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Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Date, shubh muhurat, vrat katha, puja rituals, significance and all you need to know
Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sacred occasion is regarded as one of the most spiritually significant fasts in the Hindu tradition. Observing this fast is believed to help devotees wash away past sins, receive divine blessings, and move closer to attaining moksha, or spiritual liberation. From date to history, here is all you need to know. (Also read: This year, the auspicious occasion of Apara Ekadashi is being observed on Friday, May 23. According to the Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings to observe the festival are as follows: Ekadashi tithi begins- 01:12 AM, May 23 Ekadashi tithi ends- 10:29 PM, May 23 Parana time- 05:25 AM to 08:10 AM, May 24 Parana Day Dwadashi end moment- 07:20 PM, May 24 The legend of Apara Ekadashi centres around a noble king named Mahidhwaj, who was kind and virtuous. His jealous younger brother, Vajradhwaj, murdered him and buried his body beneath a Peepal tree in a dense forest. As a result of his untimely death, Mahidhwaj's soul became a restless spirit, haunting the area and troubling those who passed by. One day, a wise sage came across the tormented soul. After hearing the king's tragic story, the sage decided to help him. He observed the Apara Ekadashi fast with devotion and, on Dwadashi, offered the spiritual merit of the vrat to Mahidhwaj's soul. This selfless act helped the ghost find peace and attain moksha. Hindu scriptures also mention that Lord Krishna explained the significance of Apara Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira. The vrat is said to cleanse one's sins, guide them toward righteousness, and bring prosperity, fame, and respect. The word 'Apar' in Hindi means 'limitless,' and Apara Ekadashi is named for its promise of boundless spiritual merit and prosperity. Observing this vrat is believed to cleanse sins and lead devotees toward both material and spiritual fulfilment. Ancient texts like the Brahma Purana and Padma Purana highlight its immense significance. Celebrated across India under various names, Apara Ekadashi is known as 'Bhadrakali Ekadashi' in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana, where devotees worship Goddess Bhadrakali. In Odisha, it is called 'Jalakrida Ekadashi' and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Despite regional differences, the essence remains the same, devotees fast, pray, and seek divine blessings for a virtuous and liberated life. On Apara Ekadashi, devotees begin their rituals with an early morning bath followed by worship. An idol or image of Lord Vishnu is placed for puja, a diya lit with desi ghee, and offerings of flowers or a garland are made. In the evening, panchamrit (a sacred mixture of milk, ghee, curd, honey, and sugar) and bhog prasad are prepared. Devotees recite Lord Vishnu's Aarti while offering the bhog. Throughout the day, the mantra "Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye" is chanted for divine blessings. Many devotees also visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna. The fast is traditionally broken the next day, on Dwadashi Tithi. However, those who find it difficult to fast entirely may consume satvik food in the evening.
India Today
22-05-2025
- General
- India Today
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Vrat timings, puja rituals, and importance of ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi or Achala Ekadashi is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. It is a part of the 24 Ekadashis, which are celebrated annually in the glory of Lord Vishnu. The followers opine that by keeping a fast on this day, they can achieve moksha (freedom), erase old mistakes, and acquire peace and prosperity in their Ekadashi is regarded as particularly strong for clearing evil karma and is reported to be of benefit to those who wish to be forgiven and grow spiritually. It is also believed that individuals who keep this vrat (fast) with dedication are bestowed with good luck, enhanced concentration, and spiritual EKADASHI 2025 DATE AND TITHI TIMINGS TithiDate and TimeEkadashi Tithi BeginsMay 23, 2025 - 01:12 AMEkadashi Tithi EndsMay 23, 2025 - 10:29 PMParana TimeMay 24, 2025 - 05:25 AM to 08:10 AMParana Day Dwadashi End MomentMay 24, 2025 - 07:20 PMAPARA EKADASHI VRAT VIDHI AND PUJA RITUALSOn Apara Ekadashi, the believers maintain a rigorous fast and pass the day in meditation and prayers. Here's an easy step-by-step guide to the puja rituals:Early Morning Bath: Wake up early during Brahma Muhurat and take a sacred the Puja Area: Light a lamp using ghee or oil and keep an idol or photograph of Lord Give tulsi leaves, fruits, flowers, and incense to god. Read Vishnu Sahasranama or any other Vishnu Most people keep a nirjala vrat (fasting without water) while others consume fruits and milk. Fasting lasts until the next and Bhajans: People sing bhajans and stay awake Giving clothes, food, or money to the needy is auspicious on this Ekadashi 2025 is a spiritually uplifting day that is an opportunity for self-transformation. With genuine faith and the appropriate intentions, the holy day can bestow blessings of peace, wisdom, and bliss. Whether one keeps a strict fast or just commits the day to prayer and discipline, the key is devotion and a clean heart.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Why Achala Ekadashi Is Basically the Cosmic Detox Everyone Needs
Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is far more than just a day to abstain from rice on the . Occurring on the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Jyeshtha month, this year it falls on Friday, May 23, 2025 . This auspicious day is deeply significant for cleansing karmic debt, fostering , and, in essence, providing a cosmic report card to each zodiac sign. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ruled by , Apara Ekadashi is believed to meticulously wipe away sins, lighten the soul's accumulated baggage, and even enhance one's reputation and prosperity. Consider it a universal image makeover, no PR team required. Zodiac Impacts : Who's Thriving and Who's... Trying Aries – Charged up like a motivational montage: Bold decisions and spiritual resets come easily. This is the time to genuinely move forward, not just fake-jog on life's treadmill. Bold decisions and spiritual resets come easily. This is the time to genuinely move forward, not just fake-jog on life's treadmill. Taurus – Forced to let go of stubborn habits: Spoiler alert: that comfort zone has officially expired. True inner peace begins right where that second dessert ends. Spoiler alert: that comfort zone has officially expired. True inner peace begins right where that second dessert ends. Gemini – Mental clarity ascends, gossip descends: Communication finally finds its true purpose. Wild, right? Expect more meaningful exchanges and less idle chatter. Communication finally finds its true purpose. Wild, right? Expect more meaningful exchanges and less idle chatter. Cancer – Emotional detox in full swing: It's time to Marie Kondo the heart. If it doesn't bring genuine peace, it's out. Emotional baggage is being offloaded. It's time to Marie Kondo the heart. If it doesn't bring genuine peace, it's out. Emotional baggage is being offloaded. Leo – Pride takes a much-needed seat: Spiritual humility leads to an unexpected glow-up. Remember, Vishnu is watching, not just your Instagram followers. Spiritual humility leads to an unexpected glow-up. Remember, Vishnu is watching, not just your Instagram followers. Virgo – Inner overthinker gets a stern directive to 'zip it': Surrender becomes the new productivity. Breathe deeply, repeat, and let go of the need to control every detail. Surrender becomes the new productivity. Breathe deeply, repeat, and let go of the need to control every detail. Libra – Finally balancing actual life, not just aesthetics: Issues of justice, karma, and that long-avoided unresolved problem are getting settled. Harmony extends beyond superficial appearances. Issues of justice, karma, and that long-avoided unresolved problem are getting settled. Harmony extends beyond superficial appearances. Scorpio – Shadow work alert: This is the moment to face the mirror without the benefit of dim lighting. It's intense, uncomfortable, and absolutely necessary for deep transformation. This is the moment to face the mirror without the benefit of dim lighting. It's intense, uncomfortable, and absolutely necessary for deep transformation. Sagittarius – Philosophy goes practical: Less grand pontificating about truth, more actively walking in it. Genuine growth means acknowledging they don't actually know it all. Less grand pontificating about truth, more actively walking in it. Genuine growth means acknowledging they don't know it all. Capricorn – Cosmic audit time: Past actions combined with current intentions will dictate a significant reputation upgrade (or a harsh reckoning). There are no shortcuts here, just pure Saturnian vibes. Past actions combined with current intentions will dictate a significant reputation upgrade (or a harsh reckoning). There are no shortcuts here, just pure Saturnian vibes. Aquarius – Rebellion cools, spiritual logic awakens: If a cause doesn't genuinely include compassion and humanitarianism, it's being canceled from their radar. Idealism meets practical empathy. If a cause doesn't genuinely include compassion and humanitarianism, it's being canceled from their radar. Idealism meets practical empathy. Pisces – Hyper-sensitive, hyper-awake: Dreams may serve as direct conduits for truth bombs. Inner alignment shifts from poetic musings to tangible action and spiritual grounding. Significance Recap: Apara Ekadashi serves as a powerful catalyst, helping to dissolve guilt, guide profound self-reflection, and gently but firmly push every zodiac sign toward a more dharmic (righteous) alignment. No filters, no excuses—just a much-needed divine Wi-Fi upgrade for the soul.
