Ekadashi is an important religious fast observed by the Hindus, in India and other parts of the World. As per the Lunar calendar of the Hindus, there are two Moon cycles, namely, Shukla Paksha, the waxing Moon fortnight and Krishna Paksha, the waning Moon fortnight. Ekadashi means the 11th day in each of the Moon cycles. Therefore, Ekadashi falls twice every month, and there are 24 Ekadashis in a year. Ekadashi fasts are observed in dedication to Bhagwan Vishnu.
The Ekadashi fasts are known as the best form of fasts and the day is considered auspicious and holy. Devotees who observe the fasts with complete dedication, by following the rules strictly, are blessed by Bhagwan Vishnu with happiness, good health, prosperity, relationship harmony, abundance and is said to pave the way to attaining liberation. Besides observing the fast, keeping awake through the night of Ekadashi, singing praise and praying to Shri Hari, is an important part of the Ekadashi fast. It is recommended to stay awake the entire night as it enhances the beenfits of the Ekadashi Fast. The Vaishnavs observe the Ekadashi fasts religiously, some observing Waterless Fast (Nirjala Upvas), which is said to be the form of fasting on that day which pleases Lord Vishnu most.
Meaning of Mokshada Ekadashi (Gita Ekadashi)
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In the month of November - December (Margashirsha month as per Hindu calendar) on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha or waxing Moon phase, the Ekadasi which takes place is called Mokshada Ekadashi.
On this auspicious day, in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Sri Krishna imparted the knowledge of Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna and therefore is also called as the Gita Ekadashi. It is said that gifting a Bhagavad Gita on this day to anybody is sure to garner the blessings of Lord Krishna.
Mokshada Ekadashi is also referred to as Vaikuntha Ekadashi as it is believed that Lord Vishnu's abode, Vaikuntha, is open to allow anyone who observes and worships Lord Vishnu on this day. In the Southern states of India, this Ekadashi is known as Mukkoti Ekadashi.
Mokshada Ekadasi 2024: Dates, Timing & Muhurat
Mokshada Ekadashi on Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Mokshada Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 03:42 AM on Dec 11, 2024
Mokshada Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 01:09 AM on Dec 12, 2024
On 12th Dec, Parana Time: 06:28 AM to 08:47 AM
On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment: 06:28 AM
Those who observe the fast must break it after sunrise the next day after Ekadashi. Note that one should break the fast (Parana) within Dwadashi Tithi. Another important consideration is that one must not break the fast-during Hari Vasara which is the fourth duration of Dwadashi. The best time to break the fast is Pratah Kala (Morning).
What to do on Mokshada Ekadashi?
The rituals of Mokshada Ekadashi are specified in the ancient Hindu texts and is said to have been specified by Lord Sri Krishna while answering Yudhishthira's (one of the Pandava brothers from Mahabharata) query. The rituals are:
One day before Mokshada Ekadashi, which is the 10th. day of the Krishna Paksha, the person should clean his/her teeth thoroughly in the afternoon and have supper just before Sunset.
On the morning of Mokshada Ekadashi, the person should be intent on keeping the fast meticulously. The person should have a bath in a river (which is said to be the most purifying) or a lake and, in both not being available, bathe in pond water.
While bathing the person should smear mud on his/her body while chanting 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 Lord Vishnu the Supreme Lord)
Worship Lord Govinda with complete dedication and offer an excellent 'Bhog' (food to Divine) along with flowers and other things of the offering.
If one doesnt have access to a natural water body, one can simply have a shower and apply a Mud Pack (Multani Mitti or Soil or anything available in the market)
Light a lamp at home in honor of Bhagwan Vishnu.
Chant or sing praises of Bhagwan Vishnu throughout the day and remain in a most blissful state during the fast.
The next morning the person should give charity to Brahmanas and respectfully ask them for forgiveness for any offence.
For people who keep a complete fast till the next day, one should say the prayer while breaking the fast
'O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat. Please shelter me'.
After the prayer the devotee should offer flowers and water at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu and request the Lord 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 the Lord.
Vishnu or Krishna Homa can be performed if the devotee chooses to do so.
The day of Ekadashi till the next morning, the devotees should take baths, sing and chant praises of the Lord, participate in Bhajan & Kirtan and worship Lord Vishnu with complete devotion, and perform charity.
Mokshada Ekadashi Mantra
Devotees can chant Shri Vishnu Mantra:
ॐ नमोः भगवते वासुदेवाय॥
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay.
Shri Vasudevay Gayatri Mantra:
ऊँ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नारायणाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि तन्नो विष्णु प्रचोदयात्।।
Om namo Bhagwate Vasudevay Narayanay Vidmahe Vasudevay Dheemahi Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat.
Fasting Rules of Mokshada Ekadashi | Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi
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 Mokshada Ekadashi.
Beans and Grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi.
The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
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 sex on Ekadashi and Dwadashi.
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.
Mokshada Ekadashi Benefits
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In Uttara Purana, the importance of fasting on this Ekadashi has been mentioned clearly. The ancient text has Bhagwan Krishna explaining to Yudhisthira about the importance where the Bhagwan has said it is greater than all sacrifices or charity to the needy or the sacrifice of Horses (Ashvamedha) or even seeing Bhagwan Vishnu Himself. It is said that one who observes fast on this day, adhering to the rules, will be liberated and get a place in Bhagwan Vishnu's abode.
When Yudhisthira asks Bhagwan Krishna how fasting on Ekadashi can be so significant that it surpasses the best of acts by human beings, the Bhagwan narrates the story of Mokshada Ekadashi and its significance.
Mokshada Ekadashi “Daan” (Donation):
Donation on Mokshada Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and commendable. Here are some suggested items to donate on this sacred day:
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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.
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