Apara Ekadashi 2025 Vrat: Apara Ekadashi is one of the most significant Ekadashi vrats in Hindu tradition. This year Apara ekadashi vrat will fall on Friday, May 23. Devotees keep this fast and believe that observing this vrat helps in getting relief from past bad deeds and cleanses their sins. Devotees chant prayers and bhajans and perform puja rituals to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings on this day.
Apara Ekadashi 2025 Date and Tithi
- Apara Ekadashi Vrat Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 01:12 AM (May 23)
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 10:29 PM (May 23)
- Parana Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
- Parana Time: 05:27 AM to 08:12 AM
- Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 07:20 PM (May 24)
Parana Time and Dwadashi Tithi
The Parana time and Dwadashi tithi are important when it comes to breaking the fast. The fast should be broken after sunrise the next day, during Dwadashi tithi. It is essential to break the fast within the Dwadashi period. If the Parana time is missed, it is considered a big mistake.
Note: Do not break the fast during Hari Vasara, which is the first quarter of Dwadashi Tithi. Wait until Hari Vasara ends before doing Parana.
Apara Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)
Apara Ekadashi puja is done with devotion. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide:
- Wake up early and take a bath.
- Clean the Puja area or your home temple and place a photo / Murti of Vishnu ji.
- Offer Tulsi leaves, some flowers, perfume (itra), and light a diya in your temple.
- Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Then, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Vishnu) and read or listen to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha (story).
- Follow your fast with full devotion. You can keep a Nirjala fast (without water) or you may have fruits or milk.
Which day should you observe the Ekadashi fast?
Sometimes Ekadashi falls on two consecutive days.
- People who live a family life (householders) should observe the fast on the first day.
- Saints, monks, or those seeking liberation (moksha) should observe it on the second day.
- Vaishnavas usually fast on the second day, following their own customs.
- Some strong Vishnu devotees choose to fast on both days for greater spiritual benefits.
Apara Ekadashi Significance
“Apara” means boundless or immense. Devotees believe that by observing this fast, one can destroy the negative effects of past deeds. It helps in gaining strength, peace, and liberation. With Lord Vishnu’s blessings, the soul gets purified and karmic debts are reduced. Through fasting, prayer, and devotion, one can move closer to divine grace and inner peace.
