Ekadashi Vrat (1969)
Dates and timings for Pune
About the Vrat & Significance
Ekadashi Vrat is a highly sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed on the eleventh lunar day (Tithi) of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon. According to Hindu scriptures, the energy deity "Ekadashi" emerged from the body of Lord Vishnu to defeat the demon Mura, who had conquered the heavens. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and observing a fast on this day is believed to cleanse the soul of past sins, purify the mind and body, and pave the path for spiritual liberation (Moksha). Beyond its religious significance, fasting on Ekadashi aligns with the lunar cycle, aiding in physical rejuvenation, improving focus, and building self-discipline.
The fast begins at sunrise on the Ekadashi Tithi and lasts until the sunrise of the next day (Dwadashi). The morning hours (Pratahkala) are the best time to perform the main puja. The fast must be broken on Dwadashi during the Parana time, which begins after sunrise and must end before the Dwadashi Tithi concludes, avoiding the first quarter of Dwadashi (known as Hari Vasara).
- An idol or photo of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna
- Fresh yellow flowers (yellow is favored by Lord Vishnu)
- Fresh Tulsi leaves (essential; must not be plucked on Ekadashi day)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop
- Sandalwood paste (Chandan) and Kumkum
- Ghee lamp (Diya) and camphor for Aarti
- Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, oranges)
- Dry fruits (almonds, raisins, cashews)
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)
- A clean yellow cloth to spread on the altar
- Gangajal (holy water) or clean water in a kalash
- Sweets (Naivedya) prepared without any grains
- Wake up early during the Brahma Muhurta, take a purifying bath, and wear clean yellow or light-colored clothes.
- Clean the puja room and altar, spread a yellow cloth on a wooden platform, and install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu/Krishna.
- Perform Aachaman (purifying with water) and take a solemn vow (Sankalpa) to observe the Ekadashi fast with devotion and sincerity.
- Perform Abhishek (bathing ritual) of the idol using gangajal, raw milk, and Panchamrit.
- Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to the deity's forehead and offer fresh yellow flowers.
- Place Tulsi leaves at the feet of the Lord. (Ensure Tulsi leaves are plucked the previous day, as plucking on Ekadashi is prohibited).
- Light the ghee lamp and incense sticks, and offer fruits, dry fruits, and the Panchamrit as Naivedya (sacred food offering).
- Sit quietly and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (thousand names of Lord Vishnu) or the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Perform the Aarti of Lord Vishnu with burning camphor, blow the conch shell (Shankh) if available, and distribute prasad.
- Spend the day in a state of prayer, meditation, or reading scriptures, and perform a night vigil (Jagran) if possible.
- The next morning (Dwadashi), perform a simple morning puja, offer food to a priest or the needy, and break the fast during the designated Parana time.
Yearly Vrat Calendar Dates
| # | Date | Day | Month / Tithi | Auspicious Muhurat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No dates found for this year. | ||||
