Mokshada Ekadashi 2024, covering additional aspects like its spiritual significance, detailed fasting rules, associated deities, and benefits:
Mokshada Ekadashi 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Mokshada Ekadashi is one of the most sacred dates in the Hindu calendar. Observing this day with devotion cleanses the soul and is believed to liberate one’s ancestors from worldly bondage, thus providing moksha or salvation to them. Let’s examine its importance, rituals, benefits, and the sacred legend associated with it.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 Key Information
- Date: Monday, December 11, 2024
- According to Drik Pachang, the date is December 11, Wednesday.
- Ekadashi Tithi begins at 03:42 AM on Dec 11, 2024, and ends at 01:09 AM on Dec 12, 2024.
- Parana Time is on December 12, 2024, from 07:04 AM to 09:08 AM. And
- Parana Day Dwadashi end moment is on December 12, 2024, 10:26 PM.
Spiritual Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadashi derives its name from the Sanskrit words “Moksha” (liberation) and “Da” (to give), meaning the “Giver of Liberation.” It is believed that observing this Ekadashi frees the soul from the endless cycle of birth and death.
- Liberation of Ancestors (Pitru Moksha): The primary importance of Mokshada Ekadashi is its relevance to ancestor worship. Pujas and rituals performed on this day can save the departed souls who suffer in lower realms (naraka).
- Path to Self-Realization: Mokshada Ekadashi is believed to be a perfect day when a devotee can introspect into his spiritual journey, gain wisdom, and feel closer to Lord Vishnu.
- Karmic Purification: Fasting on this day is believed to wash away one’s karma, remove past sins, and further spiritual growth.
- Connection with the Bhagavad Gita: Mokshada Ekadashi often coincides with Gita Jayanti, the day Lord Krishna delivered the divine teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Reciting or reading the Bhagavad Gita is especially auspicious on this day.
Associated Deity
Mokshada Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in the Hindu Trinity – Trimurti. The worshippers offer obeisance to Him in His manifestation as Shri Hari or Lord Krishna. Tulsi leaves are presented to Lord Vishnu since it is considered highly sacred and a venerated plant.
Detailed Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
- Preparation:
- Wake up early, preferably during the Brahma Muhurta (4 AM–6 AM), and take a holy bath.
- Clean the house and the puja space.
- Decorate the altar with fresh flowers, rangoli, and a diya. Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.
- Sankalp (Taking a Vow):
Light a ghee lamp and then take a vow to observe the fast with utmost devotion. - Puja Rituals:
Offer fresh flowers, fruits, tulsi leaves, yellow clothes, and sweets to Lord Vishnu.
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Shri Vishnu Chalisa, or other prayers sung for Lord Vishnu.
- Recite the Bhagavad Gita, especially Chapters 12 and 15, which emphasize devotion and liberation.
- Meditate on Lord Vishnu and chant the mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
- Fasting (Vrat Rules):
- Complete Fast (Nirjala Ekadashi): No food or water is consumed throughout the day and night.
- Partial Fast: People eat fruits, drink milk, or water, but they do not eat cereal, pulse, or even salt. Avoid eating tamasic food like onions, garlic, and alcohol.
- Night Vigil (Jagran): Stay awake the whole night; sing bhajans and chant mantras and other prayers to Lord Vishnu.
This vigil essentially signifies the alertness of the mind and the essence of the soul in front of the Lord. - Charity and Daan:
Offer food, clothes, money, and other items of necessity to people in need, to the Brahmins, and cows. It is believed to increase the punya (Spiritual Merit) acquired that day.
**Mokshada Ekadashi Katha (The Legend)
In ancient times, in the kingdom of Gokula, there lived and ruled a righteous king known as Vaikhanasa. Though a highly meritorious king, every night he would see a dream that his father had gone to those hellish regions of Naraka and was suffering a lot, which disturbed the king the most. So the worried king approached a great sage, Parvata Muni.
The sage told him that the king’s father was bound in Naraka as he had sinned in his previous life. To save his father, Parvata Muni advised the king to practice Mokshada Ekadashi with unwavering devotion and perform all of the prescribed actions.
The king, as told by the sage, along with his family kept the fast and performed the great puja to Lord Vishnu. Then, Lord Vishnu pleased with the devotion of the king and the subjects appeared before them and took the king’s father up to Vaikuntha, the eternal abode of the Lord. Since then, Mokshada Ekadashi has been observed in order to seek divine blessings and ensure the salvation of one’s ancestors.
Benefits of Observing Mokshada Ekadashi
- Liberation from Sins: The vrat washes away all the sins committed during past and present lifetimes.
- Ancestor Salvation: It helps the departed souls be liberated from suffering and ascend to divine abodes.
- Spiritual Growth: It strengthens the bonding with Lord Vishnu and strengthens spiritual awareness.
- Peace and Prosperity: It ushers in peace, harmony, and prosperity into one’s household.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Helps devotees achieve their worldly and spiritual desires by pleasing Lord Vishnu.
Special Remedies for Mokshada Ekadashi
- For Family Harmony: Light a diya in front of a tulsi plant and offer water mixed with raw milk.
- For Ancestor Peace: Offer sesame seeds and water (tarpan) while chanting ancestor names.
- For Spiritual Wisdom: Meditate upon Lord Vishnu and read the Bhagavad Gita.
Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti Connection
Mokshada Ekadashi falls on Gita Jayanti-the day when Lord Krishna gave the immortal discourse of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It is considered propitious to read the Gita that day, as it symbolizes the victory of dharma and self-realization.
By observing Mokshada Ekadashi with devotion and discipline, one can achieve divine blessings, personal transformation, and spiritual liberation.
