Apara Ekadashi: Date, Vrat Katha, Rituals, and Significance

Apara Ekadashi is a fasting day for Hindus that is observed on the ‘ekadashi’ tithi (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of ‘Jyeshta’. In the Gregorian Calendar, Apara Ekadashi falls in the months of May and June. On observing the Apara Ekadashi vrat, the belief goes that a person will be free of all sins. This ekadashi is also popularly known as ‘Achla Ekadashi,’ and solicits divine, auspicious results. The Apara Ekadashi is dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu in his Trivikrama form.

Apara Ekadashi 2024 is on June 02 Sunday

1 month and 2 days to go for the event

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 02, 5:05 am
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 03, 2:41 am
Parana Time: May 16, 6:41 AM - May 16, 8:26 AM
Apara Ekadashi 2024 timings.
(The mentioned timings are in IST, for Ujjain. To change the location, visit the Panchang page.)

Mohini Ekadashi is followed by Apara Ekadashi, subsequent to which comes Nirjala Ekadashi.

The Hindi word ‘apar’ translates to ‘limitless,’ that by observing this vrat, the devotee is believed to get unlimited wealth, hence the name ‘Apara Ekadashi.’ This ekadashi can also be deciphered to solicit unlimited benefits to its observer. The significance of Apara Ekadashi is delineated in detail in the Brahma Puran and the Padma Puran. Apara Ekadashi vrat is observed under different names with a devout commitment across the country. In the state of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana, Apara Ekadashi is celebrated as ‘Bhadrakali Ekadashi’ and worshipping Goddess Bhadra Kali is considered propitious on this day. In Orissa it is referred as ‘Jalakrida Ekadashi,’ celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha In Hindi

According to the scriptures, the story goes as follows.

Thousands of years ago, there lived a kind, generous king named Mahidhwaj. He had a young brother, the cruel, unrighteous and unjust Brajdhwaj, who was ruled by envy and jealousy of the King. Brajdhwaj was always in the mood to harm his brother. One day, being driven by hate and bitter resentment, Brajdhwaj seized an opportunity to kill King Mahidhwaj, and buried his body at the foot of a wild Peepal tree.

Following his ruthless, untimely death, the king took the form of an unruly ghost, doing hustle-bustles from the Peepal tree. One day, Dhaumya Rishi, who passed by the tree, sought to know the life story of the ghost with his knowledge and tapobal (knowledge attained through asceticism), and asked him to come down from the tree. When the ghost climbed down, Dhaumya Rishi asked a few questions:

"How did you become a ghost?"

"Can't say, Munivar!" replied the ghost with folded hands.

"The deeds of your previous birth were not right. For those crimes, you were brutally murdered and have become a ghost. Will you honor my word?”

"Your word is my command, Munivar!"

"You must make a vow."

"Which one?" asked the ghost.

"Observe the Achala Ekadashi fast on the Ekadashi of Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha," suggested the Munishwar.

“As you say, Munivar”

"With the effect of this fast, you shall attain freedom from the ghost form."

"I am in your debt for you have mercy on me, a sinner." King Mahidhwaj said.

Mahidhwaj fasted on Achala Ekadashi and obeyed sage Dhaumya. He did and attained the divine body, thus leaving the phantom form. His fast during the Ekadashi absolved his past deeds and he was granted a place in heaven.

Who Is Lord Trivikrama?

The tale of Vamana and King Mahabali is etched in mythological history as described in the Bhagavat Puran and the Padma Puran. King Mahabali, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, was a virtuous ruler who rose in power and was overwhelming to the Gods. He rose in power to the extent that defeating Lord Indra was no challenge to King Mahabali. This made the Gods plead Lord Vishnu to take an avatar to test and humble the King.

Aditi, Lord Indra’s mother, was instructed by her husband, Kashyapa, to observe a penance called the ‘payovrata’ to protect Indra. Following her devotion and the Gods’ plea, Lord Vishnu was born to Aditi as Vamana, a dwarf.

When King Mahabali was performing a yajna in his kingdom, Vamana approached him, demanding the rights to property that spanned ‘three paces.’ King Mahabali, who strongly held to the hunch that it was Lord Vishnu who sought his request, agreed to Vamana’s demand. The dwarf Vamana suddenly grew in size into a giant before he took the three steps. He covered the entire Earth with his first step and the heavens with his second step, and had no land to place his third step. The humbled King Mahabali offered to place Vamana’s third step on his head. Vamana stepped on King Mahabali, drowning him into the underworld, thus conquering the ‘pathala.’ This giant form that Lord Vishnu manifested was, hence, named Trivikrama, one of the various titles of the deity.

