Apara Ekadashi 2025 - Friday, May 23 2025

Ekadashi means 11, in Sanskrit and is the name of the 11th day of the month in a Hindu Calendar. In the Hindu Calendar, a month is divided into two parts of 15 days and hence, a month has practically 2 ekadashis. Ekadashis are of very high importance in the Hindu culture and one can easily find a festival or the other being observed on this day. Apara Ekadashi is one such day that is observed on the Ekadashi of the second half of the month of Jeshtha.

Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu fasting day observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight) in the month of Jyeshtha, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This day typically falls in May or June in the Gregorian calendar.
Of all the Ekadashi observed in a year, Apara Ekadashi is considered the most glorious one. It is believed that a person who fasts on this day washes away all his sins and attains Moksha. With just one fast on this day, a person frees himself of all the wrongdoings and shortfalls of the past. In Madhya Pradesh, this day is celebrated with grandeur and almost everyone tries to observe a fast. This day is given high importance and people visit temples in huge numbers to pray for forgiveness.
Observed in the month of Jyeshtha, this festival is generally observed in May or June all over the country. This festival goes by many names across the nation like Achala Ekadashi, Bhadrakali Ekadashi, Vaishakh Vadi Ekadashi, and Jalkrida Ekadashi. In Madhya Pradesh, it is called Apara Ekadashi a day that washes away all the sins and reserves a place in Heaven.

Spiritual Cleansing and Liberation

1. Purification of Sins: Observing Apara Ekadashi is believed to absolve an individual of their sins. This includes both minor and major sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. It is considered a day to seek forgiveness and purify the soul.

2. Attainment of Moksha: Fasting and engaging in spiritual practices on Apara Ekadashi are believed to pave the way for moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This liberation is seen as the ultimate goal of human life in Hindu philosophy.

Mythological Significance

1. Lord Vishnu's Blessings: The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed that those who observe the fast with devotion receive His blessings, which brings protection, prosperity, and peace in their lives.

2. Legends and Stories: Various legends highlight the significance of Apara Ekadashi. One such legend is about a warrior named King Mahidhwaja, who was redeemed from his past sins by observing the Apara Ekadashi fast with sincerity. These stories underline the transformative power of this observance.

Religious and Cultural Importance

1. Observance of Dharma: Apara Ekadashi encourages the practice of dharma (righteous living) through fasting, prayer, and charity. It is a day to focus on spiritual duties and self-discipline.

2. Enhancing Devotion: The rituals and practices associated with Apara Ekadashi deepen the devotion of the followers. It is a time for introspection, prayer, and connection with the divine, enhancing one's spiritual journey.

Societal and Ethical Significance

1. Charity and Good Deeds: Engaging in acts of charity, such as feeding the poor and helping those in need, is highly encouraged on Apara Ekadashi. These acts of kindness are seen as an extension of one's spiritual practice, fostering a sense of community and compassion.

2. Detoxification and Health Benefits: Although primarily spiritual, the practice of fasting on Apara Ekadashi also has physical benefits. Fasting can help detoxify the body, giving it a break from constant digestion and allowing for physiological renewal.

Symbolism

1. Victory Over Temptations: Fasting represents the victory over physical desires and temptations. It symbolizes self-control and the prioritization of spiritual needs over bodily comforts.

2. Reflection and Renewal: The day is an opportunity for introspection and renewal. It allows individuals to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness, and commit to living a more virtuous life.

Legends of Apara Ekadashi

There are many tales associated with Achala Ekadashi. Here are a few of them:

The Tale of Lord Trivikrama 

Lord Trivikrama is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who taught a fitting lesson to King Bali. According to the Puranas, it was in Treta Yug that King Bali started acting arrogant after being conferred with the title Chakravarty Samrat. Such was his pride that he made Lord Indra leave from Heaven after attacking it.

Indra sought asylum from King Vishnu who took the avatar of Vamana (dwarf) showing that he is Trivikrama, the Lord of Three Worlds. King Bali realized his mistake and obliged Lord Vishnu. This auspicious day is celebrated as Apara Ekadashi. Owing to its prominence, it is also known as Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi, Vaishakh Vadi Ekadashi, and Achala Ekadashi.

