Indira Ekadashi

The significance of Indira Ekadashi in the month of Ashwini durning the dark fortnight (September and October)

Ekadashi named Indira has been described in the month of Ashwin during the dark fortnight. This Ekadashi fast releases humans from the sins and salvage forefathers’ soul from distress.

Shri Krishna asked Yudhishthira to celebrate the Ekadashi coming in the month of Ashwin during the dark fortnight, which is known as 'Indira' Ekadashi. The significance of this Ekadashi has been described.Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna - Madhusudan! Please tell me which Ekadashi is observed in the month of Ashwani during the dark fortnight? Lord Krishna said - Rajan! There is an Ekadashi named Indira in the month of Ashwini during the dark fortnight, because of its fast, big sins are destroyed. This Ekadashi also gives Salvation to the Ancestors who are lying in distress.

History of Indira Ekadashi Fast

Rajan! It is a matter of past, in Satyuga, there was a famous prince named Indrasen, who, being the king of Mahishmatipuri, followed the subjects religiously, his fame had spread everywhere. King Indrasen used to spend time chanting the salvation-giving names of Lord Vishnu and methodically engage in contemplation of the spiritual element. One day the king was sitting happily in the state council (Rajya Sabha), at the same time Devarshi Narad descended from the sky and reached there. Seeing him coming, the king stood with folded hands and duly worshiped him and made him sit on the seat,

The King said – Great Muni! By your grace I am well. May all my oblation rituals be successful with your visitation today. Devarshi! Kindly show me the reason for your arrival. Narad ji said – Lord of the Kings! Listen, my words are going to surprise you, I came from Brahma Lok to Yamlok, sat there on a superior posture and Yamraj worshiped me with devotion. At that time, I had also seen your father in Yamraj's assembly. He had come there because of the fault of breaking his fast. Rajan! He has given a message to say to you, listen to it. He said, "son"! Give me the virtue of Indira's fast and send me to heaven. I have come to you with his message. Rajan! Do 'Indira Ekadashi fast ' or Ekadashi shraddh to get your father to heaven. The king asked – Narad ji! Please tell me the fast of "Indira Ekadashi". In which side, on which date and with which method it should be fasted.

Worship method of Indira Ekadashi

Narad ji said - Rajendra! Listen, let me tell you the auspicious method of this fast. In the month of Ashwani during the dark fortnight, on the auspicious day of Dashami, bathe early in the morning with full of devotion. Then take a bath in the mid-afternoon, concentrate your mind, eat at one time and sleep on the land at the end of the night, on the day of Ekadashi, perform morning rituals and take a bath, after that follow the rule of fasting by reciting the following mantra with devotion-

Addhya sthitva nirahara sarvbhogvivarjita.

Shvo bhokshye pundarikaksha sharanam mein bhavachyut.

"O lotus-eyed Lord, Narayana! Today, I will separate myself from all pleasures and remain without food, and tomorrow I will eat. Achyuta! Please shelter me." After making this vow, worship the Shaligram stone with proper rituals, offer donations to Brahmins, and arrange for their meals. Then, in the night, worship Lord Hari Kesha (another name for Lord Vishnu) with incense and fragrances, staying awake near Him. After that, on the morning of Dwadashi (the twelfth day), once again worship Lord Hari with devotion.

Perform this 'Indira' fast without laziness. Resulting your ancestors will go to the Vishnu Lok, abode of Lord Vishnu. Lord Shri Krishna says - Rajan! Devarshi Narad disappeared after saying this to King Indrasen. The king, along with the queens, sons, and servants of Antapur, performed the ritual of that perfect fast according to the method told by him. on completion of the fast, flowers started raining from the sky. Mounted on Garuda, Indra Sen’s father went to Shri Vishnu Dham and Indrasen himself went to heaven after enjoying the unobstructed kingdom by making his sons King of the kingdom. In this way, I have described the greatness of 'Indira' fasting. By reading and listening to this man becomes free from all sins.

Verified from Puran..............

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