About Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Apara Ekadashi Significance
Apara Ekadashi Celebrations and Rituals
Apara Ekadashi is a fasting day for Hindus falls in the Jayestha month (May-June) that is observed on the 11th day (‘Ekadashi’) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of the moon) of the Hindu month Jyeshtha. It is also known as Achala Ekadashi, Bhadrakali Ekadashi and Jalakrida Ekadashi different parts of India.
In some of the states of India including Punjab, Haryana and Kashmir, the name Badakali Ekadashi is popular since this day marks the appearance of Bhadrakali, the divine descent of Mother Kali. Therefore, this day is considered one of the best times to worship Mother Kali. The name Jalakrida Ekadashi is in vogue in Orissa where this day is dedicated to Lord Puri Jagannath.On this day people observe Fast.People arrange puja of Lord Vishnu.Mostly Vishnu temple and krishna temple celebrated Apara Ekadashi with great joy and fun.
Apara Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
The Puja Vidhi performed during Apara Ekadashi is similar to that followed during other Ekadashi’s.
On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped, and people also offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.
On the day of Apara Ekadashi, devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a strict fast which is broken on the next day, i.e., on dwadashi day during the parana time. Those who are unable to keep a whole day fast keep a partial fast by consuming fruits and milk and avoid eating rice and other grains for the whole day.
Apara Ekadashi Significance
The significance of this auspicious day is stated in the ‘Brahma Purana’. Apara Ekadashi or Jalakrida Ekadashi is observed with full devotion, all across the country. It is known by the different names in various regions of India. In the state of Haryana, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, this special day is celebrated as ‘Bhadrakali Ekadashi’ & worshipping Maa Bhadra Kali is considered auspicious on this day.It is referred as ‘Jalakrida Ekadashi’ in the region like Orissa and is celebrated in honour of Lord Jagannath. However, in the rest part of India, Apara Ekadashi is celebrated to please Lord Vishnu.
Apara Ekadashi Celebrations and Rituals
Devotees need to be cautious while performing Apara Ekadashi vrat. All the rituals must be performed with devotion and dedication. Devotee should get up before sunrise and take a bath. Offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, dhoop and lamp to Lord Vishnu. Sweets are prepared at home and offered to the Lord. The devotees also recite the Apara Ekadashi vrat Katha or story along with Vishnu Sahastranaam Stotra. After performing the ‘Aarti’,‘Prasad’ is distributed among the family members. The devotees also visit temples of Lord Vishnu. The fast of this Ekadashi begins on the ‘dashami’ (10th day). The person can eat only one meal on the 10th day. Many devotees keep strict fast and spend the day without eating or drinking anything. Partial vrat can also be kept by those who are unfit. They can eat fruits. The fast starts at sunrise and ends on the sunrise of the ‘dwadashi’ (12th day). Eating grains and rice is prohibited on Apara Ekadashi. Applying oil on the body is also not allowed. Devotees should keep the mind free from all negative thoughts. He should not tell lies or speak badly about others. Their mind should only have thoughts of Lord Vishnu. The Devotees must be engaged in bhajans and kirtans in praise of Lord Vishnu on the day of Apara Ekadashi.
Apara Ekadashi Mantra
You can chant any one of these Vishnu Mantra and Slokas on this auspicious day of Apara Ekadashi – Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya Mantra, Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram or Vishnu Ashtottaram.
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