One other tale is about Ajamila a Brahmin who fell into a life of sin due to bad company. However, in his final moments, he called out the name of his son, Narayana (the name of Lord Vishnu). Despite his sinful life, because he unknowingly chanted the Lord’s name, he was granted salvation. It is said that observing Apara Ekadashi can provide similar benefits, as the power of devotion and divine names can cleanse even the gravest sins.

The Story of King Yudhishthir

King Yudhishthir, the eldest of Pandavas in Mahabharata, asked about the importance of Apara Ekadashi during one of his resting periods. According to Lord Krishna, the festival is chiefly celebrated in the dominant Hindu communities during which they seek perfect solutions so that their past sins can be washed off successfully. This is the exact reason why people in large numbers maintain fast on the auspicious day. Perhaps, it is the Apara Ekadashi festival alone that helps people realize more benefits on overall.

Rituals of Apara Ekadashi and Apara Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi 

Pre-Ekadashi Preparations

1. Bath and Cleanliness: Devotees wake up early in the morning, before sunrise, and take a holy bath. It is considered auspicious to bathe in a river, lake, or at home with water sanctified with holy Ganga water.
2. Clean Home and Pooja Area: The home and the area where the prayers will be conducted are cleaned thoroughly to create a pure and sacred environment.

Observance on Ekadashi

1. Fasting (Upavasa):

   • Complete Fast (Nirjala): Some devotees observe a strict fast without consuming food or water.
   • Partial Fast (Phalahar): Others may consume fruits, milk, and non-grain items.
   • Satvik Food: If complete fasting is not possible, devotees consume satvik food (pure vegetarian food without onion, garlic, and grains).

2. Prayer and Worship:

   • Lord Vishnu Pooja: Devotees perform a detailed pooja dedicated to Lord Vishnu, offering flowers, incense, lamps, and food. Tulsi leaves, considered sacred and dear to Vishnu, are often included in the offerings.
   • Mantra Chanting: Recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu), Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Vishnu), and other devotional hymns is common.
   • Reading Scriptures: Devotees read stories and legends associated with Apara Ekadashi from scriptures like the Brahmanda Purana and Padma Purana.

3. Temple Visits: Many devotees visit Vishnu temples to participate in special rituals and ceremonies conducted by priests.

Charity and Good Deeds

1. Giving Alms: Acts of charity are highly encouraged on Apara Ekadashi. Devotees donate food, clothes, and money to the needy and support various charitable activities.

2. Feeding the Poor: Organizing or participating in community meals (Annadanam) for the poor and hungry is considered very auspicious.

Night Vigil (Jagaran)

1. Staying Awake: Devotees often stay awake throughout the night, engaging in bhajans (devotional songs), kirtans (musical worship), and meditation. This night vigil is known as Jagaran and is believed to enhance the spiritual benefits of the fast.

Breaking the Fast (Parana)

1. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken on the next day, Dwadashi (12th day), after sunrise, and within the Dwadashi tithi (period). Devotees begin with light satvik food, gradually returning to their regular diet.
2. Parana Timing: The exact timing for breaking the fast is crucial and should be adhered to as per the local Panchang (Hindu calendar) to ensure the fast's religious efficacy.

Additional Practices

1. Meditation and Contemplation: Devotees spend time in meditation, contemplating the stories and teachings associated with Apara Ekadashi, and reflecting on their actions and spiritual goals.
2. Silence and Self-Discipline: Many observe Mauna (silence) or minimize talking to enhance focus and introspection.

By following these rituals with devotion and sincerity, devotees seek to purify their minds and souls, gain divine blessings, and move closer to spiritual liberation (moksha).

Keep in mind: Avoid slander, lies, and deception throughout the fasting day. Even those who do not fast should not use rice in food on Ekadashi day and avoid falsehood and slander.

Attaining salvation is best possible for all those who believe in Lord Vishnu and offer their selfless prayers to God. Reflecting the name “Apara” term in the festival, it is believed that people who observe fast will be able to realize unlimited benefits in the same way as expected. Remaining uneaten as part of the fasting ritual is something that is regarded as the most effective step from your end.

इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें