Indira Ekadashi 2024, When and why is Indira Ekadashi fasting done?

Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month is known as Indira Ekadashi. This year, the fast of Indira Ekadashi will be concluded on 28 September 2024 on Saturday.

Lord Indra is worshiped on the day of Indira Ekadashi. A fast is observed for Ekadashi on this day. Observing the Indira Ekadashi eliminates all the suffering and sins of a person’s life. A person who wishes to observe the Ekadashi fast should start from the day of Dashami. When one observes the Indira Ekadashi fast by following all the rituals the result attained is equivalent to that of a Raj Surya Yagya.

What to do in Indira Ekadashi

• On the day of Indira Ekadashi, wake up in the morning and meditate on Lord Vishnu.
• Next, the teeth should be brushed with traditional Datun, if however, that is not available then one must clean the mouth with lemon, Jamun berries or mango leaves. It is forbidden to pluck leaves from trees on this day, therefore, leaves that have already fallen from the trees are used to clean the mouth.
• On this day, it is best to bathe in the holy rivers, ponds or Kundas.
• If you cannot find this place for bathing, then one can bathe at home.
• Geeta should be recited on Ekadashi.
• Jagran and Kirtan are done on the night of Ekadashi.
• Tulsidal must be certainly kept in the food offered to the Lord.
• The devotee who is observing the fast should consume only fruits and nuts.
• Seasonal fruits and nuts like almond, pistachio, banana, mango etc. can be consumed.
  On Dwadashi, Brahmins should be given sweetmeats and Dakshina.

What not to do in Indira Ekadashi

• Eating any kind of Tamasic food is not allowed on Ekadashi.
• One should stay away from indulgence on the day of Indira Ekadashi.
• Brahmacharya should be observed on Ekadashi.
• Do not sweep the house on Ekadashi.
• Haircutting, shaving etc. should not be done on Ekadashi.
• On the day of Ekadashi, one should maintain silence as much as possible.
• One’s speech should be minimal and if required should be very polite.
• Lying, slandering, stealing, anger etc. should be avoided.

Indira Ekadashi Story

The story of Indira Ekadashi is mentioned in the Mahabharata mythological scripture. As per Mahabharata once Dharamraj Yudhishtar questions Madhusudan Lord Krishna on what should be the ideal name for Ashwini Mas Krishna Paksh Ekadashi, what are the advantages of fasting on this day, what is the story behind this day. Dhramaraj wanted Lord Krishna to clarify all of this. So, Lord Krishna tells the Dharamraj about the story and importance of Indira Ekadashi.

There was once an ancient city named Mahishmati. The city was ruled by a majestic king Indrasen. Indrasen was of a very religious nature. He used to take care of his subjects. He had a son and a daughter. The entire family was endowed with happiness and wealth etc. Indrasen was also an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Once when the King was presiding over his assembly Narada ji visits him. The King gives him a place in the assembly and treats him with a lot of respect. The King then inquires on the purpose of his visit.

Narada Muni tells the king that your reign and your work are all being done efficiently. Your devotion to Lord Vishnu is unparalleled. Hearing this the King bows down to Narada and thanks him for his blessings, because of which his kingdom has been free from any untoward incident. The Rajan further elaborates that he is always a part of religious works and Yajna rituals are regularly performed in his kingdom.

Narada then narrates an incident to the King. Narada had been to Yamlok and there he happened to meet Rajan's father. Rajan’s father ended up in Yamlok as he had not observed the Ekadashi fast correctly. Hence, the father requested Narada to pass on a message to Rajan. Narada said the King’s father got caught in Yamraj with Yamdev because of some mistake that may have taken place in the earlier birth. If the Rajan wants to free his father from Yamraj and seek a place in heaven for his father then the Rajan will have to observe the Indira Ekadashi fast the forthcoming Ashwin month in Krishna Paksha on behalf of his father.

Having heard his father’s words from Narada’s mouth, King Indrasen could not wait to carry out the fast for the liberation of his father. The King requests Narada to explain the method of fasting. Maharishi Narada then explains the rituals to be followed for the Ekadashi Vrat. Narada mentions one should observe the fast of Ekadashi from the day of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. One should start praying with full devotion from Dashami itself. One must make sure to stay away from all types of indulgences and Tamsik food from Dashami’s night and focus completely on the Lord.

On Ekadashi, one should take a dip in a holy river or lake or take a bath at home. The ancestors should be worshiped with devotion. Ekadashi fast should be observed. All rules and rituals should be followed while fasting.

Having understood the fasting procedure from Narada Raja resolved to observe the Indira Ekadashi. Raja’s kith and kin also observe the fast. As a result of the positive impact of the fast, the Raja’s father gets a place in heaven. Raja Indrasen too runs his kingdom peacefully and finally attains a place in heaven.

Importance of Indira Ekadashi

Lord Krishna himself clarifies the glory of Indira Ekadashi fast. As per a verse in Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna says “O Yudhishthira, Ekadashi of Ashwin month is named Indira Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is supposed to destroy sins. It also liberates one’s forefathers. Simply listening to the story of Ekadashi gives fruits equivalent to the Vaypey Yagya. Sins are destroyed and auspicious results are obtained.

Therefore, on the day of Indira Ekadashi one must perform auspicious deeds. One must think of God with complete devotion. This fast ends all sins and provides all the pleasures of life. A person is blessed with Raj Sukh.