2021 Apara Ekadashi

Importance of Apara Ekadashi

About Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi or Jayeshtha Krishna Ekadashi is a fortunate day of fasting for Hindu people. This Ekadashi is also well-known as ‘Achla Ekadashi’ and is celebrated in the honor of Lord Vishnu. In a literal sense, the term ‘Apar’ means ‘a lot’ or ‘limitless’. And it is believed that the devotees who observe a fast of Apara Ekadashi get bestowed with abundance and unlimited wealth.

Visit choghadiya for Apara Ekadashi puja muhurta.

When is Apara Ekadashi 2021?

As per the Hindu calendar 2021, Apara Ekadashi is celebrated in the month of Jyeshtha during the Krishna Paksha on the 11th day (Ekadashi tithi). According to the Gregorian calendar 2021, the day falls in the month of June or May.

Aarti: Ekadashi Mata Aarti

What is The Significance of Apara Ekadashi?

According to Hindu mythology and scriptures, it is believed that the significance of Apara Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira.

• It is believed that the one who observes an Apara Ekadashi Vrat can easily get rid of their past and present sins and can attain a path of goodness and positivity.
• Apara Ekadashi Vrat helps the observers to attain huge wealth, recognition, and success in their lives.
• It is also believed that devotees get free from the cycle of birth and death and attain a path of salvation by observing the Apara Ekadashi Fast with utmost devotion.
• The Hindu scriptures state that the observes are offered with the same benefits as taking a holy bath in the sacred Ganges during the Kartik month by observing an Achla Ekadashi fast.
• It also believed that the good karma and meritorious deeds earned by the observers of this fast are equal to donating a thousand cows and performing yajnas.

What are The Rituals of Apara Ekadashi?

• The devotees or the observers of Apara Ekadashi are required to wake up early and take a holy bath before initiating with the rituals of the ceremony.
• It is essential to have firm dedication and devotion while performing all the rituals.
• Devotees must observe a Apara Ekadashi Vrat.
• Devotees must worship and offer prayers to the deity and should also offer incense stick, flowers, and tulsi leaves to the deity.
• It is essential to recite the story of Apara Ekadashi to complete the fast.
• Aarti of the deity must be performed and then sacred food (prasad) must be distributed among all.
• The devotees must visit Lord Vishnu's temple on the day of Apara Ekadashi to attain the divine blessings of the deity.
• All the rituals of Apara Ekadashi Fast initiate on the eve of Dashami (tenth day).
• On this particular day, observers are required to consume a single satvik meal and that too before the period of sunset.
• The Vrat continues till the time when Ekadashi tithi ends.
• The observers are not allowed to sleep during the night. They must spend their entire time reciting Mantras in order to please Lord Vishnu.
• Reciting of ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ is considered as highly auspicious.
• On this particular day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu with immense devotion.
• Performing charity on the eve of Apara Ekadashi is regarded as highly rewarding. The observer should donate food, clothes, and money to the Brahmins.

What is The Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha?

As per the Hindu scriptures and mythology, in the ancient time, there lived a King named Mahidwaj who was very pious and followed a righteous path. Mahidwaj had a younger brother whose name was Vajra Dhwaj who had a feeling of hatred towards him.

One day, out of his greed and anger, Vajra Dhwaj killed Mahidwaj and hid him under a peepal tree. But because of the unnatural and early death, Mahidwaj was unable to attain salvation and thus stayed on that tree as a spirit and used to haunt every individual who passed by that tree.

Once a sage was walking through that path and he sensed the presence of a spirit. With his divine powers, he got to know everything about Mahidwaj and the reason behind his condition. He brought down the spirit of Mahidwaj and preached him the path to salvation.

In order to help the spirit attain salvation, the sage himself observed the Apara Ekadashi Vrat and passed all the virtues to Mahidwaj. With the impact of the fast and blessings of Lord Vishnu, Mahidwaj’s spirit got free and attained salvation.

Since that day, individuals observe a fast of Apara Ekadashi to attain good karma and move ahead on the path of salvation.

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Ekadashi Fasting Days

Apart from Apara Ekadashi, there are 23 Ekadashi Vrat in a year that fall on Krishna and Shukla Paksha of Hindu Calendar. All these Ekadashi tithi are very significant in Hindu traditions and are popular with various Ekadashi names. Here is the list of Ekadashi Vrat observed throughout the year.