Aja Ekadashi 2025: Know the Auspicious Time and Importance of Donation

Ekadashi is a very important festival in Hindu tradition, which is celebrated on the next day of Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha of every month. Aja Ekadashi is also known as Ekadashi which falls on the Ekadashi day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshiped. It is said that worshiping Lord Vishnu on the day of Aja Ekadashi and donating to the poor and sad people brings happiness, prosperity and wealth in life. There are also beliefs that fasting on Ekadashi frees a person from all sins.

What is Annada Ekadasi?

Annada Ekadashi, or Aja Ekadashi, is a major Hindu festival that occurs on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the decreasing moon period (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) in the Hindu lunar calendar. “Annada” means “giver of food” or “prosperity of food,” representing prosperity and sustenance, and “Ekadashi” means the eleventh lunar day. It is a day devoted to Lord Vishnu, specifically in his incarnation as Hrishikesha, the “Lord of the senses,” and is said to provide spiritual cleansing and divine favors.

Importance of Aja Ekadashi

Aja Ekadashi is considered to be of special importance in the Sanatan tradition. It is a religious belief that a person who observes fast and donates on this Ekadashi goes to Vishnulok after enjoying all the worldly pleasures. This Ekadashi, which falls in the Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha, is considered to destroy all sins and give fruits equal to the Ashwamedha Yagya. Lord Vishnu should be worshipped with proper rituals on this day.

While telling about this Ekadashi, Lord Krishna had told Yudhishthira, “By observing a fast on Aja Ekadashi and worshipping with proper rituals, a person can get rid of all his sins and attain salvation.” Therefore, there is a special significance of fasting on this day and worshipping Lord Narayan with a full heart.

Aja Ekadashi 2025 Date and Auspicious Time

Aja Ekadashi 2025 falls on August 19, 2025. The tithi of Ekadashi starts at 5:22 PM on August 18, 2025, and will conclude at 3:32 PM on August 19, 2025 (according to standard Hindu Panchang for New Delhi, India). Parana time (time to break the fast) is August 20, 2025, between 5:53 AM and 8:29 AM during Dwadashi tithi, since it is the most favorable moment to break the fast. One must not break the fast during Hari Vasara (the initial quarter of Dwadashi) and must perform Parana within the given window to achieve the complete spiritual benefits.

The Story Behind Annada Ekadasi

Annada Ekadashi, on the eleventh day of the waning moon in Bhadrapada, is associated with King Harishchandra, whose kingdom and family were lost because of Sage Vishwamitra’s trials. In spite of great suffering, such as the death of his son, Harishchandra’s wife followed the Annada Ekadashi fast on the advice of Sage Vasishta. This piety revived their son, re-established the family, and recovered Harishchandra’s kingdom, giving them deliverance. The fast is said to forgive sins and bring prosperity.

Importance of Donation

Donation is considered very important in Hindu religious scriptures. People who believe in Sanatan culture have been understanding the importance of donation for centuries. People donate for peace of mind, fulfillment of wishes, attainment of virtue, freedom from the effects of planetary defects, and to receive God’s blessings.

Donation is also important in Hinduism because it is said that the benefits of donation are not only received during life but also after death. But you get the virtuous fruit of donation/charity only when the donation is given to the deserving person at the right time, in the right way, and with a true heart.

Mentioning the importance of charity, it is said in Shrimad Bhagavadgita–

यद् दानं इति यद् दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे।
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दनं सात्विकं स्मृतम्।

(Donation given to a deserving person, at the right time and place, without expecting any return and with the intention of performing spiritual work is considered sattvic (pure) donation.)

Donate these things on Aja Ekadashi

Like other festivals, charity is considered to be of great importance on Aja Ekadashi. It is said that donating food grains and grains on this auspicious day is the best. Therefore, on the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi, become a part of virtue by supporting the project of Narayan Seva Sansthan to donate food to the downtrodden, poor and specially abled children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Q: When is Aja Ekadashi 2025?

A: Aja Ekadashi is on 19th August 2025.

Q: Who should be donated to on Aja Ekadashi?

A: Donations should be given to Brahmins and poor people on Aja Ekadashi.

Q: What should be donated on Aja Ekadashi?

A: On the auspicious occasion of Aja Ekadashi, food grains, fruits, etc., should be donated.

Q: What are the other names for Aja Ekadashi?

A: Aja Ekadashi is also known as: Annada Ekadashi: Meaning “giver of food,” symbolizing prosperity and nourishment.