmi) Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the Friday fast story of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
- Brihaspativar (Thursday) Vrat KathaBrihaspativar (Guruvar / Thursday) Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of Lord Brihaspati / Vishnu read during the Thursday fast.
- Shanivar (Saturday) Vrat KathaShanivar (Saturday) Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of Shani Dev read during the Saturday fast for relief from troubles.
- Mangalvar (Tuesday) Vrat KathaMangalvar (Tuesday) Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the Hanuman Ji story read during the Tuesday fast for strength and protection.
- Pradosh Vrat Katha (Krishna & Shukla Paksha)Pradosh Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the twilight (pradosh kaal) fast story of Lord Shiva for both Krishna and Shukla Paksha.
- Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat KathaSankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the Ganesha story read during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi fast that removes obstacles.
- Masik Shivratri Vrat KathaMasik Shivratri Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story of Lord Shiva read during the monthly Shivratri fast.
- Sharad Purnima Vrat KathaSharad Purnima Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the story read on the full-moon night of nectar, kheer and Lakshmi's grace.
Kojagari Lakshmi PanchaliKojagari Lakshmi Panchali (Vrat Katha) in Banglish and Bangla — the Sharad Purnima night worship of Maa Lakshmi, popular in Bengal.- Mangal Chandi Vrat KathaMangal Chandi (Mangsala / Mangshar Mangalchandi) Vrat Katha in Banglish and Bangla — the Tuesday worship of Maa Mangal Chandi for the family's welfare.
- Shitala Mata Vrat KathaShitala Mata (Shitala Ashtami / Basoda) Vrat Katha in Banglish and Bangla — the story of the Goddess who protects from heat-borne disease.
- Manasa Devi Panchali (Vrat Katha)Manasa Devi Panchali / Bhashan Vrat Katha in Banglish and Bangla — the story of the serpent Goddess Manasa and Behula-Lakhindar.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Vrat KathaSankat Mochan Hanuman Vrat Katha in Banglish and Bangla — the story of Hanuman Ji, remover of troubles, read during the Hanuman fast.
- Shashthi Vrat Katha (Jamai & Aranya Shashthi)Shashthi Vrat Katha in Banglish and Bangla — the worship of Maa Shashthi, protector of children, including Jamai and Aranya Shashthi.
- Ithu (Itu) Vrat KathaIthu (Itu) Vrat Katha in Banglish and Bangla — the Sun-worship vrat of Bengal kept by women on Sundays of Agrahayan for family welfare.
Ekadashi Vrat Kathas
26 annual EkadashisThe vrat kathas of every Ekadashi of the year — all 24, plus the 2 extra Ekadashis of the leap month (Adhik / Purushottam Maas) — each in English (Hinglish) and Hindi.
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Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the origin of Goddess Ekadashi, born from Lord Vishnu to slay the demon Mur.
Margashirsha Krishna
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Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the Gita Jayanti Ekadashi by which King Vaikhanasa freed his ancestors.
Margashirsha Shukla
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Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how the wicked Lumpaka was reformed and made his life fruitful (saphal).
Pausha Krishna
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Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how childless King Suketuman was blessed with a son.
Pausha Shukla
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Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the importance of donating sesame (til), told through a miserly Brahmin woman.
Magha Krishna
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Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how a Gandharva couple cursed to be Pishachas were freed by this fast.
Magha Shukla
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Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how Lord Rama kept this fast to win victory over the ocean and Lanka.
Phalguna Krishna
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Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the worship of the sacred Amla tree, told through a hunter who gained a kingdom.
Phalguna Shukla
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Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how the fast frees from sin, told through sage Medhavi and the apsara Manjughosha.
Chaitra Krishna
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Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how the devoted Lalita freed her husband Lalit from a demon's curse.
Chaitra Shukla
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Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the fast that grants protection and good fortune, told through King Mandhata.
Vaishakha Krishna
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Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how the grieving Dhrishtabuddhi was freed from delusion and sin.
Vaishakha Shukla
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Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the fast of limitless merit, told through King Mahidhwaj and his brother's ghost.
Jyeshtha Krishna
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Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — Bhimsen's waterless fast that gives the merit of all twenty-four Ekadashis.
Jyeshtha Shukla
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Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how the yaksha Hemamali, cursed with leprosy, was cured by this fast.
Ashadha Krishna
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Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — when Lord Vishnu goes to yoga-nidra; the story of King Mandhata ending a drought.
