Mokshada Ekadashi 2025
Mokshada Ekadashi is a sacred Ekadashi falling in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Margashirsha month. In 2025, this fast will be observed on Monday, December 1st. Worshipping Lord Vishnu, observing a fast, and performing acts of charity on this day are believed to absolve one of sins and lead to liberation (moksha). Scriptures state that the merit gained from observing this fast benefits not only the individual but also their ancestors, helping them attain a higher realm.
What is Mokshada Ekadashi?
Mokshada Ekadashi in Sanatan Dharma is observed on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha (Agahan). This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds special religious significance.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025 Date, Time
Mokshada Ekadashi in 2025 will be observed on Monday, 1 December 2025.
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 30 November 2025, at 09:31 P.M
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 01 December 2025, at 07:02 P.M
• Fasting Parana Time: 02 December 2025, after sunrise
The Story of Mokshada Ekadashi
This is a tale from ancient times. In the beautiful Champak Nagar, adorned with Vaishnav devotion, there lived a king named Baikhanas. He cared for his subjects like his own children. While ruling his kingdom, one night the king saw his ancestors suffering in lower realms in a dream. Witnessing them in such a state caused him great distress. The next morning, he narrated the entire dream to the Brahmins.
The king said, “O Brahmins! I saw my ancestors fallen into hell. They were crying out to me repeatedly, saying that I am their son and I must rescue them from this ocean of hell. O Brahmins! I have seen my ancestors in such a form, and I cannot find peace. Please tell me about that vow, penance, or yoga which can immediately liberate my ancestors from hell.”
The Brahmins replied, “Nearby, there is the hermitage of the sage Parvat. He is a knower of the past and the future. O King, you should go to him.”
Hearing the Brahmins, the king quickly proceeded to the hermitage of Sage Parvat. Seeing the sage, he offered full prostration. The sage inquired about the welfare of the kingdom. The king replied, “By your grace, everything is well, but I have seen my ancestors suffering in the hellish worlds in a dream. Please tell me by what merit they can be freed from such torment.”
Hearing the king, Sage Parvat told him that by observing the fast of 'Mokshada Ekadashi' which falls in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Margashirsha, the ancestors can be liberated. The sage explained to the king in detail the method and significance of this fast.
After hearing this, the king returned to his palace. When the auspicious month of Margashirsha arrived, the king observed the fast of Mokshada Ekadashi as instructed by the sage and offered the merit earned to his father and ancestors. As soon as he did so, flowers began to rain from the sky. His father and all the ancestors were freed from hell and, ascending to the heavens, they said these sacred words to the king, “Son! May you be blessed.” Saying this, they departed for heaven.
One who observes the auspicious fast of Mokshada Ekadashi in this manner is freed from all sins and attains liberation after death. This Moksha-bestowing 'Mokshada', also known as 'Utpatti' or 'Utpanna Ekadashi', is like a Chintamani (a mythical gem that fulfills all desires) for human beings, fulfilling all their wishes. Reading and listening to its significance yields the result of performing a Vajapeya Yajna, meaning all of one’s desires are fulfilled.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025: Rituals
On the auspicious day of Dashami in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Margashirsha, take a morning bath with a heart full of devotion. Then, during midday, eat only once with a focused mind, and sleep on the ground at night. At the end of the night, when the dawn is pure and bright, perform your daily duties and take a bath on the day of Ekadashi.
After this, with devotion, take the vow of fasting while chanting the following mantra:
Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogavivarjitah.
Shvo Bhokshaye Bhavachyut in Pundarikaksha Sharanam.
O lotus-eyed Lord Narayana! Today I will remain without food, giving up all pleasures, and I shall eat tomorrow. O Achyuta! Please grant me your refuge.
Then, worship Lord Narayana with incense, fragrance, and other offerings, and stay awake in vigil near the Lord during the night. After sunrise on Dwadashi, once again worship Lord Hari with devotion.
Thereafter, offer food to Brahmins and then, along with your brothers, relatives, grandchildren, and sons, eat in silence.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025: Benefits
Liberation for Ancestors: The most important benefit of this fast is that the merit earned helps one liberate one from the sufferings of hell and grants them salvation.
Destruction of Sins: Observing the Mokshada Ekadashi fast destroys all sins of a person. It purifies the soul and leads it towards positivity.
Attainment of Moksha: As the name itself suggests, ‘Mokshada’ means the giver of salvation. By observing this fast with devotion, a person becomes free from the cycle of birth and death and attains salvation, earning a place in Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.
Fulfillment of All Desires: This Ekadashi is considered equivalent to a Chintamani, meaning it fulfills all desires and wishes of a person.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025: Puja Vidhi
• After bathing in the morning, thoroughly clean your place of worship.
• Spread a red or yellow cloth and place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu on it.
• Perform the abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Vishnu with Panchamrit.
• After this, offer Gangajal for achaman (ritual sipping).
• Sprinkle Charanamrit in the place of worship and throughout the house.
• Offer sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamp (deep), and food (naivedya) to Lord Vishnu.
• Offer Tulsi leaves with the chanting of mantras like ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’.
• At the end of the puja, offer bhog (sacred food) to the Lord.
• Recite Vishnu Stotra, sing bhajans and kirtans at home throughout the day.
• In the evening, performing Lakshmi Puja or a sacred havan bestows special merit.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025: Mantra Chanting
There is no specific mantra prescribed exclusively for Mokshada Ekadashi. However, if you wish to perform mantra chanting on this day, you may recite the following powerful mantras to please Lord Vishnu:
• "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" – This is the most important and powerful mantra of Lord Vishnu. Chanting fulfils all desires and brings peace to the mind.
• Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare। Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare।।
Chanting this Maha Mantra 108 times using a Tulsi mala is considered highly beneficial.
• Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama and other Vishnu Stotras. These hymns please Lord Vishnu and invoke His blessings.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025: Significance
- Fulfillment of Desires: This Ekadashi is described as being like a ‘Chintamani’, meaning it fulfills all pure and noble desires of a person.
- Merit Equivalent to Vajapeya Yajna: According to religious scriptures, merely reading or listening to the significance of Mokshada Ekadashi grants merit equivalent to performing a Vajapeya Yajna. Vajapeya Yajna is considered a highly sacred and grand sacrifice that bestows great virtue and ensures success in all endeavors.
- Gita Jayanti: On this very day, Lord Shri Krishna imparted the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Hence, Gita Jayanti is also celebrated on this day. Reciting the Gita and following its teachings on Mokshada Ekadashi is considered especially rewarding.
Specialty of Mokshada Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadashi is the Ekadashi that grants liberation (Moksha). It holds special significance for the salvation of ancestors and the destruction of sins. On this very day, the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was revealed, which further enhances its spiritual importance. It fulfills all desires and bestows the merit equivalent to performing a Vajapeya Yajna.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. In which state is Mokshada Ekadashi celebrated?
Mokshada Ekadashi is not limited to any particular state but is observed throughout India and across the world by followers of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism). It is a significant Hindu festival celebrated wherever devotees of Lord Vishnu reside.
2. Why do we observe Mokshada Ekadashi?
We observe Mokshada Ekadashi to attain salvation (moksha), for the liberation of ancestors, and to get freedom from sins. On this day, the knowledge of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was revealed, making it a festival of spiritual upliftment and fulfillment of desires.
3. What should be done on Mokshada Ekadashi?
Worship Lord Vishnu, observe a fast, and recite the Gita. Donate to the needy and stay awake in vigil at night. Remember the Lord with a calm and peaceful mind.
4. How to perform Mokshada Ekadashi puja at home?
For home puja on Mokshada Ekadashi, bathe in the morning and place an image of Lord Vishnu. Perform abhishek with Panchamrit and water, and offer sandalwood, flowers, Tulsi, incense, lamp, and naivedya. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ and recite the Gita. Perform aarti in the evening and break the fast on Dwadashi.
5. How to perform the puja of Mokshada Ekadashi?
On Mokshada Ekadashi, take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. In the home temple, place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu. Perform abhishek with Panchamrit and then with water. Offer sandalwood paste, yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, lamp, and naivedya (fruits and sweets). Chant ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ mantra. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or the Gita. Perform aarti in the evening and break the fast the next day on Dwadashi.
6. When will Mokshada Ekadashi begin in 2025?
Mokshada Ekadashi in 2025 will be observed on Monday, 1 December. The Ekadashi tithi will begin on 30 November 2025 at 09:31 PM and end on 01 December 2025 at 07:02 PM. The fast will be observed on 1 December 2025, and the Parana (breaking of fast) will be after sunrise on 2 December 2025.
7. What should not be done on Mokshada Ekadashi?
• Avoid tamasic food.
• Refrain from negative thoughts and actions.
• Do not sleep during the day.
• Do not cut hair or nails.
• Maintain celibacy.
• Do not pluck Tulsi leaves.
• Do not disrespect anyone.
8. What should be done on Mokshada Ekadashi?
• Worship Lord Vishnu.
• Chant mantras.
• Recite the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
• Observe a fast.
• Give charity and stay awake at night.
• Keep the mind calm.
9. Why is it called Mokshada Ekadashi?
This Ekadashi is called Mokshada because it is believed to grant salvation. The word ‘Mokshada’ is formed from ‘Moksha’ (liberation) and ‘Da’ (giver). Observing the fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day frees a person from the cycle of birth and death, granting them moksha. The merit of this fast also liberates one’s ancestors.
