Festivals
Date
Vaishnava Mokshada Ekadashi
(Trisparsha Mahadwadashi)
Ekadashi Parana Timings
Auspicious Vrata Parana Windows
Parana Time
21 Dec, 8:16 am
Break the fast immediately after sunrise
Harivasara End Time
20 Dec, 2:05 pm
Dwadashi End Time
21 Dec, 6:06 am
About
Trisparsha Mahadwadashi: When Ekadashi Tithi rules sunrise on Day 1 and Trayodashi Tithi rules sunrise on Day 2 (Dwadashi is entirely absent), it forms the sacred Trisparsha Mahadwadashi.
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.