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Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Aja Ekadashi 2025: Date, muhurat, rituals, significance, dos and dont's and fasting rules
Synopsis Aja Ekadashi, a sacred fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will be observed on August 19, 2025. Devotees seek forgiveness and spiritual growth through rituals like worshipping Vishnu and Lakshmi, reciting scriptures, and donating to the needy. Observing this fast is believed to remove negative karmas and pave the way to salvation, ensuring peace and prosperity. Aja Ekadashi 2025: Aja Ekadashi is regarded as one of the holiest fasting days in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sacred occasion is observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. The fast is believed to be extremely auspicious for seeking divine forgiveness and freedom from past per Drik Panchang, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 05:22 PM on August 18, 2025 Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 03:32 PM on August 19, 2025 On this day, devotees rise before sunrise, bathe, and purify their homes with Gangajal. Wearing clean clothes, they worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. While visiting a temple is ideal, those unable to do so can perform puja at home. Prepare an asan and cover it with a yellow cloth. Place the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Offer flowers, panchamrit, bhog (such as kheer, fruits, and dry fruits). Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Stotra, and verses from the Bhagavad Gita. Conclude the worship with an aarti of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The Parana for Aja Ekadashi fast is scheduled for August 20, 2025, between 5:15 AM and 7:49 AM. Traditionally, devotees end their fast only after donating food and essentials to the needy. On Dwadashi Tithi, after bathing and offering prayers to Lakshmi Narayan Ji, offerings of food and wealth are made. Only then do devotees break their fast with term "Aja" means "that which is unborn or eternal." It represents liberation from the endless cycle of life and death. Observing this fast is said to remove past negative karmas and elevate spiritual growth. It is believed to pave the way to Moksha (salvation) while ensuring peace, prosperity, and harmony in life. Scriptures mention that fasting on Aja Ekadashi is equivalent to performing multiple yagnas and pilgrimages. Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean yellow clothes. With folded hands, take a vow (sankalp) to observe the vrat while remembering Lord Vishnu. Place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu in the home temple. Offer fruits, flowers, sweets, rice, clothes, and light incense. Light a ghee lamp. Chant or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama. Listen to or read the story of Aja Ekadashi. The following day, before breaking the fast, give away charity and donations. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, garlic, and onion. Keep the mind pure, avoiding hatred or negative emotions. Do not cut hair or nails on this day. Offering charity and donations (daan-dakshina) is considered highly virtuous.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Radha Ashtami 2025 date: When is Radha Ashtami? All you need to know
Radha Ashtami 2025: The name of Lord Krishna is always remembered with Radha Ji, as their divine bond holds a special place in Hindu traditions. This sacred connection is also seen in our festivals. First, we celebrate Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Soon after comes Radha Ashtami, a festival dedicated to the birth of Radha Rani. On this holy day, devotees keep fasts, sing bhajans, and offer prayers to Radha Ji with great devotion. It is believed that by pleasing Radha Ji, one also receives the blessings of Lord Krishna. Observing a fast on Radha Ashtami is considered highly auspicious. Devotees who wish for children also pray to Radha Rani for the fulfilment of their desires. Radha Ji as an Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi Radha Ji is worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Hence, her blessings are believed to bring grace, wealth, prosperity, and peace in life. Many devotees also observe a 16-day-long fast starting from Radha Ashtami until Krishna Ashtami, showing their deep faith and devotion. Radha Ashtami 2025 Date and Time According to the Hindu Panchang, Radha Ashtami falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. It is believed that Radha Rani appeared on this very day, which is why it is celebrated as her birth anniversary. This year, Radha Ashtami 2025 will be observed on Sunday, 31 August 2025. Radha Ashtami 2025 Shubh Muhurat Ashtami Tithi begins: 10:46 PM on 30 August 2025 Ashtami Tithi ends: 12:57 AM on 1 September 2025 Auspicious puja time: 11:05 AM to 1:38 PM on 31 August 2025 Rituals and Fasting on Radha Ashtami (Radha Ashtami Vrat Vidhi) On the day of Radha Ashtami 2025, devotees follow strict rituals to