Ekadashi is one of the most sacred days in Hinduism, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. This auspicious day occurs twice a month, during both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon2. In December 2024, three significant Ekadashi days will be observed: Guruvayur Ekadashi, Mokshada Ekadashi, and Saphala Ekadashi.
Dates and Timings
Guruvayur Ekadashi:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: December 11, 2024, at 03:42 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: December 12, 2024, at 01:09 AM
Parana Timing: December 12, 2024, between 07:04 AM and 09:08 AM
Dwadashi End Time: December 12, 2024, at 10:26 PM
Mokshada Ekadashi:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: December 11, 2024, at 03:42 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: December 12, 2024, at 01:09 AM
Parana Timing: December 12, 2024, between 07:04 AM and 09:08 AM
Dwadashi End Time: December 12, 2024, at 10:26 PM
Saphala Ekadashi:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: December 25, 2024, at 10:29 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: December 27, 2024, at 01:43 AM
Parana Timing: December 27, 2024, between 07:12 AM and 09:16 AM
Dwadashi End Time: December 28, 2024, at 02:26 AM
Importance and Significance
Ekadashi is considered the most sacred day to worship Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe a strict fast from Ekadashi Tithi to Dwadashi Tithi, seeking spiritual growth, mindfulness, and blessings1. The fast symbolizes purity and calmness, teaching devotees to have control over their senses and emotions. Observing Ekadashi with devotion and faith is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and worldly pleasures1.
Puja Rituals
On Ekadashi, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and clean their homes. They wear clean clothes and set up a wooden plank with a Lord Vishnu idol1. The rituals include lighting a diya with desi ghee, chanting mantras, offering Tulsi Patra, and reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. Devotees also offer Panchamrit and other offerings to seek Lord Vishnu's blessings1.
Mantras
Om Namo Bhagvate Vasdudevaye.
Shree Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva.
Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Jaanki Vallabham.
Ram Ram Raameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane.
Ekadashi is a day of deep spiritual significance, offering devotees an opportunity to connect with the divine and seek forgiveness for past sins. By observing the fast and performing the rituals with devotion, devotees aim to achieve spiritual progress and inner peace.