Significance of Aja Ekadashi Vrat in Hindu Dharma

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a painting of hindu god Vishnu ji who is worshipped on Aja Ekadasi

Shaantakaram Bhujangashayanam Padmanabham Suresham (शांताकारं भुजङ्गशयनम पद्मनाभं सुरेशम)

Vishvadharam Gaganasadrishyam Meghavarnam Shubhangam (विश्वाधारं गगनसद्र्श्यं मेघवर्णम शुभांगम)

Lakshmi Kantam Kamala Nayanam Yogibhir Dhyan Nagamyam (लक्ष्मी कान्तं कमल नयनम योगिभिर्ध्यान नग्म्य्म)

Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarva Lokeikanatham (वन्दे विष्णुम भवभयहरं सर्व लोकेकनाथम)

In Sanatan Hinduism, specific dates are deeply associated with religious rituals. Worship performed during these auspicious times can bring profound spiritual benefits, often immersing devotees in the devotion of God for their entire lives. Among these significant dates, Ekadashi Tithi holds a special place.

The Importance of Ekadashi Tithi

Ekadashi Tithi, in Sanatan Dharma, is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. For the Vaishnav community, Ekadashi is not just a day; it’s akin to a festival. Devotees observe fasting and perform various rituals to honor Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings and grace.

Aja Ekadashi Vrat: The Day of Lord Rishikesh

Aja Ekadashi Vrat is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. On this day, devotees worship the Rishikesh form of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing the Aja Ekadashi fast yields the same virtuous results as performing the Ashwamedha Yagna.

Lord Vishnu, on this auspicious day, is said to never disappoint his devotees. Religious belief holds that fasting on Ekadashi Tithi and worshipping Lord Shri Hari Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, can increase one’s income, longevity, happiness, and good fortune. Additionally, devotees are relieved from all kinds of physical and mental suffering.

Aja Ekadashi 2024: Date and Shubh Muhurat

For those observing the fast in 2024, the details according to the Vedic Panchang are as follows:

  • Aja Ekadashi: Thursday, August 29, 2024
  • Ekadashi Tithi Start: August 29, 2024, at 03:49 AM
  • Ekadashi Tithi End: August 30, 2024, at 04:07 AM

Aja Ekadashi Pujan Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals

Devotees observing the Aja Ekadashi fast should follow these rituals:

  1. Pre-dawn Preparation: Wake up before sunrise and clean the house thoroughly.
  2. Sacred Bath: After completing daily chores, take a bath using water mixed with Gangajal (Ganges water).
  3. Wear Yellow Clothes: As Lord Vishnu is fond of the yellow color, wearing yellow clothes on this day is considered auspicious.
  4. Offering to Sun God: Offer water to the Sun God after the bath.
  5. Worshipping Lord Vishnu: Place an idol or picture of Lakshmi Narayan on a stool and worship with yellow flowers, fruits, incense, and a diya (lamp).
  6. Recite the Ekadashi Vrat Katha: During the worship, recite the story of Ekadashi Vrat and chant the mantra of Lord Vishnu.
  7. Aarti and Prayers: Conclude the worship with the Aarti of Shri Hari, praying for happiness, prosperity, and the growth of your lineage.

Breaking the Fast

The fast must be broken the day after Aja Ekadashi, as the fast is considered incomplete without this step.

Chant these mantras on Aja Ekadashi

  • Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः)
  • Om Namo Narayanaya (ॐ नमो नारायणाय)
  • Om Lakshmi Narayan Namah (ॐ लक्ष्मी नारायण नमः)
  • Om Govind Gopal Gopijanavallabh Shyam (ॐ गोविंद गोपाल गोपीजनवल्लभ श्याम)
  • Om Hari Om (ॐ हरि ओम)

ShriHari’s Beej Mantra

The mantra is ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय)’ and by chanting this mantra one can get wealth, prosperity and freedom from many problems of life.

Shri Hari’s mantra for Quick Results

  • Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari, He Nath Narayan Vasudevaya. (श्रीकृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारी, हे नाथ नारायण वासुदेवाय।।)
  • Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi. Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat. (ॐ नारायणाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो विष्णु प्रचोदयात्।।)
  • Om Vishnave Namah. (ॐ विष्णवे नम:।।)

Mantra for Wealth and Prosperity

Om Bhurida Bhuri Dehino, Ma Dabhram Bhurya Bhara. (ॐ भूरिदा भूरि देहिनो, मा दभ्रं भूर्या भर।)

Bhuri Ghedindra Ditsasi. (भूरि घेदिन्द्र दित्ससि।)

Om Bhurida Tyasi Shrutah Purutra Shura Vritrahana. (ॐ भूरिदा त्यसि श्रुत: पुरूत्रा शूर वृत्रहन्।)

Aa No Bhajasva Radhasi. (आ नो भजस्व राधसि।)

Lakshmi Vinayak Mantra

  • Dantabhaye Chakra Daro Dadhanam, Karagra Suvarna Ghataṁ Trinetram. (दन्ताभये चक्र दरो दधानं, कराग्रग स्वर्णघटं त्रिनेत्रम्।)
  • Dhritabjaya Lingitam Abdhiputrya Lakshmi Ganesham Kanakabham Ide. (धृताब्जया लिंगितमब्धिपुत्रया लक्ष्मी गणेशं कनकाभमीडे।।)

Vishnu’s Panchroop Mantra

  • Om Am Vasudevaya Namah (ॐ अं वासुदेवाय नम:)
  • Om Aam Sankarshanaya Namah (ॐ आं संकर्षणाय नम:)
  • Om Am Pradyumnaya Namah (ॐ अं प्रद्युम्नाय नम:)
  • Om Ah Aniruddhaya Namah (ॐ अ: अनिरुद्धाय नम:)
  • Om Narayanaya Namah (ॐ नारायणाय नम:)
  • Om Hreem Kartaviryarjuno Nama Raja Bahu Sahastravan Yasya Smaren Matrena Hratam Nashtam Cha Labhyate (ॐ ह्रीं कार्तविर्यार्जुनो नाम राजा बाहु सहस्त्रवान यस्य स्मरेण मात्रेण ह्रतं नष्टं च लभ्यते)

All Beneficial Mantra (सर्वकार्य लाभदायक मंत्र)

Om Namo Narayan (ॐ नमो नारायण।)

Shri Man Narayan Narayan Hari Hari (श्री मन नारायण नारायण हरि हरि।)

Om Hum Vishnave Namah (ॐ हूं विष्णवे नम:।)

On the day of Ekadashi, do chant this mantra of Lord Shri Hari. This will fulfill all your wishes.

Benefits of Observing Aja Ekadashi Fast

Observing the Aja Ekadashi fast is believed to:

  • Destroy sins and accumulate virtue.
  • Open the door to Moksha (salvation).
  • Ensure wealth and prosperity in life.
  • Bestow special blessings from Lord Vishnu, fulfilling one’s wishes.
  • Eradicate diseases and improve health.

Aja Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting but a spiritual practice that brings devotees closer to Lord Vishnu, helping them attain both material and spiritual benefits. Observing this fast with devotion can lead to a life filled with divine grace and blessings.