In Hinduism, the Ekadashi tithi holds significant importance. Among the two Ekadashis that occur every month, the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha in Jyeshtha is known as Aparā Ekadashi or Achala Ekadashi. This auspicious day falls on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and observing a fast, performing puja, and undertaking specific remedies on this day are believed to bring happiness, prosperity, peace, and spiritual progress.
This Ekadashi is also known as Jalakrida Ekadashi in Odisha. Performing specific remedies with devotion and discipline alongside the worship of Lord Vishnu on Aparā Ekadashi is believed to bring immense success, wealth, family happiness, and progress in business.
Aparā Ekadashi: Religious Significance and Mythological Belief
‘Aparā’ means limitless or infinite. This is why this Ekadashi is called Aparā Ekadashi. It falls on the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha in the Jyeshtha month according to the Hindu calendar and is considered highly auspicious. According to religious scriptures, observing a fast and donating on this day brings immense merit. It is believed that this eliminates accumulated sins and leads an individual towards moksha (liberation).
Mythological belief suggests that observing a fast on Aparā Ekadashi brings peace to ancestors, removes obstacles in life, and enhances good fortune. Worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day yields special benefits and paves the way for happiness and peace. Many have experienced positive changes in their lives through the specific remedies performed on this day.
Coconut Remedy for Progress in Life
To open paths to progress and remove recurring obstacles, perform this specific remedy on Aparā Ekadashi. After taking a bath in the morning, take a coconut with a tuft of hair and tie a red thread (mauli or kalawa) around it. Then, meditating on Lord Vishnu, flow the coconut in a flowing river or clean water. This is considered a simple yet effective remedy. Religiously, the coconut is called ‘Shreefal,’ symbolizing auspiciousness and devotion. Flowing it in water is believed to remove negative energy and open new avenues for progress in life. This remedy is particularly beneficial for those facing constant obstacles in their careers or personal lives.
Garland of Yellow Flowers for Increased Wealth
Aparā Ekadashi is considered auspicious for increasing wealth. On this day, take a white thread and string yellow flowers onto it, offering it to Lord Vishnu. After offering it, devoutly join your hands and chant the mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya." This simple remedy can pave the way for financial progress. Religiously, yellow symbolizes prosperity, knowledge, and positive energy. Lord Vishnu is fond of yellow flowers, and this remedy is believed to help obtain the grace of Goddess Lakshmi, increasing prosperity at home and gradually resolving financial worries.
Honey and Deepdaan Remedy for Happiness
To maintain happiness and sweetness in life, perform this specific remedy on Aparā Ekadashi. Visit a Lord Vishnu temple and donate a bottle of honey. Then, light a ghee lamp before the deity and chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Narayanaya’ eleven times. Honey symbolizes sweetness in life, enhancing happiness in relationships. Lighting a lamp signifies the illumination of the soul and positive energy. This remedy helps bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to your home and life, leading to positive changes in every aspect.
Tulsi Remedy for Parental Support
To ensure continued parental support and blessings, offer water to a Tulsi plant on Aparā Ekadashi and pay your respects to Tulsi Mata. Tulsi Mata is considered the consort of Lord Vishnu; her worship maintains happiness and peace in the family. This worship strengthens family ties and easily obtains blessings from elders. It also promotes positive energy flow, aiding success in all endeavors. This Tulsi remedy creates a happy and fulfilling life.
Serving a Brahmin for Business Growth
To consistently grow and succeed in business, respectfully invite a learned Brahmin to your home on Aparā Ekadashi. Offer them a good meal and a gift of clothing or a useful item as Dakshina. This service not only fills your home with merit but also brings auspiciousness and growth to your business. Serving Brahmins is considered highly meritorious in Sanātana Dharma, attracting Lakshmi's grace and bringing success and progress. This simple remedy helps take your business to new heights.
Aparā Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi
- Pre-Sunrise Bath: On Aparā Ekadashi, the devotee should wake up early and bathe before sunrise. Bathing purifies both body and mind, enhancing the fast's effect. Clean clothes should be worn to begin the fast.
- Worship of Lord Vishnu: After bathing, it's essential to worship Lord Vishnu. Offer Tulsi leaves, sandalwood, fresh flowers, a lamp, and incense. Meditate on the Lord and pray for His grace.
- Fasting or Fruitarian Diet: The devotee should fast throughout the day. If fasting is difficult, a fruitarian diet can be followed, but avoid heavy meals. Fasting purifies the body and mind, maximizing the fast's benefits.
- Night Vigil and Hari Naam Sankirtan: Observe a night vigil and perform Hari Naam Sankirtan (chanting of Lord Hari's name). Bhajans and Kirtan bring peace of mind and spiritual progress. This time is for deepening devotion to God.
- Concluding the Fast: On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), feed Brahmins or the needy and give Dakshina. This doubles the fast's merit. Then, conclude your fast with a pure heart and express gratitude to God. This completes the Aparā Ekadashi fast.
Aparā Ekadashi Vrat Aarti
Jay Dev Jagdish Hare, Swami Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Bhakti Janon Ke Sankat Haran, Bhagwan Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Bhav Bhay Haran Hari Sharan Aaye, Deen Dayal Apne Charan Aaye.
Bhav Sagar Ke Taranhar, Bhagwan Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Vishnu Tribhuvan Ke Malik, Palankarta Jag Ka Bhalik.
Deen Bhakton Ke Sankat Haran, Bhagwan Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Tum Bina Aur Na Koi, Tum Hi Ho Sarvadharmi Soi.
Trahi Trahi Jagat Ke Data, Bhagwan Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Shubh Phal Dene Wale Ho, Apra Ekadashi Ke Data.
Bhakti Janon Ke Man Sukoon Do, Bhagwan Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Tulsi Sahit Kar Jo Pooja, Poorn Ho Jaye Manokamna.
He Narayan Dayalu Suno, Hum Par Sada Kripa Karo.
Jay Dev Jagdish Hare, Swami Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Bhakti Janon Ke Sankat Haran, Bhagwan Jay Dev Jagdish Hare.
Aparā Ekadashi Vrat Katha:
The story of Aparā Ekadashi Vrat is very famous and religiously significant. According to mythology, there once was a king named Ratna Raj. He was kind and devout, always worshipping Lord Vishnu for the well-being of his kingdom and people. One day, a severe famine struck his kingdom, causing widespread hunger. The king prayed to Lord Vishnu for help to save his kingdom.
Lord Vishnu advised the king to observe the Aparā Ekadashi fast. He explained that if the king and his people observed this fast and worshipped Lord Vishnu, their troubles would be resolved, and prosperity would return to the kingdom. The king, along with his subjects, observed the Aparā Ekadashi fast. The fast's effect ended the famine, bringing rain and restoring greenery to the fields. The people's lives flourished, and everyone achieved happiness and prosperity. This story clarifies that observing the Aparā Ekadashi fast not only destroys sins but also removes life's difficulties, bringing happiness. It also brings peace to ancestors and removes all sufferings. It is said that the Aparā Ekadashi fast grants moksha (liberation). On this day, Lord Vishnu is especially worshipped, maintaining happiness and peace in the home. Therefore, devotees perform this fast with great faith and devotion. The story of Aparā Ekadashi teaches us that devotion to Lord Vishnu and the proper observance of the fast can free one from all kinds of troubles, ensuring happiness in life.
Aparā Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting; it's a spiritual opportunity to overcome life's obstacles through the grace of Lord Vishnu. Performing the mentioned remedies with faith and devotion undoubtedly brings progress, wealth, family happiness, and spiritual satisfaction.
