
In 2025, Apara Ekadashi falls on Friday, May 23, 2025. This sacred fasting day is observed by millions of devotees across India and worldwide to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
When is Apara Ekadashi 2025?
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 1:12 AM on May 23, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 10:29 PM on May 23, 2025
- Parana (Fast Breaking) Time: May 24, 2025, between 5:26 AM – 8:11 AM
Apara Ekadashi 2025 Significance & Benefits
The word ‘Apara’ means limitless, symbolizing the boundless merits devotees can attain by fasting on this day. Observing Apara Ekadashi with sincerity is believed to:- Cleanse past sins and negative karma.
- Provide prosperity, success, and fame.
- Help in spiritual growth and strengthen devotion to Lord Vishnu.
- Lead to Moksha (liberation) and divine blessings.
- Remove obstacles from one’s professional and personal life.
- Bring peace and mental stability.
In Hindu tradition, it is said that those who sincerely observe Apara Ekadashi earn Punya (spiritual merit) equal to donating gold, land, or even performing great Yajnas like the Ashwamedha Yajna.
Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Legend)
According to Hindu scriptures, the legend of Apara Ekadashi revolves around King Mahidhwaj and his envious brother, Vajradhwaj. Overcome by jealousy, Vajradhwaj murdered the righteous king and buried his body beneath a Peepal tree. The king’s unsettled spirit haunted the area until a sage, upon realizing his past, performed sacred rituals and observed Apara Ekadashi on his behalf. As a result, King Mahidhwaj’s soul attained salvation. This story highlights the powerful spiritual benefits of this Ekadashi.There is also another legend linked to Apara Ekadashi, which states that a warrior king who had committed many sins in battle found redemption through this fast. After performing numerous atrocities, the king sought guidance from a sage who advised him to observe Apara Ekadashi with sincerity. He followed the rituals, fasted with devotion, and ultimately received Lord Vishnu’s divine blessings, absolving him of his sins.
Apara Ekadashi Puja Vidhi & Fasting Rules
One Day Before (Dashami)
- Eat a simple, Satvik meal before sunset.
- Avoid onion, garlic, grains, pulses, and tamasic foods.
- Refrain from engaging in arguments, false speech, or negative actions.
- Prepare for the Ekadashi fast by maintaining a peaceful mindset and meditating upon Lord Vishnu.
On Apara Ekadashi
Early Morning Rituals:- Wake up early and take a holy bath.
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves and flowers.
- Meditate and chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
- Light a diya (lamp) with ghee in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol.
- Observe Nirjala (waterless) fast or Phalahar (fruits & milk-based) fast based on one’s capability.
- Strictly avoid grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian food.
- Maintain a pure and peaceful state of mind.
- Avoid indulgence in entertainment, gossip, or distractions.
- Read the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Participate in bhajans and visit Lord Vishnu temples.
- Chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra for spiritual upliftment.
- Donate food, clothes, or money to Brahmins and the poor for divine blessings.
- Offering donations to cows, temples, and needy individuals is considered highly meritorious.
- It is believed that feeding a Brahmin or a needy person on this day ensures blessings for generations.
- The fast should be broken on May 24, 2025, within the given Parana time.
- Consume Satvik food to conclude the fast.
- Start with fruits or light foods to allow the body to adjust.
Benefits of Observing Apara Ekadashi
- Removes negative karma and past sins.
- Attracts prosperity, wealth, and fame.
- Ensures spiritual growth and divine blessings.
- Helps in attaining Moksha (salvation)
- Grants benefits equal to performing Ashwamedha Yajna.
- Provides mental peace and clarity in life decisions.
- Protects devotees from financial instability and obstacles.
- Helps individuals overcome fear, anxiety, and distress.
Conclusion
Apara Ekadashi is an opportunity to seek divine blessings, cleanse past karma, and progress spiritually. Observing this sacred fast with devotion can bring prosperity, peace, and ultimate salvation. By engaging in prayers, fasting, and charity, devotees can gain immense spiritual and material benefits.Are you observing Apara Ekadashi 2025 and want to make the best of it? For expert guidance on Vastu Shastra and astrology consultations, consult the best astrologer in Gurgaon, Pt. Pawan Kaushik.