Apara Ekadashi

An Important Fast of Jyeshtha Month

The Apara Ekadashi is the most important fast in the Jyeshtha month of the Hindu calendar. The fasting and prayers that start from Dashami Tritiya are devoted to Vishnu. The benefits of this fast are great. The essence of this fast is found in the scriptures Vaishnav Ekagoshtam and Apara Ekadashi Mahatmyam. The story of Apara Ekadashi is written in Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.

According to Vedic scriptures, Apara Ekadashi Vrat was observed by Pandavas during the exile period. It is believed that if someone worships Lord Vishnu on this day then that person goes to heaven after death.

The devotees observe fast for two days i.e. Dasyam/Dasan/Dashami and Ekadashi. Devotees also refer to this Ekadashi as Gyan Bhaskara Ekadashi which originates from the word Gyan meaning 'knowledge' and Bhaskara which means 'the Sun' and it is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day enlightens one with knowledge like the Sun god enlightens the world and liberates you from darkness of ignorance.

What is Apara Ekadashi?

Apara Ekadashi (also known as Aparahna Ekadashi) is an Ekadashi that falls after the full moon night during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Vaishakha. According to religious texts, Apara Ekadashi fast is considered a boon to attain salvation, while the blessings of Lord Vishnu are obtained by observing this fast. Apara Ekadashi is considered very sacred and auspicious.

It is believed that by keeping this fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu, all sins are burned and the devotee attains liberation. Apara Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashis of Jyeshtha months among 24 Ekadashis in a year.

According to Hindu beliefs, this fast has been described in three Puranas, including Valmiki Ramayana, Bhavishya Purana and Skanda Purana. The day when Apara Ekadashi comes is considered very special. Gods also worship Vishnu with devotion on that day.

Importance of Apara Ekadashi

• Any type of sin done in this birth or in any previous birth by a person can be cleansed on this day.
• By listening to the story of Apara Ekadashi, a devotee gets rid of all types of sins and Leland.
• By doing Apara Ekadashi vrat, there is no shortage of money in the house. The burden of debt is also gone.
• Individuals get to enjoy the fruits of offering money on a daily basis to learned people, saints and charity workers.
• It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day helps overcome any obstacle or curse from one's ancestors.

Know About Apara Ekadashi Vrat

Apara Ekadashi is one of the significant days for Lord Vishnu devotees to please Him by keeping fast and following the Vrat rituals.

• Devotees should wake up early in the morning, take bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• Devotees should sing devotional songs (bhajans) and glorify Lord Vishnu during the day.
• After taking bath during the evening sandhya, perform Vishnu Puja.
• Remain awake throughout the night by chanting God's name and remembering His glorious pastimes.
• Devotees who have a tradition of fasting on Ekadashi should offer bhog (food) to father-in-law and mother-in-law, before taking it himself.
• Devotees should also give Dakshina (money or donation) to their guru (spiritual teacher).
• It is advised that devotees who do not have parents should give dakshina to their priests or visiting priests.
• Devotees should prefer sleeping on the ground by placing Kusha (grass) as it is considered good during this period.
• It is important to offer fruits, flowers and food to the deity as gifts.
• If possible, devotees should try and emulate Lord Krishna's behaviour in every possible way so far as possible.