Ekadashi Tithi Begins: at August 29, 2024 at 01:19 am
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at August 30, 2024 at 01:37 am
Parana Time –07:49 AM to 08:41 AM
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
It is mentioned in the scriptures that fasting on Aja Ekadashi gives virtuous results and by observing this fast properly one attains salvation. With the blessings of Shri Hari, all sins are destroyed, and the soul departs to Vaikuntha Dham.
Story of Ananda Aja Ekadashi Vrat:
Shri Ram ji’s ancestor, the Chakravarti king Harishchandra, was renowned for his integrity and honesty. To test these virtues, the gods sent the sage Vishwavamitra to his court. Upon arrival, Vishwamitra demanded the entirety of his kingdom. King Harishchandra, having dreamt of donating his kingdom to the sage, honored his vision and fulfilled his vow, relinquishing his rule and departing for Kashi.
As time passed, unable to endure his family’s suffering, he resolved to sell himself so they could live comfortably. However, one must bear the consequences of past deeds. Sold as a slave, an elderly man offered to take his wife as a nanny to care for his children. Grateful for his family’s relief from torment, Harishchandra accepted. Thus, he became the Chandala’s slave, working as a shroud collector, unwavering in his truthfulness.
After years passed, he sought redemption. Sage Gautama, moved by his plight, advised him to observe vigil and fast on Aja Ekadashi to absolve his sins. Gautama then vanished. On Aja Ekadashi, Harishchandra fasted and kept vigil.
Tragically, during this vigil, his son fell victim to a snake bite. Desiring a shroud for the funeral, Harishchandra, bound by his duties, declined his wife’s pleas. To obtain the shroud, she sold her coins to the Chandala. As Harishchandra proceeded to cremate his son, the effects of his fast purified him. Heavenly drums resounded, and flowers rained down as gods stood in reverence. Miraculously, his son was revived, and his wife was adorned in regal attire.
The illusion dispelled by the Aja Ekadashi fast, Harishchandra and his family ascended to heaven. Those who faithfully observe this fast and remain vigilant at night find their sins expunged, ultimately reaching paradise.
Method of Fasting and Worship for Aja Ekadashi
Commence the fast of Aja Ekadashi from Dashami Tithi itself, with the resolution of fasting reaffirmed on the date of Ekadashi.
1. Rise at Brahmamuhurta in the morning and complete your daily activities.
2. Following a bath, don clean attire and invoke Lord Vishnu in remembrance.
3. Position a post in the eastward direction, adorning it with a yellow cloth and installing an image of Lord Vishnu.
4. Place a clay pot.
5. Illuminate incense lamps.
6. Present fruits, flowers, betel nuts, coconut, cloves, etc. offerings to Shri Hari.
7. Recite the mantra “Om Achyutay Namah” 108 times.
8. Observe fasting throughout the entire day.
9. In the evening, kindle a lamp of cow ghee before the deity of Lord Vishnu.
10. Following worship, listen to the narrative of Aja Ekadashi.
11. Subsequently, partake in fruits.
12. The following morning, bid farewell to Brahmins by offering them food and Dakshina.
13. Then, partake in a meal.