As per the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month is known as Apara Ekadashi. It is said that on this day, worshiping Lord Vishnu and giving alms to the poor and helpless removes all the sorrows and pains of the seeker. Moreover, relief from life’s problems is also attained.
Apara Ekadashi is considered highly beneficial for worship and rituals. Worshiping the sustainer of this universe, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi on Ekadashi day blesses devotees, and they are granted a place in Vaikuntha by the Lord.
Significance of Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is considered a bestower of immense merit and joy. On this day, fasting without water leads to the fulfillment of all desires. Observing a fast on the auspicious day of Apara Ekadashi not only brings happiness but also liberates one from sins such as Brahminicide, slander, and descent into the realm of spirits. On this day, worship of Lord Vishnu should be done with Tulsi, sandalwood, camphor, and Ganga water.
Apara Ekadashi 2024 Date and Auspicious Timing
In the year 2024, Apara Ekadashi will be observed on June 2nd. The auspicious timing for Ekadashi begins on June 1st, Saturday, at 10:20 PM and ends on June 2nd, Sunday, at 7:14 PM. According to the tradition, the auspicious timing is considered at the time of sunrise, so Apara Ekadashi will be observed on June 2nd.
Apara Ekadashi Puja
The observer of Apara Ekadashi needs to take special care of the puja. The puja must be performed before the sunset. All the rituals must be performed with complete devotion and dedication. The observer of this vrat should get up before sunrise and take bath. The devotees then offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, dhoop and lamp to Lord Vishnu. Sweets are prepared for this occasion and offered to the lord. The devotees also recite the Apara Ekadashi vrat katha or story. ‘Aarti’ is then performed and the ‘Prasad’ is distributed among other devotees. The devotees also visit temples of Lord Vishnu, in the evening.
Importance of Charity on Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is considered a highly virtuous day in the tradition. Therefore, on this auspicious day, performing ablutions and charity while worshiping the sustainer of the universe, Lord Vishnu, leads to the attainment of merit. Additionally, feeding Brahmins and providing food, clothing, wealth, grains, and fruits to the needy, poor, and destitute is highly virtuous. Those who donate on Ekadashi receive the grace of Lord Vishnu, and all their sorrows and sufferings are alleviated.
According to scriptures, a donation given with one hand returns to you from a thousand hands. Wealth earned by people, fame, and prosperity all diminish here, but the merit earned through charity stays with you even after death. The importance of charity is elaborately explained in many Hindu scriptures.
On Apara Ekadashi, donating food and clothing is highly significant. Additionally, providing education-related items to the needy and helpless children is also considered
highly meritorious. Participate in the projects of Narayan Seva Sansthan by contributing to food distribution, clothing donation, and educational initiatives on the auspicious occasion of Apara Ekadashi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Question: When is Apara Ekadashi 2024?
Answer: Apara Ekadashi falls on June 2nd, 2024.
Question: When should Apara Ekadashi fast be broken?
Answer: The fast of Apara Ekadashi should be broken after the completion of the auspicious timing, on the next day during the Parana time.
Question: Whom should donations be given to on Apara Ekadashi?
Answer: On Apara Ekadashi, donations should be given to Brahmins and to the needy, poor, and destitute.
Question: What should be donated on Apara Ekadashi?
Answer: On the auspicious occasion of Apara Ekadashi, donations should include food, meals, clothing, fruits, grains, clothing, and educational items related to knowledge.
