Festivals
Date
Smarta Mokshada Ekadashi
(Trisparsha Mahadwadashi)
Ekadashi Parana Timings
Auspicious Vrata Parana Windows
Parana Time
20 Dec, 2:05 pm – 3:07 pm, 20 Dec
Harivasara End Time
20 Dec, 2:05 pm
Dwadashi End Time
21 Dec, 6:06 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.
Mokshada Ekadashi is the 'giver of liberation' (Moksha). Highly auspicious, it frequently coincides with Gita Jayanti, the day Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
Significance:
The Brahmanda Purana features the story of King Vaikhanasa, who dreamt that his deceased father was suffering in hell. Distressed, he consulted Sage Parvata, who revealed that the father's past sins were the cause. The sage instructed the king to observe Mokshada Ekadashi and transfer the merit to his father. The king's devoted observance instantly freed his father, who blessed him from the heavens. The day emphasizes that the merit of this fast can liberate even the most deeply bound souls.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Gita Path: Reciting chapters from the Bhagavad Gita, honoring the day it was spoken. 2. Damodara Puja: Worshipping Lord Vishnu in His Damodara form with incense and Tulsi. 3. Fasting: Observing a fast to purify the mind and dedicate the merit to departed ancestors. 4. Charity: Donating spiritual books, especially the Bhagavad Gita, to seekers.