Indira Ekadashi: Significance, Vrat and Vidhi

Related Topics:Bhagwan VishnuekadashiVrat and Puja

In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi dates are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe within the Trimurti (the Triple Deity of Supreme Divinity) that includes Brahma Dev and Mahadev (Shiva). On this day, devotees of Lord Vishnu and Mata Laxmi observe fast (Vrat) and worship them to seek their blessings. It is believed that by fasting on Indira Ekadashi, all the sins of a person are destroyed. This year, the fast of Indira Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Indira Ekadashi holds ‌great significance among Sanatan Dharma followers. This Ekadasi is special because this day is observed by people to offer ‌homage to their forefathers and ancestors. Hindus seek liberation and peace for the departed souls of their family members, ancestors and forefathers from Bhagwan Shri Hari Vishnu, therefore a great time to offer tribute to them for their salvation. 

People who worship the Lord on Indira Ekadashi are blessed by Shri Vishnu, and their ancestors attain the feet of Shri Hari in Brahma Lok. Observing the Indira Ekadashi brings happiness, peace and prosperity abundantly as a result in the lives of worshippers. On this day, usually, to seek the blessings of Shri Vishnu, devotees keep a day-long fast. 

Learn more about the Indira Ekadashi 2023 here. 

Indira Ekadashi 2023 Date and Tithi

The Indira Ekadashi is considered one of the most auspicious Vrats among the Sanatan Hindu believers. This Ekadashi is observed during the period of Pitru Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapad and Ashwin (falls in September/October as per the English calendar). Indira Ekadashi 2023 will begin at 12:36 PM on 9th October and it will end at 3:08 PM on 10th October 2023.

Significance Of Indira Ekadashi 2023

There are 24 Ekadashis in a year in the Sanatan Hindu calendar and it falls twice a month, one in Krishna Paksha and one in Shukla Paksha. Out of all the 24 Ekadashis, Indira Ekadashi is among the most special ones. Indira Ekadashi is also known as Shraadh Ekadashi as it falls in the Pitru Paksha period. This Ekadashi has ‌great dharmic significance in ‌Hindu dharma, tradition and culture. It is believed that if any ancestor or forefather of any individual experiences immense afterlife suffering then the Vrat observed by the individual and his family member may liberate the soul of those ancestors and forefathers from all the pain and suffering that they have been experiencing for long. According to traditional beliefs, the ancestors of the individuals are forgiven for all the sins they may have committed during their lifetime if they or their family members observe Vrat on Indira Ekadashi day. Also, forefathers may attain Moksha if this day is observed dedicatedly by people. 

The Indira Ekadashi Vrat is considered equivalent to Ashwamedha Yajna.

Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha

In the Satya Yug, a King named Indersena ruled the ancient kingdom of Mahishmati (present-day central India on the banks of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh). His parents had passed away. One day the king dreamed that his parents were in hell and going through extreme pain and suffering. Seeing the plight of his dead parents in his dreams the king became restless. As he started thinking about how to save his parents from torture in hell, he contrived a few ideas. Then he discussed the dream with Brahmin scholars and his ministers. On hearing the king, some Brahmin scholars guided him to perform the Indira Ekadashi fast along with his wife. This will help the king’s parents and forefathers attain Moksha (salvation). He further told the king that offering food and donations to Brahmins is another way to worship Bhagwan Shaligram (Bhagwan Vishnu). Their blessings will guide his parents to Brahma Lok. 

Following the advice of Brahmin Scholars, the King and his wife observed a fast on the day of Indira Ekadashi. The same night while the King was asleep, Bhagwan appeared in his dreams and told him that his ancestors had attained salvation following his Indira Ekadashi fast and puja. Thus, it became a tradition to observe the fast on Indira Ekadashi.

Indira Ekadashi 2023 Puja Vidhi and Vrat

On the day of Indira Ekadashi, 

• Family members should wake up early morning, and after taking a bath wear neat clothes.
• Then offer water to the Surya Devta. 
• The Ekadashi fast is observed for 24 hours, starting from the Sunrise of Ekadashi and till the Ekadashi ends and Dwadashi tithi begins. 
• On this day, pray to the Shaligram form of Bhagwan Vishnu. 
• Additionally, make a Kumkum swastika on a cloth and offer rice and flowers on it while chanting “Om Ganeshaya Namah” while bowing down to the deity. 
• Place the picture of the Shaligram of Lord Vishnu in the Puja room or temple 
• Now offer puja to the deity by offering Gangajal water, Bhog and flowers. 
• After this, offer Roli and Akshat. 
• Perform the aarti by reading Vishnu Sahasranama. 
• In the end, read or listen to someone read the Indira Ekadashi Vrat katha.
• You can take fruits and sattvic Vrat food after the puja.

To know more about the significance of Indira Ekadashi 2023, one can discuss it with a learned astrologer or pandit. There is a tradition of observing Vrat (fasts) by Sanatan Hindu devotees for the departed souls or their forefathers. We Sanatan Hindus believe in life after death and we also believe that our Karma and our dedication to Dharma practises determine what we get in each of our lives and also the cycles of our lives. Therefore, bad karma should be avoided and good karmas should be practised. However, in Sanatan Hindu dharma it is believed that if ancestors are suffering in their afterlife then they can be liberated by their living descendants on this Indira Ekadashi day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many Ekadashi are observed in a year?

A: In total, there are 24 Ekadashis that are observed in a year. One each in Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha, two times in a Sanatan Hindu calendar month.

Q: Which Hindu deity is worshipped on the Ekadashi day?

A: Bhagwan Vishnu is the protector and preserver of this Universe. Ekadashi Vrat and puja are observed by Sanatan Hindus to honour Bhagwan Vishnu and seek his blessings for peace, prosperity and happiness in life. 

Q: What kind of meal must one take on Ekadashi day?

A: If you are observing Ekadashi fast for the first time and not sure ‌what to eat, try to avoid flour, rice, wheat, pulses, onion and garlic. Also, no non-veg and alcoholic items should be consumed. However, various kinds of fruits, paneer, milk items, ghee, makhana, juice, singhare ke atta, kuttu ka atta, and rajgira ka atta can be consumed.

To learn more about Indira Ekadashi Vrat, Puja and its significance, you can consult our astrologers and Pandits here.