Indira Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Ashwin month. It is especially known as a fast for the removal of Pitra Dosha and for the peace of the ancestors’ souls. This vrat occurs during Pitra Paksha and is mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana and Garuda Purana.
What is Indira Ekadashi?
Indira Ekadashi 2025 is a sacred fasting date that will be observed on 17 September 2025 (Wednesday). This vrat falls on the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in Ashwin month and is primarily observed for the peace and salvation of ancestors. On this day, there is special significance in worshipping Lord Vishnu, observing fast, offering tarpan and pind daan. It is believed that this vrat leads to the liberation of ancestors and removal of Pitru Dosha. This Ekadashi is considered one of the most meritorious days during Shraddha Paksha.
Indira Ekadashi 2025: Date and Time
1. Indira Ekadashi Date: 17 September 2025 (Wednesday).
2. Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 17 September 2025 at 12:24 AM.
3. Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 17 September 2025 at 11:41 PM.
4. Vrat Parana Time: 18 September 2025, after sunrise.
Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha
This story from ancient scriptures highlights a highly auspicious and liberating narrative whose main purpose is to bring peace to the ancestors’ souls and aid in their salvation.
1) Beginning of the Story
In ancient times, during the Satya Yuga, a righteous king named Indrasen ruled the city of Mahishmati. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and constantly engaged in chanting the divine names of the Lord. His people were happy and prosperous, and his fame had spread in all directions.
2) Arrival of Narad Ji
One day, while King Indrasen was seated in his royal court, Devarshi Narad arrived from the sky. The king respectfully welcomed him with offerings of arghya, paadya, and asana, and said: “O Sage! With your divine presence, all my sacrifices are fulfilled. Please tell me the reason for your visit.”
3) The Mystery of Yamaloka
Narad Ji told him that he had recently returned from a journey to Yamaloka after visiting Brahmaloka. Yamaraj had welcomed him with honor. In the court of Yamaraj, Narad Ji saw the king’s father, who was residing in Yamaloka due to the fault of breaking a fast.
The king’s father requested Narad Ji: “O Narad! Please go to my son Indrasen and tell him to observe the Indira Ekadashi fast and dedicate its merit to me so that I may attain heaven.”Narad Ji conveyed the entire message to King Indrasen in his palace. Hearing this, King Indrasen asked Narad Ji to explain the complete procedure of observing Indira Ekadashi. Narad Ji then described the entire vidhi of the vrat. When the king performed this fast with full devotion, flowers rained down from heaven. His father ascended to Vishnu Lok on Garuda. King Indrasen ruled righteously and without suffering and ultimately attained Swarg Lok.
Indira Ekadashi 2025: Rituals
On the auspicious Dashami of Krishna Paksha in Ashwin month, one should bathe early in the morning with a faithful heart. Then, eat once during the midday in a focused manner and sleep on the ground at night. At dawn on the day of Ekadashi, perform daily rituals and bathe. Then, with devotion, take a vow of fasting by chanting the following mantra:
Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogavivarjitah.
Eat dead bodies and die in the refuge of Pundarikaksha.
O Lotus-eyed Lord Narayan, today I will remain without food and detached from pleasures, and I shall eat tomorrow. O Achyuta, give me refuge.
After this, worship Lord Harikesh with incense and fragrance, and keep vigil at night near the deity. On Dwadashi morning, worship Lord Hari again with devotion. After that, feed Brahmins, and then silently eat with your family, relatives, and children.
Benefits of Observing Indira Ekadashi Vrat
1. Removes Pitra Dosha and grants salvation to ancestors.
2. Destroys all sins of the devotee and bestows virtue.
3. According to Garuda Purana, this vrat gives the same merit as Shraddha.
4. Leads to purification of the soul and spiritual progress.
5. Brings peace in the family, mental stability, and divine blessings.
6. Acts as a substitute for pind daan during Shraddha Paksha.
7. Childless couples may be blessed with progeny.
8. Helps in attaining the highest form of devotion to Vishnu.
Indira Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi
A. Vrat Sankalp (Vow of Fasting)
a) Bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes.
b) Take the vow: “Today I observe the Indira Ekadashi fast for the peace of my ancestors’ souls.”
c) Remain pure in mind, speech, and actions.
B. Puja Samagri (Worship Materials)
a) Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, sandalwood, incense, lamp, water vessel, sugar candy, fruits, etc.
b) Offer flowers to Lord Vishnu’s idol or image.
c) Sprinkle water using a conch shell to purify the atmosphere.
C. Worship and Recitation
a) Chant the mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
b) Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or the Bhagavad Gita.
c) Perform devotional singing and keep vigil at night.
D. Special Ancestor Worship
a) Light a lamp in the name of ancestors.
b) Perform pind daan using raw milk, sesame seeds, flowers, and rice (if possible).
c) Offer water while chanting: “Om Pitribhyah Swaha”
E. Fasting Rules
a) Observe a waterless or fruit-based fast.
b) Completely avoid grains and tamasic foods.
c) Maintain inner purity and restraint throughout the day.
F. Vrat Parana (18 September 2025)
a) In the morning, serve Brahmins or cows.
b) Donate food, clothes, and money.
c) End the fast by eating sattvic food.
