Indira Ekadashi 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals & Fasting Guide
Indira Ekadashi 2025
Indira Ekadashi, also known as Indra Ekadashi or Ekadashi Shradh and Pitru Paksha Ekadashi , is a sacred Hindu observance falling during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the Ashwin (Bhadrapada) month. In 2025, this auspicious day will be observed on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, marking an opportunity for devotees to cleanse ancestral sins, seek divine blessings, and fulfill deep spiritual aspirations.
Indira Ekadashi 2025 Date & Timing
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 16 September 2025 at around 12:21 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 17 September 2025 at approximately 10:22 AM
Main Observance Date: 17 September 2025
Spiritual Significance of Indira Ekadashi 2025
Liberation for Ancestors (Pitru Moksha): Indira Ekadashi is observed during Pitru Paksha, adding special potency to rituals meant to liberate forefathers from spiritual bondage.
Purification & Spiritual Merit: The fast is believed to cleanse sins of both the devotee and ancestors, offering blessings comparable to major Vedic sacrifices like the Ashwamedha Yajna.
Legend of King Indrasena: From the Brahmavaivarta Purana, King Indrasena observed this Ekadashi to help his deceased father attain liberation. His sincere worship and charity led to his father’s soul ascending to Vaikuntha, the supreme abode.
Observance & Ritual Guidelines for ekadashi in September 2025 or Indira Ekadhashi
1.Preparation on Dashami-(16 September 2025):
* Perform Shraddha rituals for ancestors.
* Begin fasting preparations—avoid tamasic foods such as onions, garlic, alcohol, and meat; maintain a pure, spiritual ambiance at home.
2. On Ekadashi (17 September 2025):
-Wake early, bathe, and take a Sankalp (vow) to observe the fast with sincerity.
Worship Lord Vishnu (Padmanabha form)with offerings—flowers, ghee lamps (deep), fruits, and Shaligram (if available).
Chant Mantras, recite Vishnu Sahasranama, listen to or read the Vrat Katha of Indira Ekadashi
Fasting styles:
Nirjala: No food or water.
Phalahari**: Fruits, dried fruits, milk or dairy.
Partial fast with sattvic preferences, avoiding grains and legumes.
Night vigil (Jagran/Kirtan): Stay awake, sing bhajans and meditate.
Charity and feeding Brahmins: Share sattvic food and donations—highly meritorious.
3. Parana on Dwadashi (18 September 2025):
Break fast after sunrise, within Dwadashi Tithi (avoid Hari Vasara—fourth Dwadashi quarter)
4. Vrat Katha: The Tale of King Indrasena
Setting: King Indrasena rules the prosperous Mahishmati kingdom with devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Divine Counsel: Sage Narada arrives and shares that the king’s father lingers in Yamaloka due to unresolved karmas.
Observance: The king performs the Ekadashi fast, offers charity, and fasts with unwavering devotion.
Outcome: His father’s soul ascends to heaven in a celestial vision amid showering flowers; the story highlights how devotion and ancestral gratitude manifest divine relief
