Indira Ekadashi 2024: Peace and Salvation for Pitrus!
Ekadashi is an important period in Hinduism. Ekadashis are dedicated to worshipping Bhagwan Vishnu. Each Ekadashi has its own importance. One of the most significant Ekadashi observed during Pitru Paksha is “Indira Ekadashi”. This Ekadashi is important as it provides peace and salvation to our pitrus. In 2024 it will be observed on September 28. It is observed on Krishna Paksha of Ashwin Mah.
Here, we will tell you about Indira Ekadashi 2024 and its muhrat, importance, puja Vidhi, and vrat katha.
Indira Ekadashi 2024 Tithi and Muhrat
The date for Indira Ekadashi is September 28, 2024.
- Sunrise – September 28, 2024 at 6:21 AM
- Sunset – September 28, 2024 at 6:13 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins – September 27, 2024, 1:20 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends – September 28, 2024, 2:50 PM
- Dwadashi End Timing – September 29, 2024 4:48 PM
- Parana Time – September 29, 6:21 AM – September 29, 8:43 AM
What is the Importance of Indira Ekadashi?
On this day, Devi Lakshmi is also worshipped along with Bhagwan Vishnu. Observing fast and worshipping deities on this day, helps devotees get rid of their bad karmas. Since this is observed during the period of Pitru Paksha, observers also get the blessings of their ancestors. As per Puranas, when a person observes Indira Ekadashi, he gets the virtue to be obtained by thousands of years of penance. It also helps one in getting freedom from their previous births. Also, fasting on this day helps one to avoid the torture to be faced in the Yamalok.
When devotees perform puja on this day, it helps their ancestors get salvation. So, this is the day to pay off the ancestral debt. When one makes donations on this day, in the name of his ancestors, the ancestor gets a place in the Vaikund.
This day also finds its mention in the Brahma – Vaivarta Purana:
Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “Oh MadhusUdana, Oh killer of the Madhu demon, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (Krishna paksha) of the month of Ashwin (September-October)? Please describe its glories to me.”
On this, Shri Krishna replied that this day is called Indira Ekadashi. If a person observes fast on this day, his ancestors are liberated.
Vishnu Mantras to Be Chanted on Indira Ekadashi
You can chant the following mantras for Bhagwan Vishnu:
Vishnu Mukti (Liberation) Mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ।।
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya।।
Shri Vishnu Mantra
“त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणम् त्वमेव त्वमेव सर्वम् मम देव देव ॥”
“Tvameva Maataa Ca Pitaa Tvameva Tvameva Bandhush-Ca Sakhaa Tvam-Eva
Tvameva Viidyaa Dravinnam Tvam-Eva Tvameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva।।”
Moola Vishnu Mantra
ॐ नमो नारायण ।।
Om Namo Narayanaya।।
Meaning:
This mantra is a tribute to Lord Vishnu, it means, “I bow before the Almighty”.
Puja Vidhi
First, you need to get up early and clean yourself. Take a vow to observe a fast on this day. Then, wash the idol of Bhagwan Vishnu, if possible, with Ganga Jal. Next, offer Chandan, abir, gulal, unbroken rice or Akshat, moli, and flowers in the puja. Next, perform the aarti.
You should also hear the vrat katha associated with Indira Ekadashi as the vrat is considered incomplete in the absence of that.
You should also offer Shradh for your departed ancestors. Also, offer food to Brahmanas.
In the night, observe a Jagran and spend the night chanting mantras and bhajan of Bhagwan Vishnu.
You can conclude your fast on Dwadashi day after praying to Bhagwan Vishnu.
One of the most important aspects of this day or Ekadashis in general is donation and charity. Chairty has been given a lot of importance in our texts, and donating to the poor and needy, especially on this day, helps one get rid of his/her bad karma.
To know in detail how to worship Bhagwan Vishnu on Indira Ekadashi, you can speak to experienced astrologers on NamoAstro.
What is the Importance of Fasting on Indira Ekadashi?
According to the Puranas, when a person observes a fast on this day with all his dedication, the ancestor of that person gets satisfied for up to 7 generations.
What is the Vrat Katha for Indira Ekadashi?
Once there was a king named Indrasen, who was the ruler of Mahismati. He was a religious man and worshipped Bhagwan Vishnu. He was a very kind and dedicated king and the kingdom was prosperous under his rule. One day as he was presiding in the assembly, Narad Muni came to his court. He was treated well by the king who also enquired about the reason for his visit.
On that, Narad Muni replied that while the kingdom was prosperous under the king, the king’s own father was suffering in Yamalok because of the bad karmas of his previous life. So, he requested Narad Muni to tell his son this and also observe the Indira Ekadashi fast during Krishna Paksha of Ashwini month to free him. On this, King Indrasen asked Narad Muni about Indira Ekadashi and how to observe it.
The latter informed him that he must observe the Indira Ekadashi with complete dedication from Dashami Tithi. He should avoid any kind of indulgence and also take a dip in holy waters. He also needs to worship his ancestors on this day.
After listening to this, King Indrasen observed the fast along with his family members. Due to that, his father obtained a place in heaven as well. King Indrasen also got positive outcome from observing Indira Ekadashi and was able to rule his kingdom peacefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the most powerful Ekadashi?
A: Nirjala Ekadashi is considered one of the most powerful Ekadashis.
Q: What to eat in Indira Ekadashi?
A: You can eat fruits if you are observing fast on rhis day.
Q: What is special about Indira Ekadashi 2024?
A: Indira Ekadashi is important as it provides peace and salvation to our pitrus.
Q: How do you observe Indira Ekadashi?
A: Devotees are required to observe Vrat and worship their ancestors.
