Aja Ekadashi 2025 today: Time, significance, vrat rituals, mantras, do's and don'ts & more
today: Aja Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most auspicious fasting days in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Falling on the eleventh day (Ekadashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, this sacred observance is believed to absolve devotees of past sins and help them attain Moksha (salvation).
In 2025, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, August 19.
Aja Ekadashi 2025: Date and Time
According to the Drik Panchang, the timings for Aja Ekadashi 2025 are as follows:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: August 18, 2025 at 05:22 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: August 19, 2025 at 03:32 PM
Parana (fast breaking): August 20, 2025 between 05:53 AM and 08:29 AM
Dwadashi Tithi Ends: August 20, 2025 at 01:58 PM
Parana is an essential part of the Ekadashi vrat, and devotees are advised to break their fast only within the prescribed period. Traditionally, the fast is ended after offering food, water, or donations to the needy.
Spiritual Significance of Aja Ekadashi
The word
Aja
translates to 'that which is unborn or eternal,' symbolising liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death. Scriptures describe Aja Ekadashi as a day of purification and redemption. It is believed that observing this vrat washes away accumulated sins, helps overcome negative karmas, and paves the way for spiritual upliftment.
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This Ekadashi is also known as Ananda Ekadashi. Devotees observe the fast with faith and devotion to receive Lord Vishnu's blessings of happiness, health, wealth, and success. Ancient texts mention that the merit of observing Aja Ekadashi is equivalent to performing several Ashwamedha Yagnas and sacred pilgrimages, making it one of the most powerful Ekadashis of the year.
Aja Ekadashi Rituals and Puja Vidhi
The rituals of Aja Ekadashi are deeply symbolic, focusing on purity, devotion, and service. Devotees begin preparations a day earlier by eating light, sattvic food and avoiding onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian items.
On the day of Aja Ekadashi:
Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath. Homes are often cleansed and sanctified with Gangajal.
Wear clean, preferably yellow clothes, symbolising purity and devotion.
Prepare an asan (seat) and cover it with a yellow cloth. Place idols or pictures of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on it.
Offer flowers, incense sticks, and a ghee lamp. Present bhog items such as kheer, fruits, and dry fruits, along with tulsi leaves.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, verses from the Bhagavad Gita, and Aja Ekadashi Katha.
Conclude the puja with an aarti of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Many devotees also chant mantras like
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
and spend the day engaging in bhajans and kirtans.
Parana (breaking the fast):
The fast is broken on Dwadashi Tithi after sunrise, only after donating food or essentials to the needy. Devotees first offer prayers to Lakshmi Narayan Ji and then break their fast with devotion.
The Story of Aja Ekadashi
The significance of Aja Ekadashi is illustrated in the story of King Harishchandra, who was renowned for his truthfulness and righteousness. Due to the burden of past karmas, he lost his kingdom, wealth, and family, and was forced to work in difficult conditions.
In despair, he visited Sage Gautam and narrated his plight. The sage advised him to observe the Aja Ekadashi fast with devotion. Following the sage's instructions, King Harishchandra observed the vrat with sincerity. Miraculously, he regained his lost kingdom, reunited with his family, and was freed from his sufferings. From that day, he continued to observe every Ekadashi with devotion, and his story has since served as an enduring reminder of the power of this sacred fast.
Aja Ekadashi Dos and Don'ts
Dos:
Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
Take a vow (sankalp) to observe the vrat with devotion.
Perform puja by offering flowers, incense, sweets, and tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.
Read or listen to the Aja Ekadashi Katha.
Donate food, clothing, or essentials to the poor before breaking the fast.
Don'ts:
Avoid eating non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.
Do not cut hair or nails on this day.
Refrain from anger, hatred, or negative emotions.
Avoid wasting food and water.
Mantras to Chant on Aja Ekadashi
Chanting Vishnu mantras is considered highly auspicious on this day. Devotees commonly recite:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Ram Ram Raameti Rame Raame Manorame, Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare; Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare
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