Indira Ekadashi Date 2024

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: at 01:20 PM on Sep 27, 2024

Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 02:49 PM on Sep 28, 2024

Indira Ekadashi 2024 is on Saturday, September 28, 2024

Parana Time –04:47 PM

Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.

Significance of Indira Ekadashi:

The observance of Indira Ekadashi fast is intricately linked with the liberation and peace of ancestral souls. By adhering to this fast, devotees believe that Lord Vishnu bestows liberation upon all beings. Those who devoutly worship the Lord on this day seek blessings for themselves and eternal peace for their forebears. Additionally, worshippers anticipate experiencing profound happiness and prosperity in their lives. They observe a day-long fast to appease the Lord and seek His divine blessings. Furthermore, the recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama, in conjunction with fasting rituals and worship, holds immense significance. It is believed that by doing so, one attains peace across the three realms.

Story of Indira Ekadashi Vrat:

According to legend, King Indrasen of Mahishmati Nagar was a devout and illustrious ruler of Lord Vishnu during Satyuga. Under his reign, the people of the Mahishmati kingdom lived in harmony and prosperity without any troubles. One day, while the king was in court with his ministers, Devarshi Narada Muni appeared before them.

Sage Narada conveyed to the king that although his kingdom flourished with peace and contentment, his father was consigned to Yamaloka due to his past misdeeds. Disturbed by this revelation, King Indrasen inquired about his father’s spiritual well-being. Narada advised him to observe a fast on the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha during the month of Ashwin to absolve his father’s sins.

Curious about the procedure for observing the Ekadashi vrat, King Indrasen asked Narada for guidance. The sage instructed him to bathe in the river on the preceding day of Indira Ekadashi, perform Shradh for his ancestors, and then worship Lord Vishnu on the Ekadashi day, concluding with consuming fruits in the evening. Narada assured him that by observing this fast, his father would attain virtuous benefits.

Following Narada’s instructions, King Indrasen and his brothers observed the ritualistic fast of Indira Ekadashi. As a result, his father attained salvation, and upon King Indrasen’s demise, his soul ascended to heaven.

Indira Ekadashi 2024: Rituals and Observances

• Begin the day by rising early, performing morning ablutions, and dressing in fresh attire.
• Meditate upon the Shaligram manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
• Fashion a swastika on cloth using kumkum.
• While reciting “Om Ganeshaya Namah,” offer flowers and rice on the swastika, paying homage to Lord Ganesha.
• Proceed to install the Shaligram or a depiction of Lord Vishnu within the household shrine.
• Conduct Vishnu Puja, anointing the idol or image with water from the Ganges.
• Offer roli, sandalwood, akshat, incense sticks, and sweets.
• Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama and perform the aarti.
• In the evening, illuminate a lamp in front of the Tulsi plant.
• Listen to the narrative of Indira Ekadashi Vrat.
• In honor of ancestors, perform Shradh and donate food to Brahmins.
• Conclude the fast by consuming fruits on Dwadashi day.