Aja Ekadashi 2025: Date, muhurat, rituals, significance, dos and dont's and fasting rules

Aja Ekadashi 2025: Aja Ekadashi is regarded as one of the holiest fasting days in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sacred occasion is observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. The fast is believed to be extremely auspicious for seeking divine forgiveness and freedom from past sins.

Aja Ekadashi Muhurat
As per Drik Panchang, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 05:22 PM on August 18, 2025
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 03:32 PM on August 19, 2025

Aja Ekadashi Rituals

• On this day, devotees rise before sunrise, bathe, and purify their homes with Gangajal. Wearing clean clothes, they worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. While visiting a temple is ideal, those unable to do so can perform puja at home.
• Prepare an asan and cover it with a yellow cloth.
• Place the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Offer flowers, panchamrit, bhog (such as kheer, fruits, and dry fruits).
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Stotra, and verses from the Bhagavad Gita.
• Conclude the worship with an aarti of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

Parana (Breaking the Fast)

The Parana for Aja Ekadashi fast is scheduled for August 20, 2025, between 5:15 AM and 7:49 AM. Traditionally, devotees end their fast only after donating food and essentials to the needy. On Dwadashi Tithi, after bathing and offering prayers to Lakshmi Narayan Ji, offerings of food and wealth are made. Only then do devotees break their fast with devotion.

Aja Ekadashi Significance
The term "Aja" means "that which is unborn or eternal." It represents liberation from the endless cycle of life and death. Observing this fast is said to remove past negative karmas and elevate spiritual growth. It is believed to pave the way to Moksha (salvation) while ensuring peace, prosperity, and harmony in life. Scriptures mention that fasting on Aja Ekadashi is equivalent to performing multiple yagnas and pilgrimages.

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Rituals

• Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean yellow clothes.
• With folded hands, take a vow (sankalp) to observe the vrat while remembering Lord Vishnu.
• Place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu in the home temple.
• Offer fruits, flowers, sweets, rice, clothes, and light incense.
• Light a ghee lamp.
• Chant or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Listen to or read the story of Aja Ekadashi.
• The following day, before breaking the fast, give away charity and donations.

Aja Ekadashi Dont's

• Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, garlic, and onion.
• Keep the mind pure, avoiding hatred or negative emotions.
• Do not cut hair or nails on this day.
• Offering charity and donations (daan-dakshina) is considered highly virtuous.