"Indira Ekadashi"- A Divine Passage to Liberate Generations Past

"Indira Ekadashi" is a significant Hindu fasting day falling on the 11th day (Ekadashi) during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of moon in the Ashwin month (September – October) as per traditional North Indian calendar.

This year, the auspicious day of "Indira Ekadashi" is on the ‘28th of September ‘24, Saturday.’

As per "Drik Panchang", the "tithi" in ‘24 is as follows:

Indira Ekadashi on Saturday, 28th of September ‘24

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 13:20 on 27th of September ‘24

• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 14:49 on 28th of September ‘24

“Indira Ekadashi” as 'Ekadashi Shradh':

As "Indira Ekadashi" lies during the propitious occasion of Pitru Paksha, it's also called by the name 'Ekadashi Shradh' by Hindus. And hence, this Ekadashi is observed to provide salvation to the ancestors from their past sins (in case any) & get their blessings for the whole lineage.

Actually, the prayers and rituals to be offered to the ancestors start on the day before 'Indira Ekadashi', i.e. on Dashami Tithi. And, the devotees consume only a single meal on this day.

'Hindu Shastras' claim that the afternoon time is considered to be favorable for praying to the forefathers.

Following on 'Ekadashi Tithi', people fast for the whole day & dedicate 'Ekadashi Shradh' (Indira Ekadashi) to their ancestors. The vrat begins at sunrise and ends on the next day, ‘dwadashi.’

As it falls during the Pitru Paksha, hence food is offered to priests and cows, before "Parana."

As per Drik Panchang, the "Parana" timings for 'Indira Ekadashi' (Ekadashi Shradh) in ‘24 are as follows:

• On 29th Sep, Parana Time - 06:11 to 08:35

• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 16:47

Also Lord Padmanabha, a form of Shri Hari Vishnu, is worshiped on this blissful occasion. "Padmanabha '' form of Lord Vishnu has been depicted in Hindi Shastras as lying on the 'Anant Shaiyya' with Padma (Lotus) arising from his Nabhi (Navel) & Lord Brahma sitting on the Lotus.

“Indira Ekadashi” Vrat Katha:

There's also a great story behind the observance of "Indira Ekadashi" (Ekadashi Shradh):

Once, there lived a powerful yet humble king namely Indrasen in the city of Mahishmati Pur. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu & kind towards his people (praja). Everyone was satisfied and happy with his rulership in his kingdom.

One day, Narada Muni visited Raja Indrasen. After paying homage to Narada Muni, the King asked him if there's any specific reason for your visit from Brahma Lok to our small kingdom. To this, Narada Muni responded that he was here to deliver the message of Indrasen's father who's suffering in Yamaloka being in hell (narak). Elaborating more, Narada Muni told Raja Indrasen that his father had prematurely broken Ekadashi Vrat during his lifetime on the earth (Prithvi Lok) because of which he's in the suffering state today.

Being worried about his father's condition, King Indrasen enquired Narada Muni on how to make his father get rid of the same. Then, Narada Muni explained the Vrat Vidhi of 'Indira Ekadashi' to him & suggested to observe a strict fast. King performed the same & eventually as a result, his father got free from his sufferings and found a place in the heavenly abode (Vaikuntha).

This Vrat Katha moralizes the power of the divine festive occasion of 'Indira Ekadashi' (Ekadashi Shradh) as mentioned in ‘Brahma Vaivarta Purana’ as well.

Other Rituals & Observances on “Indira Ekadashi”:

Apart from fasting for the well-being of the ancestors, the devotees also visit Lord Vishnu temples & recite bhajans and read the holy books such as Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita & many more for the peace of mind.

Many people also stay vigil (awake) the whole night to pay reverence towards their ancestors & Lord Vishnu.

During Puja, many people install and meditate on the 'Shaligram' form of Lord Vishnu. Later in the evening, lighting a lamp in front of a Tulsi plant is considered blissful. Donating to the Brahmins & the needy people works as a plus for the observers of 'Indira Ekadashi.'

Performing all these rituals with a pure heart is considered to bestow one with prosperity, good fortune & relief from their past sins as well.

!! Om Namo Narayanaya !!