Aja Ekadashi is a significant festival in the Hindu religion which is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm. The devotees observe this festival to seek spiritual growth and liberation from past sins. Aja Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. This year, Aja Ekadashi will be celebrated on August 29, 2024. The day will provide an auspicious opportunity for devotees to observe fasting, offer prayers, and other religious activities. In this article, we’ll learn about the Aja Ekadashi date, parana time, vrat katha, significance and puja vidhi.

Aja Ekadashi 2024 Date and Parana Time

According to the Hindu calendar, Aja Ekadashi Vrat falls on August 29, 2024. The Ekadashi tithi will begin on August 29 at 01:19 AM and will conclude on August 30 at 01:37 AM. According to Drik Panchang, the devotees begin their fast at sunrise on the day of Ekadashi. The Parana time or breaking of the fast is observed after sunrise on the following day, Dwadashi, after performing all the necessary rituals and prayers. Parana will be observed on August 30 from 07:49 AM to 08:31 AM. Notably, Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara.

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha

It is believed that the fast was observed by King Harishchandra who was known for his honesty. However, due to his past bad karma, he lost his family and kingdom. He wandered here and there in the forest. Once he met Rishi Gautam and explained his poor situation and sought help from him. Sage Gautam told him about the Aja Ekadashi fast and its miraculous benefits. He followed the words of Rishi Gautam and performed the fast following all the rituals and thereafter, got his family and kingdom back.

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Watch Video

Aja Ekadashi Significance

Aja Ekadashi holds a special place in the hearts of devotees as it is associated with the redemption of sins and the attainment of spiritual merit. The day is particularly powerful for those seeking to cleanse their souls and achieve moksha. According to Hindu scriptures, devotees must perform the Aja Ekadashi vrat with sincerity and devotion to wash away all the sins from the past life and attain eternal happiness.

Aja Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

On Aja Ekadashi, devotees wake up early and take a holy bath, preferably in a sacred river or at home. The day is marked by the worship of Lord Vishnu, by offering him prayers, performing aarti and listening to Aja Ekadashi vrat katha dedicated to the deity.

Devotees observe fast on Aja Ekadashi and refrain from consuming grains, cereals, and certain vegetables. They opt for fruits, nuts, and dairy products to sustain themselves throughout the day. The fast is believed to maintain the purity of mind and body.

Aja Ekadashi is a festival that helps in spiritual awakening and provides an opportunity to reconnect with one's inner self and the divine. By observing fast with devotion and sincerity, devotees believe that they can pave the way for a life of virtue and eternal peace.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2024 12:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).