Rama Ekadashi: Know Date, Auspicious Time, and Importance of Donation

In Hinduism, Ekadashi is an extremely important day, entirely dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of this universe. This day is observed twice a month. On the eleventh day of both the Krishna and Shukla Paksha, devotees observe fasts with full devotion, worship Lord Vishnu, and give donations to the poor, needy, and destitute. By doing this, the devotees attain wealth, prosperity, and happiness.

The Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month is called Rama Ekadashi. It is said that observing the fast of this Ekadashi resolves all financial difficulties in life and also leads to salvation. Rama Ekadashi is also known by the name Rambha Ekadashi.

Rama Ekadashi 2025 Date and Auspicious Time

In the year 2025, the auspicious time of Rama Ekadashi will begin on 16 October at 10:35 AM and will end the next day, 17 October, at 11:12 AM. In Hinduism, importance is given to Udaya Tithi (the date at sunrise), so Rama Ekadashi will be observed on 17 October 2025.

Importance of Rama Ekadashi

It is said that by worshipping Lord Vishnu on the day of Rama Ekadashi and giving donations to the poor and helpless, one is freed from sins and suffering. With Lord Vishnu’s blessings, one attains salvation at the end of life. Lord Shri Krishna told Dharmaraja Yudhishthira about Rama Ekadashi. According to the Padma Purana, “Whoever observes fast and vows on this day with a true heart attains a place in Vaikuntha Dham and becomes free from all life’s problems.”

In Hinduism, the importance of this Ekadashi increases even more because one of Goddess Lakshmi’s names, the wife of Lord Vishnu, is also Rama. Therefore, this Ekadashi is very dear to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that by fasting and giving donations on this day, a person attains all kinds of happiness and wealth.

Rama Ekadashi Worship Method

On this day, wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Then, with folded hands, meditate on Lord Vishnu and take a vow to observe the fast. After that, set up an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu in a clean place. Offer him unbroken rice, yellow flowers, incense, lamp, fragrance, turmeric, tulsi leaves, Panchamrit, etc.

Worship Shri Hari with full devotion. Offer jaggery, chana dal, and besan laddus as bhog. Finally, perform aarti and pray to the Lord for a happy life.

Importance of Donation

In Hinduism, giving donations is considered highly virtuous. Scriptures say that when you give donations to someone in need, the sins committed by you in the past are erased. When a person leaves this worldly ocean and goes to the supreme abode, all his material possessions are left behind. Only the virtuous deeds done by him come to his aid. The Vedas, scriptures, and Puranas also describe the importance of donation. The scriptures say:

Daanam tyaagah swarth varjitah, seva paramo dharmah.
Zaruratmandasya sahaayye, swarg saopaanam aarohati.

Meaning: Donation and renunciation are free from selfishness, and service is the greatest religion. When a person helps the needy, he begins to ascend the steps to heaven.

Things to Donate on Auspicious Day

On Rama Ekadashi, donating grains and food is considered the best. Therefore, on this virtuous occasion, become a part of good deeds by supporting Narayan Seva Sansthan’s initiative of donating food to poor, destitute, and differently-abled children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: When is Rama Ekadashi in 2025?
A: Rama Ekadashi is on 17 October 2025.

Q: To whom should donations be given on Rama Ekadashi?
A: On Rama Ekadashi, donations should be given to Brahmins and poor, helpless, needy people.

Q: What items should be donated on the day of Rama Ekadashi?
A: On the auspicious occasion of Rama Ekadashi, grains and food should be donated.