Apara Ekadashi 2025: Is it on May 22 or 23? Know exact date, timing and more
Apara Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually important days in the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this Ekadashi is believed to free devotees from past sins and bless them with peace, wealth, and salvation. Celebrated during Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, Apara Ekadashi 2025 has stirred some confusion about its exact date. Is it on May 22 or 23? Read on to know the confirmed Apara Ekadashi 2025 date, timings, rituals, and spiritual significance.
What Is Apara Ekadashi and Why Is It Important?
Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. According to Hindu beliefs, this day is extremely auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu. The word "Apara" means "limitless", and it is said that those who observe a fast on this day receive limitless blessings, happiness, and spiritual merit.
Many devotees believe that by observing Apara Ekadashi vrat (fast), one can wash away past sins and attain moksha (liberation). It is also said that Lord Krishna explained the spiritual value of this Ekadashi to Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandava, during the time of Mahabharata.
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Date and Timings
There has been some confusion about whether Apara Ekadashi 2025 falls on May 22 or May 23. As per Drik Panchang, the correct date for observing Apara Ekadashi is May 23, 2025.
Here are the key timings for Apara Ekadashi 2025:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: May 23, 2025 – 01:12 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: May 23, 2025 – 10:29 PM
Parana (Fast-breaking) Time: May 24, 2025 – From 05:25 AM to 08:10 AM
Dwadashi Tithi Ends: May 24, 2025 – 07:20 PM
Note: Parana is an important ritual where the fast is broken after offering food (bhog) to Lord Vishnu on the next day, Dwadashi.
Spiritual Significance of Apara Ekadashi
Every Ekadashi holds spiritual value, but Apara Ekadashi is especially powerful. On this day, devotees pray to Lord Vishnu to cleanse their souls and remove negative karma. It is believed that even sins committed unknowingly can be forgiven by fasting and performing puja on Apara Ekadashi.
The day is also associated with gaining wealth, success, and spiritual growth. According to scriptures, the Pandavas observed this vrat before the Kurukshetra battle and received divine support and strength. The limitless grace ("Apara") of Lord Vishnu makes this day extremely meaningful for his followers.
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Puja Vidhi and Rituals
Devotees begin their day with a holy bath and follow a series of Apara Ekadashi rituals with full devotion. Here's a step-by-step guide to the Apara Ekadashi puja:
Wake up early and take a bath to purify the body and soul.
Place a clean idol or image of Lord Vishnu on a puja altar.
Light a diya (lamp) using desi ghee and decorate the altar with flowers and garlands.
Offer panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) and bhog prasad.
Chant Lord Vishnu mantras like 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' continuously.
Perform Vishnu Aarti in the morning and again in the evening.
Visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, if possible.
Refrain from eating non-satvik food and maintain purity in thoughts and actions.
On Dwadashi, after offering food to the deity, break the fast during Parana Muhurat.
For those who cannot observe a full-day fast, consuming satvik food like fruits, milk, and nuts is allowed.
Apara Ekadashi Mantras for Devotees
Reciting sacred mantras enhances spiritual energy and devotion on Apara Ekadashi. Here are some powerful Apara Ekadashi mantras:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Hari Om Namo Narayanaye
Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari, Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva
Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram, Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Apara Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting—it is a chance for self-purification, spiritual growth, and connection with Lord Vishnu. Observing Apara Ekadashi with sincerity, devotion, and discipline can lead to divine blessings and inner peace.
So, mark your calendar for May 23, 2025, and follow the proper Apara Ekadashi rituals and timings to make the most of this auspicious occasion.
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