seek divine blessings. Wake up early in the Brahma Muhurat and begin the day with prayers. Take a holy bath with water mixed with Ganga Jal and perform achaman while chanting mantras: 'Om Keshavaya Namah, Om Narayanaya Namah, Om Madhavaya Namah, Om Hrishikeshaaya Namah' Clean the home and temple area properly. Place a red cloth on a holy seat and install idols of Radha and Krishna. Take a vow to observe the fast, light a ghee lamp, and perform aarti with devotion. Spend the day in prayers, chanting bhajans, and seeking blessings. In the evening, devotees can have fruits as phalahaari food, but the fast is concluded the next morning after prayers. Rules to Follow During Radha Ashtami Fast Avoid tamasic or non-vegetarian food. Do not disrespect elders. Stay away from negative or harmful thoughts. Maintain cleanliness at home and the place of worship. Avoid sleeping during the day while fasting. Radha Ashtami Puja Mantras 1. || Om Vrishabhanujyai Vidmahe Krishnapriyaai Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodayat || 2. || Om Hreem Radhikaye Namah..!!|| 3. ||Om Hreem Shreem Radhikaye Namah..!!|| Significance of Radha Ashtami The festival of Radha Ashtami 2025 is a symbol of divine love, devotion, and purity. Worshipping Radha Ji on this day is said to remove obstacles in life and bring happiness, prosperity, and spiritual peace. Her blessings are also believed to strengthen family bonds and fulfil wishes. Radha Ashtami Wishes and Messages 2025 On this sacred day, devotees share Radha Ashtami wishes and messages with family and friends to spread positivity and blessings. You can send heartfelt greetings like: May Radha Rani bless your life with love, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Radha Ashtami 2025! On this holy day of Radha Ashtami, may you and your loved ones be blessed with peace, joy, and devotion. Wishing you divine blessings of Radha and Krishna on Radha Ashtami 2025. Happy Radha Ashtami! May Goddess Radha fill your life with love, joy, and divine blessings. Wishing you a blissful Radha Ashtami! May your heart be filled with Radha Rani's eternal love and grace. On this special day of Radha Ashtami, may you be blessed with happiness, health, and prosperity. Enjoy the divine celebration! Happy Radha Ashtami! May the love and devotion of Radha and Krishna inspire your life and bring you peace. Sending you warm wishes on Radha Ashtami! May your life be illuminated with Radha Rani's light and devotion. Blessed Radha Ashtami to you and your family! May the divine love of Radha and Krishna bring you endless joy and prosperity. Happy Radha Ashtami! May the grace of Goddess Radha guide you towards a path of happiness and success. On this auspicious day of Radha Ashtami, may your life be filled with Radha Rani's boundless love and blessings. Wishing you a joyous Radha Ashtami! May the love of Radha and Krishna enrich your life with peace and harmony. Happy Radha Ashtami! May Radha Rani's divine presence bring you closer to your dreams and fill your life with joy and success. Happy Radha Ashtami Images, cards and photos to share Sharing such wishes and messages not only spreads joy but also strengthens the spirit of devotion. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Aja Ekadashi 2025: Is it on August 19 or 20? Know exact date, time, puja vidhi & more
August 2025 Ekadashi: The month of Bhadrapada holds great spiritual importance. During this time, devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha. In simple words, both Krishna Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi fall in this holy month. Along with these festivals, Radha Ashtami is also observed, when devotees worship Radha Rani and Banke Bihari Krishna with deep devotion. In the same month, both the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) and Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) Ekadashi are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On these auspicious days, devotees offer prayers to Lakshmi Narayan with faith and devotion. Let us understand the date, timings, and rituals of Aja Ekadashi. Aja Ekadashi 2025 Date & Timings According to the Hindu calendar, Aja Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month, which falls right after the Dashami tithi. This day is fully dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Devotees not only worship Lord Vishnu but also observe a sacred fast, believing it fulfils all wishes and brings prosperity by the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. - Ekadashi Tithi begins: 18th August, 5:22 PM - Ekadashi Tithi ends: 19th August, 3:32 PM As per Sanatan Dharma, festivals are calculated based on the sunrise (Udaya Tithi). Hence, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on 19th August 2025, and the Parana (breaking of fast) will take place on 20th August 2025. Parana (Breaking the Fast) of Aja Ekadashi The Parana for Aja Ekadashi fast will be done on 20th August 2025. On this day, devotees can break their fast between 5:15 AM and 7:49 AM. Traditionally, the fast is