Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi is known by two names - Ajala and Apara. Lord Trivikram is worshiped on this day. One meaning of Apara Ekadashi is that the virtue of this Ekadashi is immense. Fasting on this day increases the wealth, virtue and fame of a person. Also, one gets freedom from sins committed. On this day, Lord Vishnu should be worshiped with basil, sandalwood, camphor and Ganges water.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat and Puja Vidhan

By fasting Apara Ekadashi, people get freedom from their sins and attain salvation. The Puja Vidhan for this fast is as follows:

1. Do not eat after sunset in the evening, one day before Apara Ekadashi, i.e. on the day of Dashami. Sleep at night chanting the name of God.

2. After taking bath in the early hours of Ekadashi, worship Lord Vishnu. Devotees should offer basil, sandalwood, Ganga water and fruits for worship.

3. Those who keep a fast on this day should not lie. Rice is also not eaten on this day.

4. Reciting 'Vishnu Sahasranama' is also considered very beneficial.

Importance of Apara Ekadashi fast

It is shown in the Puranas that Apara Ekadashi is of great importance. According to religious beliefs, the fruit that comes from donating the bodies to the ancestors on the banks of the river Ganges is the same as the result of fasting for Apara Ekadashi. Similarly, the fruit obtained by going to Kedarnath or Badrinath in Kumbh or donating gold on solar eclipse is obtained due to the effect of Apara Ekadashi fast.

Apara Ekadashi fasting story

In ancient times, there was a saint king named Mahidhwaj. His younger brother Vajradhwaj had a feeling of hatred towards his elder brother. Therefore, one day he killed the king and buried his body under a peepal tree in the forest. Due to the premature death, the king's soul became a ghost and resided on the same peepal tree. The soul disturbed every person who passed through that path. One day, when a sage was passing by there, he saw the soul. He used his power to find the reason for his position. He lowered the king's soul from the tree and preached to him about life. To free the soul, the sage himself fasted for Apara Ekadashi. On completion of the fast on the day of Dwadashi, he gives the soul the fruits of his virtue. Under its influence, the king's soul was freed from the spirit world and went to heaven.