During the sacrifice of King Mahabali, he earnestly asked Lord Trivikrama for a boon where he could return to his land, once every year, to check on his subjects and for the good of his people. King Mahabali was granted his boon, and his return is celebrated as the festival of Onam in the state of Kerala. In the Malayalam Calendar, this historic event took place in the Thiruvonam Nakshatram (Shravan Nakshatra) in the month of Chingam (Shravan month of the Hindu Calendar).

Rituals of Apara Ekadashi:

Puja: The observer of Apara Ekadashi needs to take special care of the puja. The puja must be performed before the sunset. All the rituals must be performed with complete devotion and dedication. The observer of this vrat should get up before sunrise and take bath. The devotees then offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, dhoop and lamp to Lord Vishnu. Sweets are prepared for this occasion and offered to the lord. The devotees also recite the Apara Ekadashi vrat katha or story. ‘Aarti’ is then performed and the ‘Prasad’ is distributed among other devotees. The devotees also visit temples of Lord Vishnu, in the evening.

Fasting: The fast of this ekadashi begins on the ‘dashami’ (10th day). The person eats only one meal on this day so that the stomach remains empty on the day of ekadashi. Some of the devotees keep strict fast and spend the day without eating or drinking anything. Partial vrat can also be kept for those who are unfit to observe strict fast. They can then eat ‘falahar’ all day. The fast starts from sunrise and ends on the sunrise of the ‘dwadashi’ (12th day). On the day of Apara Ekadashi eating of all kinds of grains and rice is prohibited for all. Applying oil on body is also not allowed.

The fast of this ekadashi does not mean only to control the eating but one should also keep the mind free from all negative thoughts. The observer of this vrat should not tell lies or speak badly about others. Their mind should only have thoughts about Lord Vishnu. Reciting ‘Vishnu Sahastranam’ on this day is considered to be auspicious. The observer of the Apara Ekadashi vrat must be engaged in bhajans and kirtans in praise of Lord Vishnu.

Important Timings On Apara Ekadashi 2024

The above-mentioned timings are for the timezone of IST (Ujjain), to change the location and to know the time of Rahukaal, Brahma Muhurat, etc. of the day, visit our Panchang page.

Significance of Apara Ekadashi:

The greatness of Apara Ekadashi was foretold by Lord Krishna himself to King Yudhisitira, the eldest son of King Pandu in the Padma Purana. Lord Krishna stated that a person observing the ekadashi vrat will be very renowned due to their meritorious deeds, and the vrat “gives unending fruit.” The Apara Ekadashi vrat is a solemn relief for people suffering guilt from all committed sins. It befits those who have committed the gravest of sins: it pardons one who kills a Brahman, one who kills a family member, one who has stood for abortion. It pardons those who gets their way through false testimony.

One can attain moksha by keeping the Apara Ekadashi fast with utmost fervor and patience. It is also stated in the Padma Purana that a person can reap the same benefits as taking a bath in the holy Ganges during the auspicious month of ‘Kartik.’ The gift of Apara Ekadashi is as significant as the blessings one procures with a bath at Prayaga in Magha month when the Sun occupies Makara (Capricorn) Rasi, or at Kasi on an eclipse day, or in Gautami when Jupiter is in Sirrha (Leo) Rasi. One who devoutly recites about the Apara Ekadashi Vrat, and pays heed and respect to it obtains the gift of a thousand cows. The Apara Ekadashi fast is an expression of beatitude that shows light at the end of the tunnel.

FAQs

1: When is Apara Ekadashi celebrated?
Apara Ekadashi is celebrated on the tithi of Jyeshta Krishna Paksha Ekadashi according to the Hindu Calendar. This tithi falls during the months of May-June.

2: How to observe Apara Ekadashi?
The observances of Apara Ekadashi starts with fasting that begins on the previous day of the Ekadashi tithi, on Dwadashi Tithi. To know more, refer rituals of Apara Ekadashi.

3: When to break the Apara Ekadashi vrat?
The Ekadashi fast can be concluded after the Sunrise of the next day, during the Parana Time. Refer “Important Timings on Apara Ekadashi 2024”.

Apara Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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