Aja Ekadashi Significance, Rituals, and Fasting

The name of Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada is Aja Ekadashi. It is the destroyer of all sins. Lord Shri Vishnu is worshiped on this Ekadashi. The person who worships Shri Hari Vishnu ji on this day gets heaven.

The theory is that one who observes this fast gets the same results as the Ashwamedha Yagya. Although Lord Vishnu is worshiped in all types of Ekadashis, but Aja Ekadashi is very dear to Shri Hari. This universe is also known as Annada. The basis of this fast is mythological, scientific, and cultural life. In relation to this fast, it is proven that the fruit obtained from this fast is more than the fruit obtained from Ashvamedha Yagya, hard penance, bathing in pilgrimages, etc. By observing this fast, the heart becomes pure and gets motivated towards the right path.

Aja Ekadashi Date 2024

Aja Ekadashi on Thursday, August 29, 2024

Ekadashi Tithi Starts – August 29, 2024 at 01:19 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - August 30, 2024 at 01:37 AM

Aja Ekadashi fasting and worship method

• Take a bath before sunrise on the day of Ekadashi.

• Now light a lamp of ghee in front of Lord Vishnu and worship it with devotion with fruits and flowers.

• Recite Vishnu Sahasranamam after worship

• Follow fasting and waterless fasting during the day

• Keep awake at night during this fast

• On the morning of Dwadashi, offer food to a Brahmin and give charity.

• On the day of Dwadashi, donate food to Brahmins after feeding them.

• then eat yourself

Method of keeping Aja Ekadashi fast

The person who has to fast on Aja Ekadashi should have food at two o'clock the day before. Food should not be taken at night. So that there is no part of food in the stomach. The fast of Aja Ekadashi is very difficult. For those observing Ekadashi fast, taking any kind of food is considered prohibited. On this day Nirjala fast is observed for the whole time, on the second day in the morning the fast is passed.

Importance of Aja Ekadashi

It has been told in the scriptures about Aja Ekadashi that by observing this fast one gets virtuous results. It is believed that the fasting of Aja Ekadashi starts from Dashami itself. The person who observes this fast attains salvation. It is going to give auspicious results by removing inauspicious effects. By observing this fast, the mind becomes full. All Vaishnavas or devotees of Shri Krishna observe this fast for their belief that they can get Bhagavad darshan before death. The fasting of Aja Ekadashi Vrat inspires a person to rise above the path of salvation and righteousness. This fast is being followed since ancient times.

The fast of Aja Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The method of fasting on this day gives the inspiration to control the senses. It is believed that a person who controls his senses understands the mystery of the world and gets freedom from all kinds of sorrows.

Aja Ekadashi fast story

It is said that King Harishchandra was known for his honesty and integrity. Once the gods planned to test him. The king saw in a dream that he had donated his kingdom to sage Vishwamitra. The next day, when King Harishchandra handed over all his regalia to Vishwamitra, Vishwamitra asked King Harishchandra for 500 gold coins as Dakshina. The king told him that five hundred, take as many gold stamps as you want. Vishwamitra started laughing at this and reminded the king that he had donated the kingdom's treasury along with the palace and that the things donated are not donated again. Then the king got gold coins by selling his wife and son, but even that could not be equal to five hundred. King Harishchandra also sold himself and donated all the gold coins to Vishwamitra. The place where King Harishchandra sold himself was the Chandala place of the crematorium. Chandala gave the task of tax collection to King Harishchandra for cremation in the crematorium.

One day King Harishchandra observed a fast on Ekadashi. It was the time of midnight and the king was guarding the gate of the crematorium. It was very dark, meanwhile, a helpless and poor woman reached there crying, with the dead body of her son in her hand. Following his religion, King Harishchandra demanded tax from his wife for the cremation of his son. The wife did not have money to pay the tax, so she tore half of her saree and gave it to the king. At the same time the Lord appeared and said to the king, “O Harishchandra, you have set the highest standard of life truth in this world. Your devotion to duty is great, you will remain immortal in history. Meanwhile, the king's son Rohitash came to life. Vishwamitra also returned Harishchandra's kingdom to him by the order of God.

Conclusion

That's why he is worshiped on this day. However, it is important to keep a few things in mind about the past. Vishnu ji is worshiped in this fast. The principle is that listening to and reading the story of the universe on this day gives the result of Ashwamedha Yagya. If you want to know more information about Aja Ekadashi, you can take online astrology consultation.