Indira Ekadashi 2025: Significance, Puja Vidhi and Fasting Rituals for Moksha

Indira Ekadashi Vrat has special significance in Sanatan Dharma. This fast is observed every year on the Ekadashi date of the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month (Indira Ekadashi 2025 Date). In 2025, this fast will be observed on 17 September. Many auspicious yogas like Mangalkari Shiva Yoga and Parigha Yoga are being formed on this day. It is believed that by duly worshiping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this day, the devotee gets Akshaya and infallible fruits. Also, every wish is fulfilled. Indira Ekadashi is not just a fast but a powerful spiritual sadhana, a day of gratitude to our forefathers and of deep connection with the eternal energy of Lord Vishnu.

Date & Timing (Indicative for 2025)

According to the Vedic calendar, this time Indira Ekadashi fast will be observed on 17 September.

Start of Indira Ekadashi Tithi - 12:21 am on 17 September

End of Indira Ekadashi Tithi - 11:39 pm on 17 September

Indira Ekadashi 2025 Vrat Paran Time

Indira Ekadashi fast will be observed the next day on Dwadashi Tithi. According to the Vedic calendar, the auspicious time to observe a  fast is from 06:07 am to 08:34 am on 18 September. During this time, you can observe fast at any time. After observing fast, donate special things to the temple or to the poor people.

How to observe fast (Indira Ekadashi Vrat Paran Vidhi)

After taking a bath in the morning on this day, meditate on the name of the Lord. After this, offer water to the Sun God. Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Chant mantras and recite Vishnu Chalisa. After this, offer satvik food, fruits, and sweets. Pray to the Lord for happiness and peace in life. Finally, accept the prasad.

Significance & Importance

• Indira Ekadashi is considered a highly meritorious Ekadashi dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Observing this fast is believed to liberate the souls of ancestors (Pitru devatas) from lower realms and help them attain higher spiritual planes.
• It falls during the Pitru Paksha/Shraddh period, when Hindus pay homage to their forefathers.
• The fast is not only for personal salvation but also for the upliftment of departed souls, making it a very powerful day for ancestral blessings.

Spiritual Essence

It symbolizes the eternal bond between past generations and the present, acknowledging the karmic link between the living and the departed. Observing this fast is said to remove Pitru dosha and bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual elevation to the family.

Benefits of Observing Indira Ekadashi

• Ancestral Liberation (Pitru Moksha): The key benefit is granting liberation or higher realms to the souls of ancestors.

• Removal of Pitru Dosha: Any negative ancestral karma or unsettled energy is balanced.

• Spiritual Growth:  Fasting purifies the mind, reduces tamasic tendencies, and increases sattva (purity).

• Material & Emotional Peace: Blessings of ancestors are believed to remove obstacles in career, marriage, health, and finances.

• Divine Grace of Lord Vishnu: The observer is blessed with protection, wisdom, and inner strength.

Katha (The Legend of Indira Ekadashi)

The story is narrated in the Brahmavaivarta Purana:

In ancient times, there lived a virtuous king, Indrasena, ruler of the city of Mahishmati. Once, while listening to spiritual discourses, the great sage Narada visited him and revealed that the king's father had fallen to the lower planetary realms due to past karmas. Narada advised King Indrasena to observe the Indira Ekadashi fast during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month to help his father attain liberation. The king observed the fast with utmost devotion—performing puja of Lord Vishnu and offering the merit of his fast to his father's soul. As a result, the king’s father was freed from the lower realms and ascended to Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu). Pleased, Lord Vishnu blessed King Indrasena with a long, prosperous, and righteous life.

Moral of the Katha:

Observing Indira Ekadashi not only helps ancestors but also brings immense spiritual merit to the devotee.

5 Rituals & Procedure

Pre-Ekadashi Day (Dashami)

•  Take a sattvic meal before sunset; avoid garlic, onion, and non-vegetarian food.
•  Offer tarpan and Shraddh rituals for ancestors if following Pitru Paksha customs.

On Ekadashi Day

• Morning:

• Take a holy bath (preferably in a river or at home with Ganga water).
• Resolve (sankalpa) to observe the fast for the welfare of ancestors.

• Puja: 

• Worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, incense, flowers, and a lamp.
• Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”

• Fasting: Many observe a nirjala fast (without food or water), but fruits and milk can be taken if health does not permit.

• Charity: Offer food, clothes, or donations to the poor and Brahmins in memory of ancestors.

Dwadashi (Next Day)

•  Break the fast after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
•  Feed the needy or give alms as a mark of gratitude.

Know the Indira Ekadashi Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

•  Perform Pitru Tarpan and Shraddh rituals sincerely.
•  Read Vishnu Purana or listen to Ekadashi Katha.
•  Maintain celibacy, truthfulness, and calmness throughout the day.
•  Donate food or essentials to the poor and needy.

Don’ts

•  Avoid consuming grains, pulses, onions, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food.
•  Refrain from anger, lies, or arguments.
•  Do not harm any living being; practice non-violence.
•  Avoid sleeping during the day—spend time in prayers or spiritual reading.

Conclusion

Indira Ekadashi 2025 is a sacred bridge between the living and the departed.  By fasting and performing rituals with devotion, one helps ancestors attain peace and simultaneously purifies one’s own karma. The observance ensures family prosperity, spiritual upliftment, and the divine grace of Lord Vishnu. It reminds us that our roots and lineage are an eternal part of our spiritual journey, and honouring them brings blessings that flow across generations.