Indira Ekadashi Mantras
A. Main Mantras:
1) “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
2) “Om Pitribhyah Namah”
3) “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Hare Rama Hare Rama”
B. Benefits of Chanting:
1) Peace for the souls of ancestors
2) Awakening of inner energy
3) Growth in devotion to Vishnu
4) Mental purification and removal of negativity
Importance and Religious Significance of Indira Ekadashi
1) Mentioned in Garuda Purana and Brahmavaivarta Purana – Indira Ekadashi is considered the most auspicious date in Pitru Paksha for the liberation of ancestors.
2) Combination of Shraddha and Ekadashi – Since it falls during Pitru Paksha, the merit is doubled – from both Shraddha rituals and Ekadashi fasting.
3) Best Vrat for Pitru Dosha Removal – For those with Pitru Dosha, Kaal Sarp Dosha, untimely deaths, or childlessness in their lineage, this vrat is highly beneficial.
4) Liberation for Deceased Relatives – For those whose shraddha was not performed or who didn’t receive proper tarpan, this vrat grants heaven.
5) Fulfilling Duty Toward Ancestors – This vrat gives an opportunity to repay ancestral debts. It symbolizes true devotion toward ancestors.
6) Vishnu Devotion and Attaining Brahma Lok – According to Skanda Purana, the one who observes this vrat attains Vishnu’s divine realm and uplifts their lineage.
7) Strong Medium for Liberation – This vrat saves the soul from Yamalok after death and leads toward Brahma Lok.
8) Removes Horoscope Defects – Those facing marriage or progeny issues due to ancestral pain or Kaal Sarp Dosha get relief by this vrat.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. In which states is Indira Ekadashi celebrated?
- Uttar Pradesh – Special puja in Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura for ancestor peace.
- Bihar – Observed in Gaya with pind daan and shraddha rituals.
- Maharashtra and Gujarat – Combination of Vishnu worship and tarpan.
- South India (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) – Special puja and vigil in Vishnu temples on Ekadashi.
2. Why do we observe Indira Ekadashi?
1. It falls during Pitru Paksha and is associated with shraddha rituals.
2. According to scriptures, it removes the sins of broken ancestral vows.
3. Considered a liberating vrat that grants freedom from Pitru Lok by Vishnu’s grace.
4. Important for spiritual purity and uplifting ancestors.
3. What should be done on Indira Ekadashi?
1. Take a vow and observe a fast on Ekadashi.
2. Worship Lord Vishnu and chant mantras.
3. Remember ancestors and offer them water.
4. Donate food, clothes, and money to Brahmins, cows, the poor, and the needy.
5. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Gita, or Vrat Katha.
6. Do bhajans and stay awake during the night.
4. How to observe Indira Ekadashi at home?
A. On Dashami (one day before):
a) Eat sattvic food once and sleep on the floor at night.
B. On Ekadashi Tithi:
a) Bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes.b) Take the vow and chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”c) Worship Lord Vishnu with lamp, Tulsi, yellow flowers, and offerings.d) Fast during the day – with fruits, water, milk, or without food.e) Listen to bhajans, kirtans, and stories at night.
C. On Dwadashi (Parana):
a) Bathe and worship before breaking the fast.b) Feed Brahmins and offer donations.c) Perform tarpan for the peace of ancestors’ souls.
5. How to perform Indira Ekadashi Puja?
1) Do abhishek of Lord Vishnu or Shaligram with Panchamrit.
2) Worship with yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, sandalwood, incense, and lamps.
3) Recite “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or Vishnu Sahasranama.
4) Light a lamp near Tulsi and perform aarti.
5) Keep vigil at night and remember the Lord.
6) Perform tarpan or Shraddha rituals for ancestors.
6. When will Indira Ekadashi 2025 begin?
Indira Ekadashi 2025 will be observed with devotion on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. The Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 12:24 AM on 17 September and end at 11:41 PM the same day. Devotees will worship Lord Vishnu and observe fasting. Parana will be performed on 18 September 2025 after sunrise at an appropriate time.
7. What should not be done on Indira Ekadashi?
1) Do not consume tamasic food.
2) Avoid lying.
3) Refrain from anger.
4) Do not speak ill of others.
5) Avoid disputes and arguments.
6) Do not cut hair or nails.
7) Avoid sleeping excessively during the day.
8) Do not waste time on mobile or TV.
9) Stay away from indulgences.
10)Avoid using harsh or abusive words.
8. What should be done on Indira Ekadashi?
1) Bathe in the morning and observe a waterless or fruit-based fast.
2) Worship Lord Vishnu, especially chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
3) Perform tarpan or remember ancestors—even at home with faith if not in Gaya.
4) In the evening, light a lamp and worship Tulsi.
5) Sing bhajans or keep vigil at night.
6) Donate food, clothes, or money to Brahmins or the needy.
7) Break the fast on Dwadashi with proper parana.
9. Why is it called Indira Ekadashi?The name “Indira” symbolizes purity, divine radiance, and the power to grant liberation. This Ekadashi is especially observed to grant heaven and salvation to ancestors’ souls. According to Padma Purana, when King Indrasen performed this vrat for his father and liberated him from Yamaloka to Swargaloka, it became known as “Indira Ekadashi”. As this vrat falls during Pitru Paksha, it is directly associated with ancestral liberation, faith, and the spirit of offering (tarpan).
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