Apara Ekadashi 2025: Date, Significance, Vrat Katha, and Rituals
May 22, 2025: Apara Ekadashi—also known as Achala Ekadashi—is a sacred observance in the Hindu calendar, falling on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) in the month of Jyeshtha. This vrat is considered extremely powerful for atonement of sins and spiritual upliftment.
In 2025, Apara Ekadashi falls on Friday, 23 May.
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Date and Parana Time
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: Thursday, 22 May 2025 – 9:47 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: Friday, 23 May 2025 – 11:26 AM
Parana (Breaking the fast): Saturday, 24 May 2025
Parana Time: 5:27 AM to 8:09 AM (may vary by location)
Note: Parana (breaking the fast) must be done after sunrise on Dwadashi tithi (the next day) and within the muhurta to complete the vrat correctly.
Spiritual Significance of Apara Ekadashi
The word “Apara” means boundless or immeasurable, signifying the vast spiritual merits one can attain by observing this Ekadashi. Devotees believe that it:
Cleanses even the gravest sins (paap) from past lives
Brings spiritual purification and peace of mind
Protects from negative karma and misfortunes
Leads toward Moksha (liberation)
Observing this Ekadashi is said to be as rewarding as:
Donating cows or gold
Performing Vedic yajnas (like Ashwamedha)
Bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga on solar eclipses
Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Legend)
The Brahmanda Purana narrates the story of King Mahidhwaja, a pious and righteous ruler who was killed and buried unjustly by his jealous brother. The king’s spirit, unable to find peace, haunted a peepal tree until a sage named Dhonduka Rishi encountered him.
Moved by his story, the sage guided the spirit to observe Apara Ekadashi, which ultimately freed him from his ghostly state and granted liberation. This story illustrates how even trapped souls can attain moksha through this sacred vrat.
Rituals and Fasting Procedure (Vrat Vidhi)
1. Morning Routine (Brahma Muhurta)
Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes
Take a sankalp (vow) to observe the Ekadashi fast with sincerity and devotion
2. Puja and Worship of Lord Vishnu
Offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, sandal paste, incense, and light a ghee lamp
Recite sacred texts like:
Vishnu Sahasranama
Bhagavad Gita
Govindashtakam
Chant mantras like:
“ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय” (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)
3. Fasting Rules
Nirjala fast (without water) is most austere, but many observe with fruits/milk
Completely avoid grains, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, and beans
Maintain celibacy, truthfulness, and non-violence during the fast
4. Night Vigil (Jagaran)
Stay awake at night chanting bhajans and remembering Lord Vishnu
5. Breaking the Fast (Parana)
On Dwadashi, after sunrise, break the fast within the Parana time window
Offer food and donations to Brahmins or the needy before breaking the fast
Benefits of Apara Ekadashi Vrat
Destruction of sins and past karma
Protection from spiritual pitfalls
Mental clarity and emotional strength
Grace of Lord Vishnu and path to liberation
Merits equivalent to holy pilgrimages and yajnas
Who Should Observe Apara Ekadashi?
Those seeking forgiveness for past sins
Spiritual seekers desiring moksha and detachment
People going through difficult karmic phases
Devotees who missed prior Ekadashi fasts and wish to make amends
Mantras and Bhajans for the Day
“Om Vishnave Namah”
“Om Namo Narayanaya”
Vishnu Aarti: “Om Jai Jagdish Hare”
Recitation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita – Chapter 12 (Bhakti Yoga)
Charity and Dana on Apara Ekadashi
Performing charity on Apara Ekadashi is highly auspicious. Some recommended offerings:
Food and clothing to the poor
Cow donation (Gau Daan)
Feeding Brahmins or sadhus
Donation of sesame seeds, gold, or water pots (jal daan)
Conclusion
Apara Ekadashi 2025 on Friday, 23 May is an exceptional opportunity to purify the soul and earn divine blessings. This Ekadashi is especially powerful for removing the darkest of sins and progressing on the path of spiritual enlightenment. Whether you observe it with full austerity or devotion alone, this vrat opens the doorway to peace, protection, and eternal liberation.
May Lord Vishnu bless you with wisdom, grace, and a life free of karmic burdens this Apara Ekadashi.