Mokshada Ekadashi 2025: Date, Rituals and Significance

In Indian culture, Ekadashi holds special significance. The Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of both the waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) moon phases each month is considered a day for worshipping Lord Vishnu and observing a fast. Among these, one important date is Mokshada Ekadashi, which falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Margashirsha. The purpose of this day is not only spiritual purification but also to pave the way for attaining liberation (moksha).

When is Mokshada Ekadashi 2025? Date and time

In 2025, Mokshada Ekadashi will begin on November 30, 2025, at 9:29 AM and will end on December 1, 2025, at 7:01 PM. In Hindu tradition, the sunrise date (Udayatithi) is considered important, so Mokshada Ekadashi will be observed on December 1, 2025.

Note: Parana is the ritual of ending the fast and should be observed during the specified period.

Mythological Reference of Mokshada Ekadashi

Descriptions of Mokshada Ekadashi are found in the Puranas. According to the Shri Harivamsa Purana, “By observing a fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day, all sins are destroyed, and a person attains liberation (moksha).”

Ekodashi vratenaiva yatra yatra gato bhuvi.
Papam tasya vinashyanti Vishnuloke mahiyate॥

This means that by observing the Ekadashi fast, all sins are destroyed, and the person attains a place in Vishnu’s divine realm.

Importance of Mokshada Ekadashi

Mokshada Ekadashi is significant not only from a religious perspective but also as a symbol of inner purification and social responsibility. By fasting and performing acts of charity on this day, one purifies both mind and soul. It is said that the meritorious deeds done on this day yield manifold results. Observing the fast on Mokshada Ekadashi and giving donations to the needy and distressed frees the devotee from the cycle of birth and death, granting them ‘moksha’ and a place in Lord Vishnu’s divine abode, Vaikuntha.

Mokshada Ekadashi is also known as “Mauna Ekadashi” or “Maun Agiyaras,” where devotees observe a vow of silence (“maun”) throughout the day. It is believed that listening to the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita on this day grants one the same merit as performing an Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ritual). According to the Vishnu Purana, the observance of Mokshada Ekadashi is considered as beneficial as observing the other twenty-three Ekadashi fasts.

Rituals During Mokshada Ekadashi

1. Fasting:

• Devotees observe a complete or partial fast, consuming only sattvic food.

• Some choose to abstain from food and water entirely.

2.   Prayers and Pujas:

•  Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, flowers, and lamps.

• Chant mantras like the Vishnu Sahasranama and read the Bhagavad Gita.

3.   Charity and Donations:

• Acts of donation hold special significance, helping the needy while enhancing the spiritual benefits for the giver.

4.   Meditation and Reflection:

•  Devotees meditate and reflect on their spiritual journey, seeking forgiveness and divine guidance.

Importance of Charity

Charity is described in our scriptures as a great virtuous act. It not only helps those in need but also opens the path to spiritual purification and liberation for the donor. As stated in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita:

Dātavyamiti yaddānaṁ dīyate’nupakāriṇe.
Deśe kāle ca pātre ca taddānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛtam॥

This means that the charity given selflessly, at the right time, in the right place, and to the right recipient, is considered sattvic (pure) charity.

In the Vedas and Upanishads, charity is called the “pillar of dharma.” Especially the donation of food (annadan) and clothing (vastradan) is regarded as the highest.

Charity awakens feelings of compassion, kindness, and altruism within us. For the donor, this act not only brings joy in worldly life but also yields rewards in the afterlife.

What to Donate on Mokshada Ekadashi

On Mokshada Ekadashi, donating food is considered the highest form of charity. By giving donations and supporting the mission of feeding the poor and underprivileged through Narayan Seva Sansthan, you can become a part of this meritorious act.

FAQs

Q. What is Mokshada Ekadashi?

A. Mokshada Ekadashi is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed for seeking liberation from sins and the cycle of rebirth.

Q. When is Mokshada Ekadashi in 2025?

A. Mokshada Ekadashi will be celebrated on December 1, 2025.

Q. What rituals are observed on Mokshada Ekadashi?

A. Rituals include fasting, prayers, chanting hymns, reading the Bhagavad Gita, and performing acts of charity.

Q. Why is donating to Mokshada Ekadashi significant?

A. Donations on this day are believed to bring spiritual merit, cleanse past sins, and create positive karma.

Q. How can I contribute meaningfully to Mokshada Ekadashi?

A. You can donate to trusted organizations like Narayan Seva Sansthan, which supports life-changing initiatives for the needy.