Aja Ekadashi 2025: Date, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi, and Significance
Aja Ekadashi is one of the most important and sacred Ekadashi vrats observed by Hindus across India. Falling during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to destroy sins and grant salvation. In 2025, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
According to Hindu belief, fasting on Aja Ekadashi brings the same merit as performing Ashwamedha Yajna and liberates the devotee from the cycle of birth and death. It is a highly auspicious day for Vishnu bhaktas and devotees seeking peace, prosperity, and moksha.
Aja Ekadashi 2025 Date and Time
- Aja Ekadashi Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 05:22 PM on August 18, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 03:32 PM on August 19, 2025
- Parana (Breaking of Fast) Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- Parana Time: 05:53 AM to 08:29 AM
- Dwadashi End Moment: 01:58 PM on August 20, 2025
🔔 Note: Parana (breaking the fast) must be done within the specified time, otherwise, the vrat loses its religious merit.
Significance of Aja Ekadashi
- Removal of Sins – Observing this Ekadashi is believed to free devotees from past sins and bad karmas.
- Equivalent to Ashwamedha Yajna – As per ancient scriptures, fasting on this day gives punya equal to performing the grand Vedic ritual Ashwamedha Yajna.
- Liberation of Ancestors – Observing Aja Ekadashi also grants salvation to ancestors and helps them attain moksha.
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu – Devotees receive Vishnu’s divine grace, protection, and progress in both material and spiritual life.
- Path to Moksha – Aja Ekadashi is especially powerful in reducing the burden of worldly attachments and guiding the devotee toward liberation.
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Legend)
The story of Aja Ekadashi is narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
According to the legend, there was a great king named Harishchandra, famous for his truthfulness and righteousness. However, due to the curse of Sage Vishwamitra, he lost his kingdom, wealth, and family, and had to work as a crematorium guard to survive. Despite immense suffering, he never abandoned truth and dharma.
Once, Sage Gautama advised him to observe the Aja Ekadashi Vrat with full devotion. King Harishchandra kept the fast, worshipped Lord Vishnu, and stayed awake during the night singing bhajans and kirtans. As a result, all his sins were destroyed, he regained his kingdom, reunited with his family, and attained liberation after death.
Thus, Aja Ekadashi became a sacred vrat, believed to grant freedom from worldly miseries and sins.
Aja Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
1. Preparations
- Wake up early before sunrise and take a holy bath.
- Clean the house and puja altar.
- Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu and decorate with flowers and tulsi leaves.
2. Fasting Rules
- Devotees observe a strict fast (nirjala) without food and water, while others may observe a partial fast with fruits, milk, and water.
- Rice, grains, and onion-garlic are strictly avoided.
- The fast begins from sunrise on Ekadashi and continues till the Parana time on Dwadashi.
3. Puja Rituals
- Offer tulsi, flowers, fruits, incense, and lamp to Lord Vishnu.
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Chant the mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
- Spend the day in bhajan-kirtan and meditation.
4. Night Vigil
- Many devotees keep a jagran (night vigil) singing hymns of Lord Vishnu.
5. Parana (Breaking the Fast)
- On August 20, 2025, after sunrise, devotees must break the fast during the Parana Muhurat (05:53 AM – 08:29 AM).
- Food is first offered to Brahmins, the poor, or cows before consumption.
Benefits of Observing Aja Ekadashi
- Attainment of peace, prosperity, and happiness.
- Removal of negative karmas and past sins.
- Protection from obstacles, poverty, and diseases.
- Liberation of self and ancestors from worldly cycles.
- Spiritual upliftment and closeness to Lord Vishnu.
Spiritual Importance
Ekadashi fasting is one of the most sacred practices in Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself rests on Ekadashi day, and devotees who fast with pure heart and devotion attain divine blessings. Aja Ekadashi is especially powerful for those seeking forgiveness, spiritual upliftment, and moksha.
Conclusion
Aja Ekadashi 2025 falls on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Devotees will observe the vrat with fasting, prayers, and dedication to Lord Vishnu. The Parana should be done on August 20, 2025, between 05:53 AM and 08:29 AM. This sacred vrat has the power to wash away sins, grant liberation, and bestow divine blessings.
Observing Aja Ekadashi with faith is said to bring eternal joy, prosperity, and the grace of Lord Vishnu.
