Apara Ekadashi is the festival in hindu calendar which is dedicated to lord Vishnu. It is celebrated in the month of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha. It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu and donating to the poor and needy on this day helps a devotee get rid of sorrow and suffering.
Worship and prayers performed on this auspicious day are considered highly beneficial. Offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe, and Goddess Lakshmi brings their blessings. It is said that Lord Vishnu grants the devotee a place in Vaikuntha, his eternal abode.
Significance of Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is regarded as a giver of immense virtue and happiness. Observing a nirjala fast on this day helps fulfill all desires. Fasting not only brings joy but also grants liberation from sins like Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin), slander, and rebirth as a ghost. Devotees should worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, camphor, and Ganga water on this day.
Apara Ekadashi 2025 Date and Timing
It is celebrated on 23rd May. Apara Ekadashi tithi will begin on 22nd May at 1:12 AM and will end on 23rd May at 10:29 PM. According to Sanatan Dharma, the sunrise time is considered most auspicious, hence it will be observed on 23rd May based on Udaya Tithi.
The Parana time (fast breaking) will be on 24th May between 5:26 AM and 8:11 AM.
Importance of Donation on Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is considered a highly auspicious day in Sanatan tradition. Bathing and donating on this holy day while worshipping Lord Vishnu earns great merit. Donating food, clothes, grains, money, and fruits to Brahmins, the poor, and helpless individuals is considered especially virtuous.
Devotees who donate on this sacred occasion receive divine blessings from Lord Vishnu, and all their sorrows and troubles are alleviated.
According to scriptures, a donation made with one hand returns to you a thousand fold. Wealth, fame, and luxuries earned in life stay behind, but the virtue earned through charity stays with you even after death. The importance of charity is elaborated upon in various Hindu scriptures.
Goswami Tulsidas Ji, in the Ramcharitmanas, wrote:
“Tulsi, panchhi ke piye ghate na sarita neer,
(तुलसी पंछी के पिये घटे न सरिता नीर।)
Daan diye dhan na ghate jo sahay Raghubeer.”
(दान दिये धन ना घटे जो सहाय रघुवीर।।)
“Just as a river’s water does not lessen when birds drink from it, in the same way, if Lord Rama’s blessings are with you, your wealth will never decrease through charity.”
What to Donate
Charity holds great significance on Apara Ekadashi. Among all offerings, donating food and grains is considered the most beneficial. On this auspicious day, feeding poor and helpless children, donating clothes, and contributing in skill development are considered extremely meritorious. Donate on Apara Ekadashi support initiatives and become a partaker in divine blessings.
FAQ
Q. What is the significance of this Ekadashi?
A. This Ekadashi, observed on May 7, 2025, is a sacred Hindu fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, believed to grant immense spiritual merit, equivalent to visiting holy sites like Kashi. Fasting and donation on this day cleanse sins, bring prosperity, and pave the way for moksha (liberation).
Q. When is Apara Ekadashi 2025, and what are the puja timings?
A. Apara Ekadashi 2025 falls on May 7, with the Ekadashi Tithi starting at 12:21 AM on May 7 and ending at 9:53 PM. The Parana (fast-breaking) time is May 8, from 5:43 AM to 8:20 AM, ideal for performing Vishnu puja and charity.
Q. How to observe it’s vrat and puja rituals?
A. To observe this Ekadashi, take a holy bath, fast (full or partial), and worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, flowers, and bhog. Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, perform charity like food donation, and break the fast during Parana time on May 8, 2025.
Q. What are the benefits of fasting on Apara Ekadashi?
A. Fasting on this Ekadashi purifies the soul, removes past-life sins, and grants blessings of wealth, health, and spiritual liberation. It’s said to yield merits equal to donating gold or performing grand yajnas, fostering peace and prosperity.
Q. What is the story behind Apara Ekadashi?
A. The story of Apara Ekadashi, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, narrates how a devout king named Mahidhwaja was liberated from sins by observing this fast, as advised by Sage Vashishtha. It highlights the vrat’s power to absolve even grave sins and grant divine favor.
