Ekadashi is considered extremely pious in Sanatan Dharma. In religious texts, fasting, bathing, charity and fasting have been considered to be of special importance on this day. This auspicious day is best for the worship and devotion of Lord Vishnu. Every Ekadashi has its own significance and fruit. One of these important Ekadashi is ‘Indira Ekadashi’, which falls during Pitru Paksha. This Ekadashi is considered to provide peace and salvation to the souls of ancestors.
Indira Ekadashi 2024 date and auspicious time
In the year 2024, Indira Ekadashi will start on Saturday, September 27 at 1:20 pm. At the same time, this date will end the next day on Sunday, September 28 at 2:49 pm. Udayatithi has importance in Hinduism, hence Indira Ekadashi will be celebrated on 28 September 2024.
Importance of Indira Ekadashi
The festival of Indira Ekadashi is completely dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu, the saviour of the world. By observing this fast and donating to the poor, all the sins committed by the devotee in his births are washed away. This Ekadashi is celebrated in Pitru Paksha.
Hence, the devotee also receives the blessings of the ancestors. Also, by performing Puja etc. on this day, the ancestors attain salvation. The importance of this day is not only for liberation from ancestral debt, but this fast also inspires one to follow the path of religion, karma and charity. By observing this Ekadashi, religious and spiritual energy is infused in the life of a person.
Importance of donation
Ekadashi is not limited to religious rituals only. Apart from religious rituals, giving charity on this day is of utmost importance. Charity has been considered a virtuous act in Sanatan Dharma for centuries. According to the scriptures, by giving charity, a person’s bad karma is destroyed and he gets the fruits of good deeds. According to astrology, by giving charity, religion is followed properly and many problems of life are also got rid of. Charity is also considered infallible for longevity and health.
Cooperation is essential for the existence and progress of the society in which we live. While giving donation, you should not have any feeling of ego, earning merit or doing a favour. You should be grateful to that person for making you happy by accepting your donation and awakening goodwill in you. You should be grateful to God for making you capable of giving something.
The importance of charity is mentioned in many texts and Puranas of Sanatan Dharma. Mentioning the importance of charity, it is said in Manusmriti-
तपः परं कृतयुगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानमुच्यते ।
द्वापरे यज्ञमेवाहुर्दानमेकं कलौ युगे ॥
(That is, penance in Satya Yuga, knowledge in Treta Yuga, sacrifices in Dwapar Yuga and charity in Kali Yuga are the means of man’s welfare.)
Donate these things on Indira Ekadashi
Donation is considered to be of great importance on Indira Ekadashi. It is said that donation of food grains and grains is the best on this auspicious occasion. On the auspicious occasion of Indira Ekadashi, become a part of virtue by helping in the project of donating food to the poor, needy and handicapped children of Narayan Seva Sansthan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
Q: When is Indira Ekadashi 2024?
A: Indira Ekadashi will be celebrated on 28 September 2024.
Q: To whom should donations be made on Indira Ekadashi?
A: On Indira Ekadashi, donations should be made to Brahmins and the downtrodden, helpless and poor people.
Q: What things should be donated on the day of Indira Ekadashi?
A: On the auspicious occasion of Indira Ekadashi, food grains, fruits etc. should be donated.
