Indira Ekadashi is celebrated during the Pitra Pakshu month. It is one of the auspicious days that falls on the Eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha during the month of ‘Ashwin.’ It is believed that the ancestors of the one who fasts on the day of Indira Ekadashi with a pure heart and sincere intentions will receive salvation. It is also referred as ‘Ekadashi Shradh.’
According to our mythological legends, the Indira Ekadashi vrat involves around King Indrasena, ruler of Mahishmatipura, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. He was narrated the story of visit to the land of Lord Yam, the God of death, by sage Narada. He told him about meeting Indrasena’s father, who requested to observe Indira Ekadashi vrat in order to attain salvation.
Indira Ekadashi 2020 Date:
This year, Indira Ekadashi vrat will be observed on September 13. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 4.13am on Sunday, and concludes at 3.16am on Monday, September 14. The parana time will fall between 1:30pm to 3:59pm on September 14.
Indira Ekadashi 2020 Significance:
The prominent aim behind observing an Indira Ekadashi fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu is to seek forgiveness of all the past sins. This festival also holds immense significance as it helps in offering salvation to the deceased ancestors.
Indira Ekadashi 2020 Rituals:
- According to mPanchang, in the milder form of the fast, the devotees consume one meal but it should be before sunrise. The devotees conclude the fast after giving food to the Brahmins and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
- Another form of fast allows the observers to consume dairy products and fruits.
- On the eve of Indira Ekadashi, the observers are also required to recite Mantras and sing bhajans in order to please Lord Vishnu.
- Reading of ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ is considered as highly auspicious on this day
A day before Indira Ekadashi, prayers and rituals are carried out in the memory of deceased ancestors. Devotees must consume only single meal on Dashami day. On Indira Ekadashi, devotee performs the rites of Shradh. An idol of Lord Vishnu is worshipped with great devotion.
