Apara Ekadashi On 22 Or 23 May 2025? Know Date, Time And How To Observe This Day

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In Hinduism, each Ekadashi holds unique importance and so Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is one of the most sacred days for those seeking forgiveness, spiritual upliftment, and freedom from karmic burdens. Falling during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha, this Ekadashi is believed to wash away sins, uplift the soul, and bring divine blessings to devotees who observe it with sincerity and discipline.

The term "Apara" means limitless or boundless, signifying the immeasurable spiritual benefits of observing this Ekadashi. It's not just a day of fasting; it's a conscious act of cleansing - not just the body, but the mind, heart, and soul.

Whether you're a devout follower of Vishnu, a seeker of peace, or someone interested in the deep symbolism of Hindu festivals, Apara Ekadashi offers an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.

Apara Ekadashi 2025 Date And Time

This year, Apara Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, May 23, 2025.

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 01:12 AM on 22 May 2025
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 22:29 AM on May 23, 2025
• Parana Time: On May 24, 2025, between 06:02 AM to 08:33 AM
• Dwadashi End Moment on Parana Day: 7:20 PM

(Parana should be done after sunrise and within the Dwadashi tithi)
Devotees typically observe a full-day fast on Ekadashi and break it the next morning after performing the appropriate rituals. Strict observers abstain from grains, pulses, and certain vegetables, and dedicate the day to prayer and charity.

Legend Associated With Apara Ekadashi

The origins of Apara Ekadashi are steeped in Hindu mythology and find mention in the Brahmanda Purana. According to the scriptures, Lord Krishna narrated the significance of this day to King Yudhishthira.

The legend speaks of a once-proud king named Mahidhwaj, who was murdered by his jealous brother and buried beneath a tree in a forest. His restless spirit turned into a ghost due to his untimely and violent death. Eventually, a devout sage named Dhondu, recognizing the tormented soul, performed rituals for Apara Ekadashi and dedicated the merits of his fast to the ghost. The spirit was freed from its suffering and ascended to the heavenly realms.

This tale highlights the liberating power of Apara Ekadashi, not just for the living, but even for restless souls caught between worlds. It also emphasizes the importance of intention, selflessness, and the merit of transferring one's blessings to others.

How to Observe Apara Ekadashi

While the level of observance may vary, here's a simple guide to following the vrat:

• Begin with a pre-dawn bath and resolve (sankalp) to observe the fast
• Worship Lord Vishnu by offering tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, fruits, and lighting a ghee lamp
• Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, read the Bhagavad Gita, or meditate on Vishnu's incarnations
• Avoid grains, pulses, onions, garlic, and alcohol
• If not fasting completely, consume phalahar (fruits, nuts, and milk)
• Avoid anger, gossip, or negative speech
• Break the fast on the next day (Dwadashi) after offering food to a Brahmin or the needy

Those unable to fast for health reasons can still gain spiritual merit by maintaining purity, charity, and devotion.

Significance Of Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi is also called the "Ekadashi of forgiveness." It is believed that observing a fast on this day absolves the observer from even the gravest of sins. Whether intentional or not, sins accumulated over time can weigh heavily on one's soul. Apara Ekadashi provides a spiritual reset - offering liberation from negative karmic cycles.

Sins like lying, cheating, disrespecting elders, harming others, or failing in one's dharma (duty) are said to be cleansed by the divine grace of Lord Vishnu on this day.

This Ekadashi is also said to bring clarity, fame, and improved memory. Hence, it's often recommended for:

• Students, for academic excellence and memory retention
• Professionals, for ethical growth, success, and reputation
• Spiritual seekers, for inner peace and deeper meditation

Those preparing for competitive exams, facing professional challenges, or seeking wisdom in their lives are encouraged to observe this fast with pure intentions.

Apara Ekadashi isn't just about worldly success - it's also believed to help souls achieve moksha (liberation). Performing this vrat not only benefits the living, but also ancestors. Offering the fast's merits to departed souls (called Punya Daan) helps them find peace, especially those who may have died untimely or with unfulfilled desires. Thus, it is considered auspicious for people mourning or praying for loved ones who have passed.

Charity performed on Apara Ekadashi multiplies in merit. Donating food, clothes, water, or supporting causes such as education, animal welfare, or spiritual organizations can bring blessings equivalent to performing great yajnas (sacrifices). Many devotees also visit temples, feed cows, distribute prasad, or help those in need to mark the day with good karma.