Ekadashi in April 2025: An Auspicious Occasion for Devotees of Lord Vishnu Ekadashi is one of the most sacred and spiritually significant days in Hinduism, dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu. Observed twice a month, it falls on the 11th day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon. Devotees across the world observe this day by fasting, performing rituals, and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu for spiritual growth, karmic cleansing, and material well-being.
Ekadashi in April 2025 Overview
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Aspect |
Details |
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Date of Kamada Ekadashi |
April 7-8, 2025 |
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Date of Varuthini Ekadashi |
April 23-24, 2025 |
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Parana Time for Kamada |
April 9, 2025 – 06:01 AM to 08:34 AM |
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Parana Time for Varuthini |
April 25, 2025 – 05:45 AM to 08:22 AM |
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Ekadashi Significance |
Purification of soul, strengthening devotion to Lord Vishnu |
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Puja Rituals |
Worship of Lord Vishnu, chanting mantras, Ekadashi Katha |
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Diet on Ekadashi |
Sabudana, Kuttu, milk products, dry fruits, no grains, no salt |
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Mantras for Chanting |
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye”, “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna” |
Ekadashi in April 2025: Date and Time
In April 2025, there are two important Ekadashi observances, namely Kamada Ekadashi and Varuthini Ekadashi. Below are the details:
Kamada Ekadashi 2025: Date and Time
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: April 7, 2025 – 08:00 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: April 8, 2025 – 09:12 PM
- Parana Time: April 9, 2025 – 06:01 AM to 08:34 AM
- Dwadashi End Moment: April 9, 2025 – 10:55 PM
Varuthini Ekadashi 2025: Date and Time
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: April 23, 2025 – 04:43 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: April 24, 2025 – 02:32 PM
- Parana Time: April 25, 2025 – 05:45 AM to 08:22 AM
- Dwadashi End Moment: April 25, 2025 – 11:44 AM
The Significance of Ekadashi Fasting and Worship
Ekadashi holds immense spiritual importance in the Hindu tradition. On this day, devotees perform fasting and worship rituals to honor Lord Vishnu, seeking his divine blessings. This fast is observed not only to purify the body but also to seek spiritual advancement. The observance of Ekadashi is believed to bring various physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits:
- Purification of the Soul: The Ekadashi fast is seen as a means of cleansing the soul and washing away accumulated sins.
- Strengthening Devotion: It helps devotees develop a deeper connection with Lord Vishnu and strengthens their devotion.
- Prosperity and Health: Fasting is believed to bring prosperity, enhance well-being, and bring divine protection from harm.
Understanding the Spiritual Benefits of Ekadashi Fasting
Fasting on Ekadashi is considered an essential spiritual practice with profound benefits:
- Spiritual Enlightenment: Fasting on Ekadashi is thought to help devotees achieve moksha (liberation) by purifying the mind and soul.
- Reduction of Bad Karma: Observing this fast helps to reduce the effects of bad karma, both from past and present lives.
- Physical and Mental Cleansing: The fast is said to detoxify the body, enhance digestion, and increase energy levels.
- Mental Peace and Control: Ekadashi is also believed to promote mental relief, peace, and improved control over the senses.
- Manifestation of Desires: Devotees often believe that fasting with devotion on Ekadashi can lead to the fulfillment of wishes and the removal of obstacles.
Puja Rituals and Ceremonies for Ekadashi
To ensure that the fast is observed correctly, devotees follow specific rituals and ceremonies:
Morning Rituals: Beginning the Day with Purity
- Wake Up Early: Devotees rise early during Brahma Muhurat to begin their spiritual day with freshness and devotion.
- House Cleaning: The home is cleaned and purified to create a sanctified environment for the rituals.
- Holy Bath: A bath is taken to purify oneself spiritually.
- Wear Fresh Clothes: Devotees wear clean, simple clothes to maintain a state of purity throughout the day.
Commitment to the Fast: Sankalpa (Vow)
The devotee then makes a Sankalpa, a solemn vow to observe the fast and engage in worship and meditation with sincerity.
Worship of Lord Vishnu
- Idol Placement: An idol or image of Lord Vishnu and Shree Yantra (symbol of Goddess Laxmi) is placed on an altar.
- Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, garlands, and Tulsi leaves, lighting a diya (lamp) with desi ghee and incense to honor Lord Vishnu.
Reciting Ekadashi Katha and Chanting Mantras
- Ekadashi Katha: Devotees recite or listen to Ekadashi Mahatam (the story of Ekadashi) to understand the significance of the fast.
- Mantra Chanting: Chanting Vishnu mantras such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye” or reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is highly meritorious on this day.
What to Eat on Ekadashi: Following a Satvik Lifestyle
On Ekadashi, devotees are encouraged to eat only Satvik (pure) foods. Some common foods allowed during the fast include:
- Sabudana (Tapioca)
- Kuttu (Buckwheat flour)
- Singhara (Water chestnut)
- Milk products (yogurt, paneer, etc.)
- Dry fruits
Grains, lentils, and salt are strictly avoided during the fast.
Mantras for Ekadashi: Chanting for Divine Blessings
Here are the key mantras to chant on Ekadashi for spiritual upliftment:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye
- Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare
- Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare