Indira Ekadasi

Ekadasi is the 11th day of the lunar phase of the Moon. Indira Ekadasi is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (waning Moon phase) in the month of Ashwin (September–October). Since this Ekadasi falls on the Pitru Paksha (15 days in the month of Ashwin dedicated to ancestors), it is also known as Ekadasi Shraddh. This is widely celebrated in Northern India to pay rituals to ancestors.

It is an auspicious start for the rest of the year, and we encourage devotees reading this to kindly consider donating on this day.

The Glories of Indira Ekadasi

From the Brahma-vaivarta Purana

The delightful glories of Indira Ekadasi are described in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana in the conversation between Sri Krishna and Maharaja Yudhishthira.

Maharaja Yudhishthira enquired: "O Krishna! O Madhusudana! What is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the waning moon in the month of Asvina (September/October), what is the process for following this sublime vrata, and what merit is obtained by observing it?"

Lord Krishna replied, "The name of this sacred and clement Ekadasi is Indira Ekadasi. By observing this Ekadasi, the sinful reactions of all one's forebears as well as one's own sinful reactions are entirely eradicated."

King Indrasena and Narada Muni

"O King! There was once a regal and prosperous king named Indrasena, who lived in Satya-Yuga. He was expert in subduing his enemies and ruled his kingdom with great compassion. He lived happily in his city of Mahishmatipuri, always attached to the devotional service of Lord Vishnu, chanting the holy names of Sri Govinda."

"One day, as the King was sitting on his throne, Sri Narada Muni suddenly appeared before him from the sky. King Indrasena rose with folded palms, offered his respectful obeisances, and worshipped the sage with sixteen ingredients. Once seated, Narada Muni asked Indrasena about the welfare of his kingdom and his devotion."

"The King replied: 'O best of sages! Everything is well and auspicious by your kind mercy. Today my life has become successful by your darshana. Please tell me the cause of your blessed visit.'"

"Narada Muni said: 'O lion-like King! Now hear about a wonderfully fortunate incident. Once I went to the abode of Yamaraja from the abode of Lord Brahma. Yamaraja greeted me respectfully. While there, I saw your greatly pious father in the assembly of Yamaraja. As a result of breaking a vow, your father had to go there. He gave me a message for you. He said: "Indrasena, the king of Mahishmatipuri, is my son. O Lord, please tell him that due to some sinful activities committed in my previous life I am now living in the abode of Yamaraja! Therefore, in order to free me, he should observe the vow of Indira Ekadasi, and transfer its piety to me. Then I will be released." Narada Muni continued: 'This is your father's request. To deliver your father, you should observe this fast.'"

"King Indrasena said: 'O sage amongst the demigods, kindly explain to me the procedure for following this Indira Ekadasi.' Narada Muni replied: 'On the day before Ekadasi (Dashami), take a bath early in the morning and with faith offer oblations to the forefathers. Eat only once and sleep on the floor. On Ekadasi morning, rise early, clean your mouth, bathe, and take a vow to fast completely, praying: "O lotus-eyed one, I take shelter of You."'"

"Narada Muni continued: 'Thereafter, feed the brahmanas with sumptuous prasadam and give them dakshina. Offer the prasadam remnants to the cows. During the day, worship Lord Hrishikesha by offering sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamps, and foodstuffs. Remain awake throughout the night chanting and hearing the pastimes of the Lord. Break the fast on Dvadashi at the appropriate time, eating with your family in silence. If you follow this, your father will certainly reach Vaikuntha.' After speaking, Narada Muni departed."

The Deliverance of the Father

"As per the instructions of Narada Muni, King Indrasena strictly observed this Ekadasi accompanied by his children, servants, and subjects. As a result of observing this Ekadasi, flowers showered from the sky, and the father of King Indrasena immediately rode on the back of Garuda to the Vaikuntha abode of Lord Vishnu."

"Then, the saintly King Indrasena ruled his kingdom without any impediment, and at the end of his life, he entrusted the kingdom to his son and personally returned to the spiritual world. Such are the glories of Indira Ekadasi. Anyone who reads or hears this narration becomes free from all sinful reactions and ultimately returns to the abode of Vishnu."