Festivals
Date
Smarta Indira Ekadashi
(Trisparsha Mahadwadashi)
Ekadashi Parana Timings
Auspicious Vrata Parana Windows
Parana Time
7 Oct, 2:34 pm – 5:08 pm, 7 Oct
Harivasara End Time
7 Oct, 1:45 pm
Dwadashi End Time
8 Oct, 6:47 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.
Indira Ekadashi falls during the Pitru Paksha (the fortnight of the ancestors). It is uniquely dedicated to the liberation of departed souls and the clearing of ancestral debts (Pitru Rina).
Significance:
In the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Lord Krishna tells the story of King Indrasena. The king learned from Sage Narada that his father was suffering in the realm of Yama due to broken vows in his past life. Narada instructed the king to observe Indira Ekadashi and offer its merit to his father. By doing so, flowers rained from the heavens, and the king's father was instantly liberated and transported to Vaikuntha. It is considered the most powerful day to help one's ancestors.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Shaligram Puja: Worshipping the Shaligram Shila with utmost devotion. 2. Tarpan & Shraddha: Performing ancestral rites (Shraddha) and offering the merit of the fast to departed ancestors. 3. Fasting: Observing a rigid fast to generate spiritual merit for the deceased. 4. Charity: Feeding Brahmins and cows, and donating food in the name of the ancestors.