Apara Ekadashi: A Day for Limitless Blessings, Liberation, and Bountiful Harvest

Apara Ekadashi, one of the significant Hindu festivals, falls on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha during the waning phase of the moon in Jyeshta month. As per the Gregorian calendar, it lies in May or June. This year, we are celebrating the revered occasion of Apara Ekadashi on ‘2nd June ‘24.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Apara Ekadashi” in ‘24 is as follows:

Apara Ekadashi on Sunday, 2nd June ‘24

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 05:04 AM on 2nd June ‘24
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 02:41 AM on 3rd June ‘24

It is known by different names across India such as: Bhadrakali Ekadashi in northern parts, Jalakrida Ekadashi in Orissa, Jayestha Krishna Ekadashi & Achala Ekadashi in some other areas.

Importance & Rituals of “Apara Ekadashi”:

In Sanskrit language, the term "Apara" means "a lot" or "unlimited", hence Apara Ekadashi is believed to bless the devotees who observe it with sincerity & devotion with limitless benefits, abundance & endeavor in life. Apart from this, washing away the committed sins is the main benefit from Apara Ekadashi. The merits of this Ekadashi are powerful like the blazing sun that can liberate the devotees. For gaining liberation, success and good fortune, Lord Vishnu is worshiped on this day with dhoop, deep, Tulsi leaves, naivedya (yellow coloured sweet), seasonal flowers and fruits. As Apara Ekadashi is related to Lord Vishnu, hence it holds an extra importance for the Vaishnavas. Vaishnavas call this day as 'Hari Vasara' meaning 'Lord's auspicious day.'

Along with Shri Hari Vishnu, Goddess Bhadra Kali is also worshiped in the states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana. While Orissa commemorates this holy occasion in honor of Lord Jagannath.

People also observe a strict fast. Medicated people can keep a partial fast consuming fruits. Consuming grains & pulses and applying oil on the body is strictly prohibited. “Parana”, i.e. breaking of fast, is done on the next day, i.e. Dwadashi.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• On 3rd June, Parana Time - 08:05 AM to 08:36 AM
• On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment - 08:05 AM

One should also refrain from having negative thoughts in mind. Staying vigil the whole night, remembering the Almighty's name & reading holy books on this Ekadashi are also very beneficial. The devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Vishnu) which blesses them with prosperity, clarity and happiness in life. Chanting the mantras related to Lord Vamana 108 times during the prayers helps in solving financial issues and committing no dearth of wealth.
Lord Krishna has also mentioned that the observer of Apara Ekadashi will become popular through meritorious deeds.

Other than fasting and prayers, donating food, clothes, and other essential items to the needy ones on Apara Ekadashi helps one in the attainment of spiritual upliftment.

A huge fair (Mela) is observed in the famous Bhadrakali Temple in Kapurthala in the Indian state of Punjab.

This day holds great importance for the farmers as well. Observing Apara Ekadashi with devotion can bless them with a bountiful harvest.

Significance of “Apara Ekadashi” in Astrology & Hindu Dharma:

This virtuous occasion of Apara Ekadashi finds its significance in astrology also. There are beliefs that by observing this Ekadashi, the negative effects of certain planetary positions (doshas) can be lessened. It is also considered to have spiritual connotations.

Apara Ekadashi finds a great relevance in ancient Hindu Shastras. Brahma Purana & Padma Purana (two of the eighteen major Hindu Puranas) say that this Ekadashi is 'an axe with which one can cut the tree of sin and attain moksha.' It has been called a 'Kalp Vriksha' for attaining auspiciousness and spiritual merits.

Others mention that observing this holy day is equal to taking bath at Prayag, performing Vrat at Kashi on Shivratri, performing pinda daan in Gaya, taking bath in Godavari River, having darshan of Badrinath and Kedarnath and taking holy dip at Kurukshetra during Surya Grahan.

Legend behind “Apara Ekadashi”:

Many other texts of Hindu religion provide an interesting legend behind this occasion of Apara Ekadashi demonstrating its utter importance in Sanatan Dharma:

Once, there lived a King namely Mahidhwaj. He was a pious being and always used to follow a righteous path. On the other hand, his brother Vajra dhwaj was completely opposite. He was involved in bad deeds. And he used to be jealous of Mahidhwaj.

Vajra dhwaj had tried lots of times to kill his brother. One day, he succeeded in killing him & buried his body under a peepal tree.

But due to unnatural & early death, Mahidhwaj couldn't attain moksha and thus stayed as a spirit on the tree. He used to haunt passerbys.

One day, a sage passed through that path & sensed the presence of a spirit there. With his divine powers, he got to know the whole reality that the spirit was none other than the King Mahidhwaj & his own brother had killed him. The sage promised Mahidhwaj to let him free & attain salvation. For doing so, the sage kept Apara Ekadashi fast & ultimately at the end, the king's spirit got liberated and attained salvation.

Since that day, the people observe this Ekadashi to get rid of the never-ending cycle of birth and death and reach 'Vaikuntha.'

So let us also celebrate this revered festive day of Apara Ekadashi to get ourselves a place in Lord Vishnu's abode after this life.

|| Shubh Apara Ekadashi ||

|| ॐ नारायाणाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो विष्णुः प्रचोदयात् ||