Ekadashi is always a spiritual day but Indira Ekadashi holds a special place in India, especially when it is observed during the Pitru Paksha. Pitru Paksha also known as Pitra Paksha or Shradhh is a 16-day period devoted to remembering and offering prashad and prayers to the ancestors. Indira Ekadashi is supposed to be one of the most It is considered one of the most notable Ekadashis for seeking spiritual growth, mental stability and ashirwad from the ancestors or pitru.
All you need to know about Indira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi is celebrated or observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada or Bhado. It is commonly known as Pitra Moksha Ekadashi,firstly because it falls during the Pitru Paksh/Shradhh period and also because as it is popular belief that by fasting on this day and by observing all the ceremonies and rituals, devotees support their ancestors to attain Moksha (salvation) or reach the vaikunth dham.
By performing theses rituals, their ancestors will become free from the cycle of birth, date and then rebirth. And that is why, this day is particularly considered very special and very holy and auspicious. The relevance of this Indira Ekadashi during Shradh and Tarpan rituals to show gratitude to their ancestors.
Special significance of Indira Ekadashi or Pitra Moksha Ekadashi
In the Hindu Ved and Purans, the significance of offering tarpan and food to the ancestors during the pitru paksha has been distinctively notified. It has been clearly noted there that those who fail to complete these duties may have to face consequences like poor health and wealth.
Following the rituals of Indira Ekadashi whole heartedly and with full dedication will not only lead to removal of obstacles in life but will also bring goodwill as the ancestors will be at peace. All the hard work will be fully rewarded and delays and hardships will be gone. Observing Indira Ekadashi or Pitru Moksha Ekadashi will help ancestors achieve moksha and will bring spiritual peace to the living.
Fasting on this Ekadashi is considered very promising as this will lead to blessings and Ashirvad from Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that fasting, praying, and offering water, sesame seeds (til), and pindas to the ancestors will help in fulfilling their wishes and will make sure that their afterlife is also a good one. Observing fast and other rituals will bring peace, good health and wealth and prosperity to their loved ones.
Time and date of Indira Ekadashi
Ekadashi tithi starts at- 12:21 AM on 17th September, 2025
Ekadashi tithi ends at – 11:39 PM on 17th September, 2025
Parana time for those observing fast: 06:08 AM to 08:35 AM 2025 Indira Ekadashi Vrat, fasting date and Parana time for Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Rituals to be followed on Indira Ekadashi
- Fasting – Observing fast on this Ekadashi and abstaining from grains(anaaj), daal (beans), lehsun(garlic) and pyaaz(onion) is followed. Many observing the fast eat only fruits and drink water for the whole day.
- Puja and Offerings – Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day, as ihe is the “protector” of those leaving the physical world. Puja is performed by offering flowers, fruits, and dhoop (incense sticks) to the Lord and to the ancestors (Pitru). Offering food to the brahmins, the poor and cows or crows (who are considered messengers of the ancestors) is recommended to gain the most from observing fast and other rituals on this day.
- Tarpan and Shraddha – Til or black sesame seeds with water and rice balls which are called pindas are made and offered to one’s ancestors. As per the Purans, offering the above to the ancestors bring peace to them.
- Reading scriptures and chanting mantras – Many read the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Sahasranama on this day. The Vishnu Sahasranama is a revered Sanskrit hymn which contains 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu, highlighting his various attributes and forms. Families also gather on this day to seek the Lord’s blessings.
Spiritual Significance
Indira Ekadashi or the Pitru Moksha Ekadashi reminds us of the significance of gratitude to one’s ancestors and thankfulness to them for one’s existence. It is reminder to always stay connected to where one belongs not literally but spiritually.
The day teaches the power of abstinence and spirituality. By observing the day one can feel how important discipline, devotion and empathy are in life. It leads to positivity and heartiness. This auspicious day brings the near and dear ones together, pays gratitude to our roots and ancestors and thank and pray the Lord for well-being of the living and the departed.