Indira Ekadashi 2025: Date, Auspicious Time, and Importance of Donation

In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi is considered highly meritorious. According to religious scriptures, fasting, bathing, donations, and abstinence hold special importance on this day. This auspicious day is regarded as the best for the worship and devotion of Lord Vishnu. Every Ekadashi has its own unique significance and benefits. Among these, one important Ekadashi is ‘Indira Ekadashi,’ which falls during the Pitru Paksha. This Ekadashi is believed to provide peace and salvation to the souls of ancestors.

Indira Ekadashi 2025 Date and Auspicious Time

In the year 2025, Indira Ekadashi will begin on 17 September at 12:21 AM. This date will end the next day, also on 17 September, at 11:39 PM. In Hinduism, significance is given to the sunrise date (Udayatithi), so Indira Ekadashi will be observed on 17 September 2025.

Significance of Indira Ekadashi

The festival of Indira Ekadashi is entirely dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this day, the preserver of the universe, Lord Vishnu, along with the Goddess of wealth, Maa Lakshmi, is worshipped. By observing this fast and donating to the poor, destitute, and needy, all the sins committed over several lifetimes are believed to be washed away. This Ekadashi is observed during Pitru Paksha; hence, the devotee also receives the blessings of the ancestors. Additionally, performing worship on this day is believed to grant salvation to the ancestors.

The importance of this day is not limited only to liberation from ancestral debts, but this fast also inspires one to walk the path of righteousness, duty, and altruism. Observing this Ekadashi brings religious and spiritual energy into one’s life.

Importance of Donation

Ekadashi is not limited only to religious rituals. Apart from rituals, donating on this day holds immense importance. Donation has been considered an act of virtue in Sanatan Dharma for centuries. According to scriptures, donating destroys a person’s bad deeds and grants the fruits of good deeds. According to astrology, donating ensures proper observance of dharma and also provides relief from many life problems. Donation is also considered a sure remedy for longevity and health.

In the society we live in, cooperation is essential for its existence and progress. At the time of giving, there should be no feeling of ego, earning merit, or doing a favor. Instead, one should feel grateful to the person accepting the donation, as they awaken goodwill within you and make you worthy through their acceptance. There should also be gratitude toward God for making you capable of giving.

Many texts and Puranas of Sanatan Dharma mention the importance of donation. Highlighting the importance of donation, Manusmriti says:

Tapah param kritayuge tretayam gyanamuchyate।
Dvapare yajnamevahu rdanamekam kalau yuge॥

This means: In Satyuga, penance; in Treta, knowledge; in Dvapara, yajna (sacrifice); and in Kaliyuga, the donation is considered the means of human welfare.

Things to Donate on Indira Ekadashi

Donation on Indira Ekadashi holds great significance. It is said that donating food and grains on this auspicious occasion is supreme. On the meritorious occasion of Indira Ekadashi, become a part of virtue by supporting Narayan Seva Sansthan’s initiative of donating meals to the poor, destitute, and differently abled children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: When is Indira Ekadashi 2025?
A: Indira Ekadashi will be observed on 17 September 2025.

Q: To whom should one donate on Indira Ekadashi?
A: On Indira Ekadashi, one should donate to Brahmins as well as to the poor, destitute, and helpless people.

Q: What items should be donated on the day of Indira Ekadashi?
A: On the auspicious occasion of Indira Ekadashi, one should donate food, grains, fruits, etc.