In the Sanatan tradition, the Ekadashi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha is known as Indira Ekadashi. This Ekadashi holds special religious significance because it falls during the sacred period of Pitru Paksha. This day provides an opportunity to worship Lord Vishnu while offering reverence and gratitude to one’s ancestors.
According to religious belief, observing a fast with devotion on Indira Ekadashi, worshipping Lord Vishnu, remembering the name of Hari, performing Tarpan for the ancestors, and giving charity brings peace to the souls of the ancestors and also grants the devotee spiritual merit and inner peace.
Religious Significance of Indira Ekadashi
Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the protector of the universe and the guardian of His devotees. The Ekadashi tithi is considered especially auspicious for the worship of Shri Hari. It is believed that on this day, religious acts performed with devotion while remembering the ancestors—such as Tarpan, charity, and service—bring great spiritual merit.
This sacred occasion reminds us that reverence towards our ancestors is not limited only to remembrance but can also be expressed through righteous deeds and acts of kindness performed in their name.
Importance of Donation and Seva
The period of Pitru Paksha is considered especially significant for donation, virtuous deeds, and selfless service. Helping the needy, feeding hungry, and becoming a support for the helpless is regarded as a highly meritorious act of service in Sanatan culture.
In the Garuda Purana, it is said about charity performed during the special period of Pitru Paksha:
Meaning: The person who gives charity in the name of the ancestors becomes eligible for heaven, and through the offering of Pinda to the ancestors, a human being crosses over all the troubles of the world.
Feed Needy, Helpless, and Differently Abled Children
On this auspicious Indira Ekadashi, Narayan Seva Sansthan is organizing food service for the poor, destitute, helpless, and differently-abled children.
On this Ekadashi, connect your reverence and gratitude towards your ancestors with service, and become a partner in providing nutritious and sweet meals to the plate of a needy child.
On this Indira Ekadashi, remember Shri Hari, chant the name of Hari, offer reverence to your ancestors, and take a virtuous resolve of charity and service. Through your good deeds, bring happiness into the life of a needy person and pay homage to the memory of your ancestors with the pure feeling of service.
Help in the service project of providing food on Indira Ekadashi
