नवीनतम
'Aja Ekadashi' vrat gives freedom from all sins
Today is the Ekadashi Tithi (eleventh day), Bhadrapada, Krishna Paksha (waning or the dark phase of the Lunar cycle). So devotees of Lord Vishnu shall observe the Aja Ekadashi Vrat today and break it tomorrow. And the ritual of ending the vrat is known as Parana.
Usually, the Ekadashi vrat begins on the eve, i.e., on the Dashami Tithi (tenth day). And interestingly, this vrat is kept to seek Lord Vishnu's blessings for a prosperous life on earth and the journey afterlife. Moreover, devotees wish to attain salvation (Moksha) and seek refuge in Vaikuntha (the Lord's heavenly abode).
Each Ekadashi has a specific name and a presiding day. On Aja Ekadashi, Shri Vishnu's Hrishikesh form is worshipped.
It is mentioned in the Hindu Puranas and holy scriptures that when a person keeps the Aja Ekadashi vrat with full devotion, all his sins of the present life will be pardoned. His/her life will also be filled with happiness and prosperity, and after death they will be taken to Lord Vishnu’s dham, ‘Vaikunta’. It is also believed that by observing the Aja Ekadashi vrat, the person gets the same benefits as those by performing the ‘Ashwamegh Yagya’.
Timings
Aja Ekadashi Vrat 2021 Parana Date
This year, the Parana day for Aja Ekadashi Vrat is September 4 (Saturday).
Aja Ekadashi Vrat 2021 Parana Time
The Aja Ekadashi Parana must be done between 6:01 AM to 8:24 AM on Saturday.
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Each Ekadashi has a specific name and a presiding day. For instance, on Aja Ekadashi, Vishnu's Hrishikesh form is worshipped. And there's a meaningful legend associated with it. Here's how the story unfolds.
According to one of the legends, the Aja Ekadashi vrat finds a mention in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. As per the Katha, there lived an honest, generous and able king named Harishchandra. He was a classic example of a true statesman. However, one day, he lost his kingdom, his belongings as well as his family. Circumstances compelled him to work at a crematorium. He did his job with utmost devotion but felt shattered from within. The king wondered what wrong he did and the reasons behind his downfall.
One day, Rishi Gautam saw him and instantly recognised him And after learning about his unfortunate situation, Rishi Gautam asked him to observe the Aja Ekadashi vrat. The nobleman said that the king may have sinned in his previous birth, and the struggles in his present life could result from his last life's poor Karma. Therefore, the Rishi suggested Harishchandra must observe vrat on Aja Ekadashi to rid himself of the burden of any wrong he may have done in the past or previous births.
Harishchandra followed Rishi's advice with sincere devotion. And soon, he reaped the fruits of his service. In the end, he regained his kingdom and also found his lost family.
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Parana Vidhi
* Rise early, around Brahma Muhurat (around two hours before sunrise) on Dwadashi Tithi (September 4).
* Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
* Meditate (do Dhyana) and connect your inner self with Lord Vishnu.
* Light an oil (sesame or mustard) lamp or ghee lamp (Deep) and incense (Agarbatti and Dhoop).
* Invoke Lord Vishnu while chanting the 'OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' Mantra as many times as you can.
* Offer water (Jal), flowers (Pushpa) and bhog (fruits or sweets or any other Sattvic food preparation) to the deity. You can do the Parana, even if you do not have flowers and fruits to offer.
* Seek forgiveness for any wrong you may have done while observing the fast.
* Donate vegetarian food preparations without onion/garlic to the needy.
* Break your fast only after donating food/essentials to the less privileged.
* End the vrat during the time mentioned above.
* Do the Parana by consuming only Sattvic foods (vegetarian preparation without garlic, onion or any other tamasic/heat-generating ingredient.)
