Indira Ekadashi occurs in the month of Ashwina according to the traditional North Indian calendar during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). The corresponding month in the Gregorian calendar is either September or October. In North and Western parts of India, Indira Ekadashi falls during the Pitru Paksh period. Hence, it is also refereed to as Ekadashi Shradh. Thus, one can find devotees performing Shraddh rites the dead ancestors on this day. Beliefs state that the observance of this Ekadashi eradicates the sins and evil acts committed by a person and his forefathers. Continue browsing to know the story behind the fasting on Indira Ekadashi. Also learn the procedure for observing this vrat.


Indira Ekadashi Puja Vidhanam, Indira Ekadashi puja process

The Ekadashi of the Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha or the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada as per the lunar calendar is observed as Indira Ekadashi. Devotees observe the Ekadashi Vrat on this day. The process of observing the Indira Ekadashi Vrat or the Ekadashi during the Pitru Paksha is as follows:

    Devotee should get up early in the morning of Indira Ekadashi and take a head bath.
    Devotee has to take a vow of observing the Vrat of Ekadashi.
    Devotee should perform the Shraddha for the dead ancestors or Pitru Devatas as per the ritual and satisfy them.
    Fasting has to be observed for the whole of Ekadashi.
    Devotee should bath in the evening also.
    Fasting has to be observed in the night of Ekadashi, if one cannot observe the fast fruits can be eaten.
    Devotee should be awake the whole night chanting the name of Lord Vishnu or reciting the slokas of Lord Vishnu.
    On the day of Dwadashi, the next day, devotee should eat the food before the Dwadashi time gets over.
    It is advised to feed a Brahmin on Dwadashi before the devotee eats.

It is believed that by observing the Indira Ekadashi Vrat, ancestors who are in hell would go to heaven.