Ashadha Shukla
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Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the fast that fulfils desires and frees from even the sin of slaying a Brahmin.
Shravana Krishna
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Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how the childless King Mahijit was blessed with a son.
Shravana Shukla
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Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how the truthful King Harishchandra regained his kingdom, wife and son.
Bhadrapada Krishna
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Parsva (Parivartini) Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Parsva / Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — when the sleeping Vishnu turns over; the Vamana and King Bali story.
Bhadrapada Shukla
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Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how King Indrasena freed his fallen father from Yama's realm.
Ashwin Krishna
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Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how even the cruel hunter Krodhana attained heaven through this fast.
Ashwin Shukla
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Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — how Chandrabhaga's husband Shobhana attained a celestial city through the fast.
Kartik Krishna
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Devutthana (Prabodhini) Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Devutthana / Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — when Lord Vishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; Tulsi Vivah.
Kartik Shukla
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Padmini (Kamala) Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Padmini / Kamala Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the rare leap-month Ekadashi, told through Queen Padmini.
Adhik Maas Shukla
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Parama Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Parama Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English (Hinglish) and Hindi — the leap-month Ekadashi that lifted the poor Brahmin Sumedha from poverty.
Adhik Maas Krishna
Bangla Panchali
8 panchalisThe traditional Bengali panchali brotokothas — the devotional stories of each vrat — each given in Banglish (Roman script) and Bangla (Bengali script), with a PDF download.
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Lokkhi Panchali (Brotokotha)
Lakshmi Panchali (Lokkhi Panchali) in Banglish and Bangla — the Thursday (Lokkhibar) brotokotha of Maa Lakshmi read on Kojagari and every Lakshmi Puja in Bengali homes.
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Satyanarayan'er Panchali
Satyanarayan'er Panchali (Satyanarayan / Satyapir Brotokotha) in Banglish and Bangla — the Kaibalyadham panchali of Sri Sri Satyanarayan with the stuti, pushpanjali, the verse-katha by Dwija Rameshwar and the pranam.
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Shoni'r Panchali (Shani Thakur)
Shoni'r Panchali (Shanir Vrat Katha) in Banglish and Bangla — the Saturday (Shonibar) panchali and brotokotha of Shani Dev, with the puja niyom, dhyan, mantras and the tale of the brahmin Sumangal and King Srivatsa.
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Baba Loknath Panchali
Baba Loknath Panchali (Mahayogi Loknath Babar Panchali) in Banglish and Bangla — the verse life-story and lila of Baba Loknath Brahmachari of Kachua and Barodi, with his assurance that whoever calls him with devotion will be answered, read for protection, peace and prosperity.
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Tara Mayer Panchali
Tara Mayer Panchali in Banglish and Bangla — the Ashtottar Shatanam (108 holy names) of Maa Tara / Maa Kali, composed by Pashupati Chattopadhyay, recited as a stuti for the grace of the Mother.
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Monosha Panchali (Manasa Mangal)
Monosha Panchali (Manasa Mangal) in Banglish and Bangla — the brotokotha of Maa Monosha (Manasa Devi), the serpent Goddess, told through the tale of Chand Sadagar, Behula and Lokkhindor.
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Mangal Chandi'r Panchali (Brotokotha)
Mangal Chandi'r Panchali (Mangal Chandi Brata Katha) in Banglish and Bangla — the brotokotha of Maa Mangal Chandi (Mongolchondi), an auspicious form of Devi Chandi/Durga, told through Khullana, Dhanapati and the hunter Kalketu.
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Maa Bipod Tarini Panchali
Maa Bipod Tarini Panchali (Bipodtarini Brotokotha) in Banglish and Bangla — the brotokotha of Maa Bipod Tarini (Durga), read on the Bipodtarini Broto for protection from danger, with the katha of Raja Koutilya's queen, Dhonopoti-Shreemonto, the puja bidhi and Ganesh bandana.
About Vrat Katha
A vrat katha is the sacred story tied to a Hindu fast (vrat). Reading or listening to the katha with devotion is considered an essential part of the observance — it explains the origin and significance of the fast and is usually read before the vrat is broken.
Each katha on this page is given in two languages for your convenience — English (Hinglish, Roman script) and Hindi (Devanagari) — so you can read it in whichever script you are most comfortable with. Open any katha and use the language buttons to switch. The Ekadashi Vrat Kathas section covers all twenty-four Ekadashis of the year, plus the two extra Ekadashis of the leap month (Adhik Maas).