Indira Ekadashi is an extraordinary Hindu celebration mostly celebrated by devotees of Lord Vishnu to seek his favor. Dated along the Pitru Paksha time span, this holy day is reserved for the souls of one’s forefathers and requests for salvation (moksha). In 2024, Indira Ekadashi is of great importance not only for the living but is also aimed at those who have departed but still require to spend less time in the suffering world. Below is complete information on fasting, the span of worship, and the rituals that revolve around this holy day.
Indira Ekadashi: What is it?
Indira Ekadashi is the 11th day of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, also called Ekadashi, and usually occurs in the waning phase of the moon as per the Hindu calendar. In the English calendar, this day is most likely in September or October. This day comes within the Fishing Paksha period, which is 15 days within which Hindus worship the dead parents called pitras.
As per Padma Purana, Lord Krishna explained the importance and significance of Ekadashi to King Yudhishthir. It is well understood in the Hindu tradition and others that when one observes a fast on this day, it is believed to assist and release the spirits of one’s dead ancestors from being reincarnated and suffering.
Significance of Indira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi is viewed as equally important for the individual and for their departed forefathers. Everyday life forms the basis of many Hindu values. Thus, fasting and performing rituals on this day not only accrue spiritual merit but also assist in the liberation of souls departed from relatives. Such practitioners pray that by such a fast, its performance with all the concentration and greatness of spirit, all their sins have been wiped out, as well as an avenue opened up for their forefathers to the heavens.
Rituals and Observances on Indira Ekadashi
Preparations the Day Before (Dashami):
On the tenth day (Dashami) of Nagpanchami, daily devotees embank to withdraw from the daytime fast of Ekadashi. It is also the day set aside to execute the Shraddha ceremony, which involves the offering of food and water to the forefathers. This offering has been made for all ages to please the spirits of the deceased members.
Fasting on Ekadashi:
Indira’s Ekadashi fasting is performed from sunrise to the next day’s twilight (Dwadashi). No grains, cereals, or even pulses are allowed for devotees. But fruits, milk, and water are permitted to be taken. Certain devotees observe a nirjala fast, which means not taking even a drop of water throughout the Purnima.
It is on this fast that the inner purport is of the spirit and surrender. It is believed that letting go of food and going on fasting is a way to purify the mind and the body to worship Lord Vishnu.
Worship and Prayer:
Devotees arise in the early hours of the day, take a bath, and perform a special puja of the day whose deity is the Lord Vishnu. The Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted in addition to other prayers, which is a hymn of a thousand names of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is offered flowers, incense, and lamps, and devotees think of his blessings. It is considered very sacred and very famous to offer tulsi to the deity.
Offering Prayers to Ancestors:
Especially on Indira Ekadashi, it is very important to perform prayer and offerings for the deceased ancestors. Devotees perform Tarpan, which is the offering of a pinch of water to the ancestors, along with prayers asking for blessings and peace to the ancestors.
Parana/Breaking the Fast:
The fast is broken on the next day, also known as Dwadashi. Parana, or breaking the fast, is done in the presence of Lord Vishnu after expecting prayers and food to be offered. To ensure that one reaps the full advantages and benefits of this special vow called the Ekadashi vrat, it is important to break the fast at quickly defined times.
Fasting Meals on the Day of Indira Ekadashi: Benefits Points
- Spiritual Upliftment: To strengthen the spiritual bond with Lord Vishnu, reduction of sins and observing a fast on Indira Ekadashi would help in purifying the spirit and hence.
- Liberation of Ancestors: This Ekadashi has its main advantage in the liberation of the dead spirits, which is assisted by their descendants in putting consciousness to rest.
- Removal of Sins: Fasting on the day of Indira Ekadashi is of great importance as it provides a lot of benefits to the worshipper, such as forgiveness of sins.
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu: Dedicating the complete day to the worship of Lord Vishnu is said to lead the devotees to divine blessings leading to more prosperity and happiness.
Do’s and Don’ts on the Indira Ekadashi Fast
Do’s:
- Take a bath and put on pure clothes. Have a pure mental concept and initiation of the day.
- Explore and learn about the different deities and their relevant scriptures or chants. In the process of healing, bring food and water to provide to the Panditas or for the needy after attending the Shraddha ceremony.
Don’ts:
- Grains, cereals, and all kinds of animal food must be avoided and abolished, especially during this day.
- Anger, cheating, negative thoughts, and anything negative must not be entertained during the fast day.
- There should be no wastage of food offered or diversion to unnecessary activities.
Why Fasting is Important on Indira Ekadashi
Fasting is not just a method of honoring Lord Vishnu, it is a means of pursuing spiritual advancement and releasing one’s ancestors. The pain that comes with fasting is regarded as self-discipline, which is an effective approach to mastering the senses that transitions to an elevation in self-consciousness and attunement to the divine.
The benefits of Ekadashi fasting are on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. The practice purges the haystack of the system, tranquilizes the heart, and aids faith-full individuals to devote their concentration to their prayers and meditation.
Conclusion
Indira Ekadashi 2024 is noteworthy for several reasons. It is also said to be a day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the forefathers. In this way, by fasting, praying, and performing other rituals, devotees can ask for the Lord’s mercy and relief for people who have already died. If these activities are performed properly, one will attain bhakti and divine blessings.
For more information on the Indira Ekadashi rituals and fasting or other issues, please feel free to contact Omega Astro.