ended after offering food and donations to the needy. On the Dwadashi Tithi, after taking a bath and offering prayers to Lakshmi Narayan Ji, devotees donate food and wealth. Only then do they break their fast with complete devotion. Significance of Aja Ekadashi The Aja Ekadashi fast is observed on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Bhadrapada month. It is believed that this sacred fast removes sorrow, pain, and obstacles from life while guiding the soul towards moksha (liberation). By observing Aja Ekadashi, devotees are freed from the sins of past lives and are blessed with positivity and strength to overcome life's challenges. This year, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on 19th August 2025. According to religious beliefs, keeping the Aja Ekadashi fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu destroys all sins and paves the way to salvation. It is said that those who worship Lord Vishnu in his Rishikesh form attain Vishnu Lok after death. Even listening to the story (katha) of Aja Ekadashi is believed to bring the same merits as performing the Ashwamedha Yajna. Aja Ekadashi Vrat rituals Wake up early in the morning. Take a bath and wear clean yellow-coloured clothes. With folded hands, make a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast while remembering Lord Vishnu. Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu in the home temple. Offer fruits, flowers, sweets, rice, clothes, and light incense to the deity. Light a ghee lamp. Chant or read the Vishnu Sahasranama. Listen to or recite the story of Aja Ekadashi. The next day, before breaking the fast, offer charity and donations. Special Practices for Aja Ekadashi On this sacred day, devotees should follow these special remedies to receive divine blessings: Light a lamp near the Tulsi plant. Donate yellow fruits or clothes to the needy. Offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu. Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama with devotion. Donate food or clothes to the poor. Aja Ekadashi don'ts On the day of Aja Ekadashi, devotees must follow certain rules strictly: Avoid eating non-vegetarian food, garlic, and onion. Do not eat rice on this day, as it is considered prohibited. Keep your mind pure and free from hatred or negative thoughts towards others. Refrain from cutting hair or nails on this day. Offering charity and donations (daan-dakshina) is considered highly virtuous. Observing Aja Ekadashi Vrat is believed to bring peace, happiness, prosperity, and fulfilment of all desires by the grace of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The Story of Aja Ekadashi Vrat According to ancient legends, there once lived a great king named Harishchandra, known as a Chakravarti ruler. His kingdom was filled with wealth and prosperity, but fate soon turned against him. He lost his throne, riches, and even his family. With no one left beside him, King Harishchandra was forced to work as a servant under a chandala (caretaker of cremation grounds). One day, Sage Gautam visited the village. Harishchandra bowed before the sage and shared his grief. After listening carefully, Sage Gautam advised him to observe the Aja Ekadashi fast during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. He assured the king that this vrat would wash away his sins and restore everything he had lost. Following the sage's advice, King Harishchandra observed the Aja Ekadashi fast with full devotion and worshipped Lord Vishnu sincerely. The result was miraculous – all his sins were destroyed, his kingdom and family were restored, and by the grace of Lord Vishnu, he attained a place in Vaikuntha Lok after death. This is why it is believed that Aja Ekadashi brings back everything a person has lost and blesses them with peace, prosperity, and salvation. Happy Aja Ekadashi wishes and messages to share with loved ones May Lord Vishnu bless you with peace, happiness, and prosperity on this sacred day of Aja Ekadashi. On Aja Ekadashi, may your heart be filled with devotion and your life with the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. May observing Aja Ekadashi bring fulfilment of all your wishes and guide you towards the path of dharma and light. This Aja Ekadashi, may Lord Vishnu protect you from negativity and shower you with spiritual strength and success. On the holy occasion of Aja Ekadashi, may you find inner peace, good fortune, and divine grace in every step of life. Wishing you a blessed Aja Ekadashi filled with devotion, joy, and blessings of Lakshmi Narayan Ji. May your prayers on Aja Ekadashi reach Lord Vishnu and bring health, wealth, and happiness to you and your family. Let this Aja Ekadashi remind us of the power of faith, devotion, and fasting in connecting with the divine. On Aja Ekadashi, may the light of devotion brighten your soul and the blessings of Lord Vishnu enrich your life. Wishing you a holy and blissful Aja Ekadashi. May Lord Vishnu bless you with peace, love, and prosperity always. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.