- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:17 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Indira Ekadashi in 2025 is a sacred day of fasting for Lord Vishnu and remembering ancestors. According to the Hindu calendar, this sacred Ekadashi Vrat falls on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in the Ashwin month. As this sacred day falls during Pitru Paksha, Ekadashi Shradh is also performed on this day. Devotees fast and pray for their ancestors' peace and salvation, asking for forgiveness and blessings on their way. This year, the sacred vrat of Indira Ekadashi will take place on 17th September 2025.
Indira Ekadashi 2025: Date And Time
- Indira Ekadashi 2025 Date: 17th September 2025, Wednesday
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12:22 AM, 17th September 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 11:40 PM, 17th September 2025
Indira Ekadashi 2025 Parana Time
The parana timings for Indira Ekadashi Vrat are from 06:12 AM to 10:15 AM on 18th September 2025.
Indira Ekadashi 2025: Significance
Indira Ekadashi Vrat is a very special fast that brings blessings to those who observe it with faith. By fasting on this day, people try to make up for past mistakes and help their ancestors find peace. It's particularly known for bringing peace to family members who have passed away, offering them relief from suffering. This vrat is a way to remember loved ones and respect their life after death.
Hindu scriptures say that observing Indira Ekadashi is as valuable as performing the Ashwamedha Yagya, which shows how important it is among all Ekadashi fasts. The Brahmavaivarta Purana talks about how Lord Krishna told Yudhishtira about its importance, showing its spiritual value. People who observe this vrat with devotion not only help their ancestors but also grow spiritually, receive blessings, and strengthen their relationship with Lord Vishnu.
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Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and offer prayers to the ancestors on the sacred occasion of Indira Ekadashi Vrat. (Image Source: Canva)
Indira Ekadashi 2025: Rituals
On Indira Ekadashi, the devotees conduct Shradh rituals to commemorate their ancestors. For maximum gain, they need to keep vrat with complete dedication, adhering to ancient rituals. The day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, offering Tulsi leaves, flowers and fruits. A visit to a Lord Vishnu temple is also strongly advisable. This holy day is a great chance to seek the blessings of the Lord and remember one's ancestors. The rituals are done with immense fervour and cheerfulness.
The Indira Ekadashi vrat starts one day in advance on Dashami, where rituals for deceased ancestors are performed and prayers are offered. The devotees take a meal before dawn and then keep a strict fast on Ekadashi day. The fasting ends on dwadashi, after performing worship to Lord Vishnu. Since it is on Pitru Paksha, food is first offered to priests and cows and then consumed. This vrat is also a means of expressing gratitude and respect towards one's ancestors. The rituals are undertaken with a lot of devotion and sincerity.
During Indira Ekadashi, the devotees get up early in the morning before sunrise and chant Vedic mantras and bhajans in praise of Lord Vishnu. They remain awake the entire night, singing devotional songs and hearing the tales of the Lord. Reading 'Vishnu Sahastranaam' is also auspicious. Special rites and prayers are done to pay respect to deceased ancestors. The afternoon is considered auspicious for praying to the ancestors or the pitru.
Indira Ekadashi 2025: Vrat Katha
The Padma Purana shares the revered tale of Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha, explaining the value of this fast. King Yudhishthira inquired about the Ekadashi in the darker half of Ashwin Month. Lord Shri Krishna explained that Indira Ekadashi is marked at this time. People think this fast can remove even grave sins and aid ancestors in finding peace. The story concerns King Indrasen, a follower of Lord Vishnu. Sage Narada advised him to observe the Indira Ekadashi fast to help his father escape suffering.
Sage Narada's visit changed King Indrasen's path. Narada brought word of the king's father, who was suffering because of past wrongs. The father asked his son to observe the Indira Ekadashi fast so he could gain merit and go to heaven. Narada outlined the fast: a Shraddha ritual, worship to Lord Vishnu, and staying awake near the god all night. With these acts, King Indrasen freed his father and brought peace.
King Indrasen received a shower of flowers after he finished the Indira Ekadashi fast. His ancestors, along with his father, were able to go to Lord Vishnu’s abode Vaikuntha. He ruled his kingdom in peace and then passed it to his son before going to heaven. The Indira Ekadashi story points out the value of devotion, duty, and holy fasts. Reading or listening to this katha can help a person grow spiritually and be forgiven.