Out of 24 Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar, Indira Ekadashi has particular importance, which is full of good fortune. Indira Ekadashi 2025 occurs on September 17, and presents to us a rare and potent opportunity to purify our souls, as well as receive blessings for our ancestors.
Significance of Indira Ekadashi 2025
- Date: September 17, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Time: The staring time of Indira Ekadashi Tithi is at morning 6:42 on the date of September 17, 2025
- Fast Breaking Time: 15 hours 6 mins UTC between 6:15 AM and 8:30 AM on September 18, 2025
- Importance: Krishna Paksha of Ashwin Month (Dark Fortnight)
The Indira Ekadashi story sheds light on its immense spiritual significance. According to the beliefs, it possesses the unique ability to rescue one’s ancestors from the most dreadful form of servitude and to grant them access to the realms of the joyful. The name ‘Indira’ is mentioned as it stands for prosperity and religious grace, and ‘Indira’ stands for change.
It was Lord Krishna himself who said to Yudhishthira, the following about this Ekadashi, “O Yudhishthira, this fast has the power to burn to ashes all the sins of the one who observes it, as also of his forefathers. The reward for the devout observance is similar to the performance of a Vajapeya Yajna, which is the most complicated of all the sacrifices that are performed in Vedic religion.
Listen to Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha! Some Interesting Facts Behind the Indira Ekadashi Festival!
What is Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha? The story revolves around King Indrasena of Mahishmati, who exemplifies a virtuous monarch and is deeply devoted to Vishnu. The king enjoyed his domestic life in peace, and enjoyed watching his children growing up with his wife in the palace, until the arrival of Rishi Narada who appeared unsettlingly in his court.
In the course of his travels to Yamaloka, which is sometimes referred to as the dominion of Yama, Narada had the chance to meet the father of the monarch who had passed away. The father’s soul had become stuck because he did not get to complete his Ekadashi fasting in the past birth. For the sake of his salvation, he requested that his son make a fast on Indira Ekadashi.
On Narada’s advice, King Indrasena and his subjects performed the entire Indira Ekadashi Vrata (ritual fast) with all its prescribed rituals and ceremonies. What happened was a miracle – for flowers came showering down from heaven, and his father left for Vishnu’s celestial abode on Garuda. Even the king himself eventually went to heaven through this pious practice.
Indira Ekadashi Puja & Vrat (Fasting) Mantras
Salutations to Lord Vishnu, the one who is of the form of eternal truth and knowledge; Salutations to the Lord of all the worlds, the one whom all the demigods worship.
Fasting Before the Fast (Dashami – September 16, 2025):
- Uttapan, perform Srarddha of the forefathers and take a morning bath.
- On your off days, you should only consume one meal per day.
- Keep your mind pure and with a notebook, and constantly pray.
Indira Ekadashi Observance Ritual
- Get up early and have a cleansing bath
- Chant the Pious Swear: “Aaj main sampurna bhogon ko tyag kar nirahar ekadashi ka vrat karunga”.
- Protective mantra: “He Achyuta! He Pundarikaksha! It is in your presence that I find solace; I pray that you will save me.”
- Shraddha to be performed before the Shaligram/Krushna deity
- Gift bananas and sweets to deserving Brahmans!
Evening Practices
- Keep a night-long vigil (Jagaran) near the Idol
- Chant hymns and verses from scriptures
- Avoid sleep throughout the night
What to Eat on Indira Ekadashi?
During the traditional observance of Indira Ekadashi, only Nirjala fasting is suggested. But those who cannot abstain with strictness may eat:
- Fresh fruits (except grains)
- Nuts and dry fruits
- Milk and dairy products
- Root veggies, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Rock salt (avoid regular salt)
Not allowed: Any grains or pulses, ordinary salt, onion, garlic (during the fasting period).
Significance of Parivartini Ekadashi: Repercussions
This is considered to be one of the most important fasts of the year. The spiritual benefits of observing this pious fast are manifold:
- Entire purification of all sins and negative karma
- Liberation of forefathers from inferior worlds
- The pursuit of the sacred grace and protection of Vishnu is another advantage that might be gained.
- Satisfaction in terms of material and spiritual.
- The reward is comparable to the performance of significant sacrifices according to Vedic tradition.
Believers usually feel peacefulness, a clear mind, and purified family relations by observing this fast faithfully.
Donate These Items on Indira Ekadashi
Can I donate or perform charity on Indira Ekadashi? Absolutely! It’s better when the kind conduct also multiplies the spiritual benefits:
- Groats and fresh fruit to the needy families
- Clothing and blankets for the poor
- Books and course material to students
- Donations for temple maintenance and services
- Feeding of cows and animal care
Parana (Breaking the Fast – September 18, 2025)
- Offer morning worship and prayers to hasten the day.
- First thing: Feeding brahmins and family members first
- You have a quiet, purifying battle of ‘silence, simplicity, substance”
- Thank and praise the Lord for the fulfillment of the vow.
Indira Ekadashi ISKCON Kurukshetra Observance
ISKCON Kurukshetra celebrates Indira Ekadashi with special programs:
- Extended kirtan (devotional singing) sessions
- Scripture reading and spiritual discourses
- Community fasting and prayer gatherings
- Special prasadam distribution for fast-breaking
Conclusion: Embracing Sacred Transformation
Indira Ekadashi 2025 is a sacred chance for all worshippers to rise above and serve the forefathers. Whether you are an old hat at this or new to the Ekadashi routine, this is an excellent fast with many promises of Godly blessings and the cleansing of your interiors.
Ancient wisdom kept in the Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha tell us that our spiritual practices are not only for our own well-being – they assist our ascendants and help bring in universal well-being. As we near that hallowed day, let’s prepare our hearts and minds for this extraordinary experience of a lifetime.
It is important to keep in mind that the essence of the Indira Ekadashi is not solely about fasting; rather, it is also about learning to cultivate love, compassion, and memory for the Supreme. May people of all creeds enjoy peace, prosperity, and spiritual awakening by imbibing high ideals of this celebration.
Why struggle alone while fasting and see Ekadashi pass when you have chance to have ISKCON Kurukshetra devotees connect you with around a spiritual journey of like-minded souls to guide you, support you, and cherish you.
Sep 7, 2025
