Apara Ekadashi 2024

The Hindu Lunar calendar is divided into two different cycles or phases of the Moon. One phase is that of the waxing Moon which is known as 'Shukla Paksha'. In this phase, the Moon grows (visually) and brightens everyday bit by bit. And the other phase is that of the waning moon, ‘Krishna Paksha’, when the size & brightness of the Moon diminishes everyday leading up to New Moon Day. Each phase is of 15 days respectively. 'Ekadashi' is the eleventh (11th) day in each phase of the Moon, meaning there are two Ekadashis in a month.

The term Ekadashi means the eleventh lunar day in each fortnight of the Shukla Paksha and the Krishna Paksha respectively.

There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, with the exception of Leap year when there are 26 Ekadashis.

What is Apara Ekadashi? Apara Ekadashi Meaning

Apara Ekadashi is a fasting day observed on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of moon) in Jyeshtha month (June-July). The Sanskrit word 'apar' means ‘limitless’.

Bhagwan Vishnu is worshipped on Ekadashi. It is said that merely by hearing the names of Bhagwan Vishnu on the various Ekadashis one will be free of all sins. The day is observed by fasting from Sunrise of Ekadashi Tithi to the sunrise of the following day. Fasting on the Ekadashi is an important ritual of this day.

Click Here to Book Ekadashi Puja

Apara Ekadashi Tithi & Muhurat (Date & Time)

Apara Ekadashi is on Sunday, June 2, 2024

Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 05:04 AM on Jun 02, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 02:41 AM on Jun 03, 2024

Vaishnava Apara Ekadashi on Monday, June 3, 2024
On 4th June, Parana Time for Vaishnava Ekadashi - 06:03 AM to 08:34 AM
On Parana Day Dwadashi would be over before Sunrise.

What to do on Apara Ekadashi?

The rituals of Apara Ekadashi are specified below along with rituals followed on Ekadasi in general. If you have decided to fast on this day, ensure that you take special care of the concerned rituals. You should observe the ritual fast with complete devotion and dedication. The rituals of Ekadashi are specified in the ancient Hindu texts. The rituals are: -

1. One day before Ekadashi, which is the 10th day of the Krishna Paksha, the person should clean him/herself thoroughly in the afternoon and have supper at sunset.
2. On the morning of Ekadashi, the person should intent on keeping the fast meticulously. The person should have a bath in a river (which is said to be most purifying) or if no water body is available then bathe with a “kshama yachna”and full devotion.
3. While bathing the person should chant a prayer to Mother Earth.The prayer - “O Asvakrante! O Rathakrante! O Vishnukrante! O Vasundhare! O Mrttike! (O Mother Earth!” please remove all my sins accumulated from past lives so that I may enter the abode of the Bhagwan Vishnu the Supreme God)
4. For people who keep a complete fast till the next day, one should say the prayer-
   'O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat. Please shelter me'.
5. After the prayer the devotee should offer flowers and water at the lotus & worship Bhagwan Vishnu or Krishna with complete dedication and offer an excellent 'Bhog' (food to Divine) along with flowers along with other things.
6. Light a lamp at home in honour and sing praises of Bhagwan Vishnu throughout the day and remain in a most blissful state during the fast.
7. Stay awake through the night in full consciousness. If possible, play musical instruments or indulge in Kirtan & Bhajan throughout the night to please Bhagwan.
8. The next morning the person should give charity to Brahmanas and respectfully ask them for forgiveness for any offence.
9. For people who keep a complete fast till the next day, one should stay at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Vishnu and request the Bhagwan to eat, by chanting the mantra of eight-syllable, thrice. To garner the full merits of the fast, the devotee should have water which has been offered to Bhagwan.
10. Fire sacrifices can be performed if the devotee chooses to do so.
11. From the day of Ekadashi till the next morning, the devotee should be involved in taking baths, singing and chanting praises of the Bhagwan Vishnu and worship him with complete devotion, involved in activities of devotion and doing charity.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Rules & Procedure)

As per specifications in the ancient texts, to get the benefits of the fasting on Ekadashi the person should adhere to the rules strictly.

• The devotee observing fast should have a bath on the morning of Ekadashi.
• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Ekadashi and the next day that is on Dwadashi.
• The devotee keeping fast should not meet or interact with any cheats, frauds or people involved in any nefarious activity. The scriptures even say that if by chance the devotee comes into proximity of such a person then one should purify by standing under the sun and looking directly at it.
• Abstinence from gambling, drinking alcohol, sex on Ekadashi and Dwadashi.
• On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), devotees are not to eat in another person's house, have only one meal, Honey and Urad-dal (black lentil) is not to be consumed, eating on bell metal plate or cutlery, and should not massage oil on the body.
• If due to any reason the devotee is not able to break the fast on the next day, then he/she should have water to signify the completion of the fast and later have food when convenient.

Food items to be strictly avoided:

During Apara Ekadashi fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

1. Grains: Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are considered to be grains.
2. Lentils and Legumes: Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
3. Onions and Garlic: These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Ekadashi fasting.
4. Brinjal (Eggplant): Some people avoid brinjal as it is believed to be tamasic (having qualities of passivity).
5. Mushrooms: Similarly, mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Ekadashi fasting.
6. Hing (Asafoetida): Some people avoid hing as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
7. Non-vegetarian Food: All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
8. Alcohol and Stimulants: Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
9. Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
10. Processed Foods: Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

Devotees usually settle for a simple diet consisting of fruits, nuts, milk products, root vegetables (like potatoes), and specific types of flours (such as water chestnut flour or Singhara flour) to prepare dishes. However, dietary preferences may vary based on regional customs and personal beliefs. It's necessary for individuals observing the fast to cohere to the guidelines prescribed by their tradition or spiritual beliefs.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Fast Story)

Once, there was a righteous king named Mahidhara who ruled over the city of Champaknagar. Despite being a noble king, he was troubled by a son who was disrespectful and indulged in wrongful activities. The king tried everything to guide his son on the right path, but all his efforts were in vain.

Disturbed by his son's behavior and seeking guidance, King Mahidhara consulted sages and saints who advised him to observe the fast of Apara Ekadashi. They explained that observing this fast with sincerity and devotion could absolve his son of all sins and bring him on the righteous path.

Following the advice of the sages, King Mahidhara observed the Apara Ekadashi fast with great devotion. He performed all the rituals associated with the fast and spent the entire day and night in prayer, bhajan, kirtan and meditation.

Pleased by the king's dedication, Bhagwan Vishnu appeared before him and granted him divine blessings. The king's son, who was leading a fractious life, also underwent a transformation and became ethical and righteous.

From that day onwards, King Mahidhara and his kingdom prospered, and his son became a responsible and just ruler. The king, filled with gratitude towards Bhagwan Vishnu, continued to observe the Apara Ekadashi fast every year with great devotion, and his kingdom flourished under the divine grace and blessings.

Thus, observing the fast of Apara Ekadashi is believed to wash away sins, grant divine blessings, and bring prosperity and happiness to one's life. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and devotion to Bhagwan Vishnu for seeking forgiveness and blessings.

Apara Ekadashi “Puja Vidhi”

First, get up early in the morning before sunrise and take a bath. You can the following mantra while bathing:

'Ganga Cha Yamuna Chaiva Godavari Saraswati,

Narmada Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru'

Translation: “In this water, I invoke the presence of divine waters from the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri.” These rivers are considered goddesses and I pray to them for considering me for their blessings.”

• After the bath, it is time for a Vishnu puja. Light up an oil/ghee lamp (Diya).
• Offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, dhoop and lamp to Lord Vishnu.
• You can read or recite Vishnu Sahasranama (A thousand names of Vishnu). You can watch the video below

• It is the best time for Havan, rituals and fasting. At least one of them must be performed to please Lord Vishnu if possible.
• It is the best time to wear Rudraksha beads ruled by Narayana. A Ten Mukhi Rudraksha bead ruled by Bhagwan Krishna and a Nineteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead ruled by Shri Narayana is best to energise your devotional mood.

You can also perform Japa. Youi can use a Tulsi Mala, Rudraksha Mala or any other appropriate Mala for this purpose.

Ekadashi Mantras for Japa

1. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
2. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

You can chant any other Vishnu or Krishna Mantras as well.

Apara Ekadashi “Daan” (Donation)

Donation on Apara Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and commendable. Here are some suggested items to donate on this sacred day:

Food items:

• Rice, wheat, and other grains.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Cooked meals to the needy and hungry.

Click Here to Book Food Donation (Ann Daan)

Clothing:

• New clothes for the poor and underprivileged.
• Warm clothes, blankets, and shawls, especially in cold areas or winter seasons.

Click Here to Book Clothes Donation (Vastra Daan)

Money and benefaction:

• Financial donations to temples, charitable organisations, or directly to those in need.
• Supporting the education of underprivileged children by donating to schools or educational charities.

Religious Items:

• Books on spirituality and religious scriptures.
• Items used in worship like incense sticks, diyas (lamps).

Shelter and Support:

• Donating to shelters for the homeless or animal shelters.
• Contributing to the construction of schools, hospitals, and community centres.

Cows and Animal Care:

• Donating to goshala (cow shelters) or animal welfare organisations.
• Providing food & fodder and other essentials for animals.

Click Here to Book Cow Donation (Gau Daan)

While making donations, it's important to do so with a pure heart and the intent to help and uplift others. This selfless act of charity not only benefits the recipients but also brings spiritual merit to the donor. Observing these practices on Apara Ekadashi is believed to cleanse one's soul, remove past sins, and attract divine blessings.