Legend Associated with Indira Ekadashi
The story behind Indira Ekadashi is narrated in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. According to the legend, King Indrasena was guided by Lord Krishna to observe this Ekadashi to liberate his deceased father, King Mahishmati, from hell and grant him a place in heaven.A powerful King by the name of Indrasena ruled a kingdom. The King was honest and cared for the betterment of his subject therefore his name and fame spread widely throughout the region. One day Narad Muni paid a visit to the palace of King Indrasena. He told the King about his visit to the abode of Lord Yama (the God of Death). Narad Muni told the King about his meeting with Indersana’s late father. The King’s father had not attained Moksha and was living in the house of Lord Yama.
The late King had told Narad Muni to convey to Indrasena that he should observe the Indira Ekadashi fast. This would help the late King to attain Moksha and find place in the feet of Lord Vishnu. Narad Muni directed King Indrasena to observe the Indira Ekadashi fast so that his late father could attain Moksha and could find a place in Lord Vishnu’s abode. Thereafter, the King observed Indira Ekadashi fast with full devotion and his father could head to his final resting ground.
Rituals Associated with Indira Ekadashi:
1. Pre-Fast Preparation
- Purification: On the day before Indira Ekadashi, devotees clean their homes and themselves to ensure purity. This includes bathing and wearing clean, auspicious clothes.
- Abstinence: Devotees begin to abstain from grains, beans, and certain vegetables from the morning of Dashami (the day before Ekadashi).
2. Observing the Fast
- Types of Fasting:
- Nirjala Fast: Some devotees observe a strict fast without consuming any food or water.
- Phalahar Fast: Others may consume fruits, milk, and nuts.
- Simple Fast: In some cases, devotees might eat only one meal of light, non-grain food like fruits and vegetables.
3. Morning Rituals
- Rising Early: Devotees wake up early, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise).
- Bathing: A ritual bath is performed to purify the body and mind.
- Clean Space: The worship area or altar is cleaned and decorated with flowers and auspicious items.
4. Puja (Worship)
- Offering Prayers: Devotees recite prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Common prayers include:
- Vishnu Sahasranama: A thousand names of Lord Vishnu.
- Bhagavad Gita: Verses from this sacred text are recited.
- Offering Flowers and Fruits: Flowers, fruits, and other offerings are made to Lord Vishnu’s deity or image.
- Lamp Lighting (Deepa): An oil lamp is lit in front of the deity while chanting prayers and mantras.
- Singing Devotional Songs: Bhajans and kirtans in praise of Lord Vishnu are sung.
5. Special Offerings
- Pind Daan: Rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds and ghee are offered to ancestors. This is done with the belief that these offerings help free the souls of ancestors from suffering.
- Tarpan: Offering water to the ancestors, along with prayers, is performed. This ritual is also known as Tarpanam.
6. Evening Rituals
- Aarti: Aarti is performed in the evening, which involves circling a lit lamp in front of the deity while singing devotional hymns.
- Prayers for Ancestors: Devotees pray for the peace and liberation of their ancestors’ souls.
7. Breaking the Fast
- Prasad: After the evening puja, devotees break their fast with Prasad (offered food) and a simple meal.
- Feeding the Poor: It is considered auspicious to feed the needy or Brahmins as an act of charity.
8. Observing Silence
- Silent Reflection: Some devotees choose to spend the day in silence or engage in meditation and reflection on spiritual matters.
9. Charity and Donations
- Donations: Donating food, clothes, or money to the poor or to a temple is a common practice on Indira Ekadashi.
- Charitable Acts: Engaging in charitable acts is believed to increase the benefits of the fast.
Celebrating Indira Ekadashi
On the Day of Ekadashi
-
Early Morning
- Wake Up Early: Aim to wake up during Brahma Muhurta (1.5 hours before sunrise).
- Bathing: Take a ritual bath to purify yourself.
- Dress: Wear clean, simple, and auspicious clothes.
- Setting Up the Altar: Arrange a clean space for the deity’s idol or picture. Decorate with flowers and rangoli (decorative patterns).
-
Morning Rituals
- Offer Prayers: Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or other Vishnu prayers.
- Light a Diya: Light an oil lamp and offer flowers and incense.
- Offer Food: Place fruits, milk, and other offerings before the deity.
-
Daytime Activities
- Fasting: Observe the fast according to your choice—strict (Nirjala) or with fruits and milk (Phalahar).
- Read Scriptures: Read passages from the Bhagavad Gita or other devotional texts.
- Engage in Devotional Practices: Sing bhajans or kirtans dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
-
Afternoon Rituals
- Perform Pind Daan: Offer rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds and ghee to honor ancestors.
- Tarpan Ritual: Perform Tarpan by offering water to the ancestors with prayers.
-
Evening Rituals
- Aarti: Perform the evening Aarti, circling the diya while singing devotional hymns.
- Offer Prasad: Distribute Prasad (offered food) to family members and visitors.
- Charity: Engage in charitable acts such as feeding the poor or donating to a temple or charity.
3. Community and Family Celebrations
Family Gatherings
- Invite Family Members: Indira Ekadashi can be a family event. Invite family members and friends to join in the puja and fasting.
- Share Stories: Share the significance of Indira Ekadashi and the story behind it with family members, especially children.
Community Involvement
- Visit a Temple: If possible, visit a temple that observes Indira Ekadashi. Participate in the temple’s puja and celebrations.
- Join Community Events: Some communities organize special events, including lectures, group prayers, and bhajan sessions. Join these events for a shared spiritual experience.
4. After the Day of Ekadashi
Breaking the Fast
- Prasad: After the evening puja, break the fast with Prasad and a simple meal. This meal should be light and devoid of grains.
- Feeding the Needy: Consider donating food, clothes, or money to those in need as a gesture of charity.
Reflect and Meditate
- Reflection: Spend some time in quiet reflection or meditation, contemplating the significance of the fast and expressing gratitude.
इंदिरा एकादशी के विधान और कथा को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें