Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi is a powerful ekadashi tithi, it is also called as Jyestha Krishna Ekadashi or Achla Ekadashi. Sanskrit ‘Apar’ translates to ‘limitless’ and it is known to bestow limitless wealth and prosperity along with spiritual wealth. Worshipping Goddess Bhadra Kali is also ideal on this Ekadashi, so it is also referred as ‘Bhadrakali Ekadashi’. In Orissa it is called as ‘Jalakrida Ekadashi’, an auspicious day to honor Lord Jagannath form of Lord Krishna. Charity of precious metals like silver and gold, and donating cow, horse or elephant to sacred places are considered auspicious.

Apara Ekadashi Date 2023

History of Ekadashi

In SathyaYug, a demon named Mura or Murdanav terrorised the earth by causing severe harm to people. They prayed to Lord Vishnu to put an end to their sufferings. Lord Vishnu created a goddess by the name Ekadashi to slay the demon on the 11th lunar day. After Ekadashi defeated the demon, pleased Lord Vishnu endowed the goddess with a boon that anyone who observes ritualistic fast on this day will free himself from all forms of sins and mental impurities, also gets on fast track towards Moksha, the devotee will also be held close to Lord Vishnu’s heart.

Rituals

The best way to celebrate Ekadashi is to observe fast and chant Vedic mantras. Ekadashi fasting means spiritual cleansing, a spiritual detoxification of all senses. People refrain from consuming solid food, grains, pulses, or lentils on this day.  According to ancient Vedic scriptures, the Ekadashi fast spans for about three days. The day prior to Ekadasi, i.e On Dashami, devotees relish one healthy balanced meal around the afternoon or before sunset to ensure no residual food remains in the body during Ekadashi. On Ekadashi, devotees observe a sincere, clean fast and break the fast after sunrise of the next day. This has been the ritualistic fasting process. In today’s world people follow different types of fast-   

Nirjala Ekadashi: ultimate fast. Fast the whole day without eating and drinking water.  

Sajala Ekadashi: similar to a juice fast. Consume water and fruit juices.  

Farali Ekadashi: Fruit diet that is commonly followed. Consume Fruits and Milk only.  

Wake up in the brahma muhurat, take bath and clean sacred live space at home for pooja and bhajan ceremonies. We can recite or meditate on Vishnu Sahasranama during this time. Or be with the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya” all day, learn more Vishnu Mantras. Choose a fast that suits your schedule for the day or activities for the day. It is generally preferred to avoid grains and pulses, or lentils, tubers on Ekadesi. Eat fruits, positive prana foods like coconut, coconut water, dairy products, peppercorn, honey and nuts. Stay mindful of your every thought and action. Offer flowers and light a lamp for Tulsi plant. We can participate in bhajan or homa remedy ceremonies. Temple visits, offerings and donations are advised since they can deepen the sense of devotion.  Refrain from negative emotions like hate, anger, greed, jealously and violence choose happier, inclusive attributes like empathy, care, faith, integrity.

Pregnant women, elderly people can skip fasting and rather chant & internalise Lord Vishnu Mantras. Children below the age of 12 can also avoid fasting since they are in the assimilation phase of their life. We also suggest other modes of fasting like gadget free fast- taking a break from social media for a day, staying away from watching television, or mobile phone or even gaming gadgets and other distractive media. This can also create a significant amount of awareness and mindfulness. 

Benefits

Apara Ekadashi festival dates between 2019 & 2029

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