Festivals
Date
Smarta Aja Ekadashi
(Trisparsha Mahadwadashi)
Ekadashi Parana Timings
Auspicious Vrata Parana Windows
Parana Time
7 Sep, 2:35 pm – 5:06 pm, 7 Sep
Harivasara End Time
7 Sep, 12:59 pm
Dwadashi End Time
8 Sep, 5:13 am
About
Trisparsha Mahadwadashi: When Dwadashi is entirely absent at sunrise (Kshaya), Smartas shift the fast backward to ensure they can break the fast while Dwadashi is still running on the Parana day.
Aja Ekadashi, also known as Annada Ekadashi, is observed to destroy accumulated sins, alleviate profound suffering, and restore lost honor and prosperity.
Significance:
Its glory is illustrated in the Brahmanda Purana through the legendary King Harishchandra. Known for his absolute adherence to truth, the king lost his kingdom, his wealth, and even sold his wife and himself into servitude to keep a promise. Reduced to working in a cremation ground, he lived in utter despair. By the grace of Sage Gautama, he was instructed to observe Aja Ekadashi. This observance destroyed his past karmic debts, returning his kingdom, his deceased son, and his untarnished glory.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Fasting: Observing a strict fast, dedicating all actions to Lord Hrishikesha (Vishnu). 2. Night Vigil: Staying awake to sing bhajans, preventing the mind from slipping into lethargy. 3. Puja: Worshipping Lord Vishnu with sesame seeds, flowers, and offering Naivedya. 4. Charity: Acts of kindness and feeding the poor are highly encouraged on this day.