Apara Ekadashi 2025: How to Celebrate, Mantras, and Divine Benefits

In Hinduism, the first Ekadashi of the Jyeshtha month is called Apara Ekadashi. Keeping the fast of Apara Ekadashi is considered extremely pious. It liberates one from many sins. It is believed that by observing the fast of Apara Ekadashi, one can get rid of even grave sins like brahm hatya. This year, such auspicious yogas are being formed on Apara Ekadashi, which are going to bring immense wealth and prosperity.

This time, many auspicious yogas are being formed on Apara. Along with Ayushman and Preeti yoga, Budhaditya Rajyoga is also being formed on this day. The fast of Apara Ekadashi liberates one from sins like Brahmahatya and brings happiness and prosperity in life. Let us know when the Apara Ekadashi fast is this time.

When is Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi Tithi will start on 22nd May and Ekadashi Tithi will end on 23rd May. In such a situation, the Apara Ekadashi fast will be observed. Apara Ekadashi is on Friday, 23rd May. Also, there is an auspicious combination of Ayushman Yoga and Preeti Yoga on this day. At the same time, Mercury is also going into Taurus on this day, due to which Budhaditya Rajyoga is also being formed on this day. Therefore, you will get special benefits of worshipping on this day. Also, since this day is Friday, you will get double benefit by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu together.

Ekadashi tithi starts on: 22nd May,  1:12 am

Ekadashi tithi ends on: 23rd May, 10:30 pm

Parana timing: 24th May, 05:46 am to 08:25 am

Spiritual Significance of Apara Ekadashi:

• Apara Ekadashi grants freedom from past sins and is a powerful day for remorse, forgiveness, and karmic cleansing.
• The term “Apara” means limitless – the results gained from fasting on this day are said to be boundless.
• It is believed to provide spiritual merit equal to:
• Bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Kashi, and Pushkar
• Performing rituals like Pinda Daan, Ashvamedha Yagna, or Shraddha
• Visiting Char Dham
• Observing this Ekadashi helps attain fame, success in career, peace of mind, and protection from negative energies.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story)

According to ancient scriptures, there was a just and kind king named Mahatma Mahidhwaj who was killed by his wicked brother Vajradhwaj and buried in a forest. His spirit became a restless ghost due to the unnatural death. A sage named *Dhundhumuni* passed by the forest and saw the suffering spirit. Upon learning his story, the sage advised his brother Vajradhwaj to observe *Apara Ekadashi* to redeem Mahidhwaj's soul. After performing the vrat with devotion, the ghost of the king attained salvation and went to Vaikuntha (Lord Vishnu’s abode). This story reflects the power of Apara Ekadashi in relieving even the most grievous karmic debts and granting peace to departed souls.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat and Puja Vidhi:

• On the day of Apara Ekadashi, wake up early in the morning and take a bath after that, meditate on Lord Vishnu and offer water to the Sun God and take a vow to fast. 
• A day before the Apara Ekadashi fast, keep in mind that first you eat Satvik food and keep restraint.
• After this, clean the place of worship and place a yellow cloth on a wooden stand and offer a picture of Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi.
• After this, first of all, perform the Abhishek of Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi and offer them flowers.
• Then offer sweets to Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi and recite the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Finally, perform the Aarti of Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi and distribute the Prasad.

Apara Ekadashi Remedies :

1. Donate yellow clothes or food to the needy for business growth and career success.
2. Feed cows or Brahmins with bananas and jaggery to get relief from financial blockages.
3. Offer Tulsi leaves dipped in sandal paste to Vishnu for the removal of sins and attracting wealth.
4.  Donate black sesame seeds, curd, or ghee for protection against negative karma.
5. Read or listen to the Bhagavad Gita to connect with dharma and inner guidance.
6. Offer a garland of Tulsi to the Vishnu idol and keep one leaf in your wallet for prosperity.
7. Lighting a cow ghee diya under a Peepal tree in the evening removes ancestral curses.

Dos on Apara Ekadashi

• Observe silence and remain in a positive spiritual state.
• Meditate, chant mantras, and spend the day reading sacred texts.
• Practice charity and kindness, especially to the poor and animals.
• Sleep on the floor, if possible, for spiritual humility.
• Respect elders and avoid any heated conversations.

Don’ts on Apara Ekadashi

• Avoid consuming grains, lentils, and rice.
• Do not indulge in anger, lies, arguments, or violence.
• Avoid cutting nails, hair, or engaging in beauty treatments.
• Do not dishonour or ignore Tulsi leaves or break them on this day.
• Avoid sleeping during the day – it is considered inauspicious.
• Do not harm any living being – non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited.

Astrological Benefits of Apara Ekadashi

• Removes past sins and karmic baggage
• Attracts wealth, good fortune, and clarity in professional life
• Provides relief from Pitru Dosha, legal issues, and obstacles
• Improves marital harmony, spiritual development, and mental peace
• Brings divine protection from planetary afflictions, especially during tough transits

Conclusion

Apara Ekadashi 2025 is not only a day of religious observance but a profound opportunity for internal purification, divine connection, and karmic cleansing. Fasting and worship done with sincerity on this day are said to yield immeasurable blessings from Lord Vishnu. On Apara Ekadashi, let go of guilt and take one step closer to your true self–with Lord Vishnu’s grace, all burdens lighten.