Upcoming Ekadashi Dates and Significance in Hindu Tradition
In the Hindu calendar, **Ekadashi** holds a revered status among devotees, representing the **11th day** of a lunar fortnight. Observed twice each month, these days are considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, meditation, and fasting. Each Ekadashi has its unique significance and is dedicated to various deities, providing devotees with opportunities to deepen their spiritual connection. Here, we present a detailed schedule of the upcoming Ekadashi dates along with their respective observances, timings, and significance.
Yogini Ekadashi: A Day for Spiritual Awakening
The first Ekadashi of this cycle is **Yogini Ekadashi**, which falls on **July 11, 2023** (Saturday). This day is observed during the **Krishna Paksha** of the month of **Ashadh**. The fast begins on **July 10 at 08:16 AM** and concludes on **July 11 at 05:22 AM**. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu to seek blessings for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Yogini Ekadashi is particularly significant for those seeking to enhance their meditation practice.
Devshayani Ekadashi: The Day of Lord Vishnu’s Rest
Following Yogini Ekadashi, **Devshayani Ekadashi** will be observed on **July 25, 2023** (Saturday) during the **Shukla Paksha** of **Ashadh**. The fasting period begins on **July 24 at 09:12 AM** and concludes on **July 25 at 11:34 AM**. This Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a deep slumber until **Kartik**. Devotees engage in prayers and rituals to honor Vishnu, ensuring spiritual favor and protection.
Kamika Ekadashi: A Day of Cleansing and Purification
Next on the calendar is **Kamika Ekadashi**, celebrated on **August 9, 2023** (Sunday) during the **Krishna Paksha** of **Shravan**. The fast commences on **August 8 at 01:59 PM** and concludes on **August 9 at 11:04 AM**. This Ekadashi is known for its focus on purifying one’s mind and soul, offering devotees a chance to cleanse their spiritual path through dedicated prayers and fasting.
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi: A Blessing for Offspring
On **August 24, 2023** (Monday), **Shravan Putrada Ekadashi** will be observed, falling during the **Shukla Paksha** of **Shravan**. The fasting period begins on **August 23 at 02:00 AM** and ends on **August 24 at 04:18 AM**. This day is particularly significant for couples seeking blessings for children. Devotees perform special rituals and prayers to Lord Vishnu to invoke his grace for progeny.
Aja Ekadashi: A Day for Liberation from Sins
Scheduled for **September 7, 2023** (Monday), **Aja Ekadashi** occurs during the **Krishna Paksha** of **Bhadrapada**. The fasting starts on **September 6 at 07:29 PM** and concludes on **September 7 at 05:03 PM**. Aja Ekadashi holds the promise of freeing devotees from sins and granting spiritual liberation, making it a day for reflection and devotion.
Parivartini Ekadashi: A Day of Transformation
**Parivartini Ekadashi**, happening on **September 22, 2023** (Tuesday), during the **Shukla Paksha** of **Bhadrapada**, is a day of transformation. The fasting period begins on **September 21 at 08:00 PM** and concludes on **September 22 at 09:43 PM**. This Ekadashi symbolizes change and renewal, encouraging devotees to engage in practices that bring about personal transformation and growth.
Indira Ekadashi: Honoring Departed Souls
On **October 6, 2023** (Tuesday), **Indira Ekadashi** is observed during the **Krishna Paksha** of **Ashwin**. The fasting starts on **October 6 at 02:07 AM** and concludes on **October 7 at 12:34 AM**. This day is particularly significant for honoring departed souls, and many perform rituals for their ancestors, seeking blessings for peace and prosperity.
Papankusha Ekadashi: A Day of Remembrance
**Papankusha Ekadashi**, scheduled for **October 22, 2023** (Thursday), during the **Shukla Paksha** of **Ashwin**, marks a time for remembrance and reflection. The fasting period begins on **October 21 at 02:11 PM** and concludes on **October 22 at 02:47 PM**. Devotees engage in prayers to seek absolution from sins and to remember the importance of righteous living.
Rama Ekadashi: A Celebration of Devotion
Celebrated on **November 5, 2023** (Thursday), **Rama Ekadashi** occurs during the **Krishna Paksha** of **Karthik**. The fasting begins on **November 4 at 11:03 AM** and ends on **November 5 at 10:35 AM**. This day is dedicated to Lord Rama, emphasizing devotion and surrender to divine will.
Devutthan Ekadashi: The Awakening of Lord Vishnu
The final Ekadashi of the year is **Devutthan Ekadashi**, observed on **November 21, 2023** (Saturday) during the **Shukla Paksha** of **Karthik**. The fasting period begins on **November 20 at 07:15 AM** and concludes on **November 21 at 06:31 AM**. This significant day marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his slumber, and devotees engage in fervent prayers and rituals to honor him.
Utpana Ekadashi and Mokshada Ekadashi: Culmination of the Year’s Fasts
**Utpana Ekadashi** will occur on **December 4, 2023** (Friday), during the **Krishna Paksha** of **Margashirsha**, starting on **December 3 at 11:03 PM** and concluding on **December 4 at 11:44 PM**. The last Ekadashi of the year, **Mokshada (Vaikuntha) Ekadashi**, is celebrated on **December 20, 2023** (Sunday) during the **Shukla Paksha** of **Margashirsha**. The fasting period begins on **December 19 at 10:09 PM** and ends on **December 20 at 08:14 PM**. Both days are dedicated to spiritual reflection and seeking blessings for the upcoming year.
In conclusion, each Ekadashi serves as an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual practices, reflect on their lives, and seek blessings from the divine. Observing these sacred days with devotion and faith can lead to spiritual upliftment and fulfillment.
