Apara Ekadashi is the name given to the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in Jyestha. Apara Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu, the same as all other Ekadashis. It is said that keeping the Apara Ekadashi fast erases one’s sins completely. This Ekadashi yields divine and auspicious consequences; it is also known as Achala Ekadashi.
About Apsara Ekadashi
The term “Apar” means “limitless or immense” since this Ekadashi is called “Apara Ekadashi” because following this fast grants one limitless wealth. Another interpretation of this Ekadashi is that it bestows upon its worshipper boundless advantages. The “Brahma Purana” describes the significance of Apara Ekadashi. Everyone in the nation celebrates Apara Ekadashi with great fervor. There are variations in the titles given to Apara Ekadashi in various Indian states. Whilst Apara Ekadashi is celebrated as ‘Bhadrakali Ekadashi’ in the states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana, worshiping Goddess Bhadrakali on this day is considered auspicious. It’s celebrated as ‘Jalkrida Ekadashi’ in Orissa, in honor of Lord Jagannath.
The Tale of Apara Ekadashi
An ancient legend tells of Mahidhwaj, a virtuous monarch, but also of a wicked and immoral younger brother. In a plot orchestrated by his younger brother, the king’s body was hidden beneath a peepal tree after his older brother Mahidhwaj was slain. His spirit set up camp on the peepal tree after his untimely death and began to wander. Starting on Peepal, the monarch began to live there and torment the people who passed by.
That is how a sage once walked by. Sage Muni, an ascetic, calmed the spirit and inquired as to why he had turned into a ghost, even though the monarch attempted to frighten him as well. Rishi Muni heard the king’s entire story. By bringing the phantom down from the peepal tree and preaching about the hereafter, Rishi Muni managed to release the monarch from the phantom vagina. Jeshtha month’s Ekadashi fell on that day as well. On Apara Ekadashi, the sage observed a fast. Worshipped in a deliberate manner today. Presented the king with Ekadashi’s virtue. Whose grandeur the king was set free from the ghostly vagina. Heaven gave the king a place to dwell.
Apara Ekadashi Significance
Hinduism holds a particular place for Apara Ekadashi. Legends and scriptures from long ago indicate that Lord Krishna told King Hindi Yudhishthira about the significance of his job. Scholars claim that fasting on Apara Ekadashi has the power to eradicate all of the faults of Brahma, including murder, phantom vagina, condemning others, etc.
- It is said that anyone who follows Ekadashi Vrat can effortlessly reach the path of goodness and positivity and overcome his past and present transgressions.
- By honoring Apara Ekadashi Vrat with complete dedication and reverence, devotees achieve the road to salvation and become free from the cycle of birth and death.
- The benefits of keeping the Achala Ekadashi fast are also conferred by bathing in the holy Ganges during the month of Kartik.
- The followers of this fast benefit from success, prosperity, and recognition in their lives.
Fasting on Apara Ekadashi
On Apara Ekadashi, a man can reach Goloka and attain liberation from all sins by worshiping the Vishnu form of Shri Man Narayan. Perform an aarti with incense and light on this day, and provide lamps as well as offerings to Vishnuji such as Panchamrit, Roli, Moli, Gopi Chandan, Akshat, yellow flowers, seasonal fruits, sweets, etc. It is also necessary to give the Lord the enjoyment of Shri Hari, Tulsi, and Manjari. Particularly on this day, chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and reciting Vishnu Sahastranam are quite beneficial. On this day, worshippers of Lord Vishnu should refrain from thoughts of slander, betrayal, greed, and hatred; instead, they should remember him, adore him fervently, and give as much as they can to the underprivileged.
Date, Time, and Muhurat
Apara Ekadashi on Friday, May 23, 2025
Parana Time Start – May 24 | 7:01 AM in (India)
Parana Time End – May 24 | 9:43 AM in (India)
On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – May 24 | 7:20 PM in (India)
Ekadashi Tithi Begins – May 23 | 1:12 AM in (India)
Ekadashi Tithi Ends – May 23 | 10:29 PM in (India)
Apsara Ekadashi Rituals
- The followers are obliged to bathe and rise early on this auspicious day.
- Loyalty is required when carrying out each ceremony. Apara Ekadashi should be observed by devotees.
- Reciting the tale is required to break the fast.
- In addition to worshiping the deity, devotees should present the deity with flowers, incense sticks, and tulsi leaves.
- The deity’s aarti should be performed in order to disperse the sacred food to everyone.
- On this day, devotees should go to the temple of Lord Vishnu in order to ask for the god’s blessings.
- On the eve of Dashami, all of the Apara Ekadashi ceremonies start.
- The watchers are only allowed to eat once on this specific day, and that too right before dusk.
- The fast lasts till the end of the Ekadashi date.
- He needs to repeat mantras constantly in order to appease Lord Vishnu.
- Reciting Vishnu Sahastranam is regarded as highly fortunate.
- Giving on the eve of Apara Ekadashi is seen to be beneficial. It is the duty of devotees to give Brahmins food, clothing, and Dakshina.
In Conclusion
Hinduism regards Ekadashi as the most significant holiday. There are twice-a-month Ekadashi dates. A single in Krishna Paksha and another in Shukla Paksha. Lord Vishnu receives a dedication on each Ekadashi. This is the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi that falls in the month of Jyestha. Achala Ekadashi is another name for it. This year, on Sunday, June 2, 2024, is a fast day. This day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu in his Vamana form, according to the Padma Purana. It is also known as Bhadrakali Ekadashi because it is thought that on this day Maa Bhadrakali emerged from Lord Shiva’s hair. This Ekadashi is particularly meritorious since it falls on a Thursday; that is if both Apara Ekadashi and Thursday fall on the same day. Worshiping Mother Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in a ritualistic manner on this day yields unique benefits.
