Indira Ekadashi 2025 Date, Vrat Katha & Puja Vidhi | Significance & Fasting Rules

There are many important Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar, but among them, Indira Ekadashi has a very special place. It falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, which is basically September- October. It is also known as 'Ekadashi Shradh'. It allows devotees to perform the Indira Ekadashi Vrat and cleanse the transcended souls of their forefathers of their past sins, allowing them to enter the heavenly world.

The Story of Indira Ekadashi

Many years ago, in the time of Satya Yuga, there was a noble and kind king. His name was Indrasena. He was the ruler of the city, Mahishmati. He had great knowledge, and he loved his people. His kingdom was happy and prosperous. He himself was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu.
One day, a sage, whose name was Narada Muni, visited the king’s court. Narada looked kind of serious. Thus, the king asked him the reason behind this seriousness with due respect. Narada then told a painful truth to the king. Narada said that he had seen the king’s father in the world of Yamraja (the God of Death). And he was suffering greatly because once, in his life, he had failed to keep fast properly on an Ekadashi. And that one mistake led him into a trap of pain and suffering, unable to get to Swarg (Heaven). The king was heartbroken. He wanted to help his father. Then, when the king asked Narada Muni for a remedy, he told the king that there was only one way to free his father. And that one way was taking a fast on Indira Ekadashi. It would wash his father’s past mistake, and he would be able to get Heaven. King Indrasena listened to the process very carefully and followed every instruction with deep faith and love for Lord Vishnu. He saw his father's soul was finally freed, blessed, and at peace. King Indrasena was very happy. Not only was his father saved, but he also realised how powerful and sacred the Indira Ekadashi fast truly was. This story was told by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira later.

Importance of Indira Ekadashi

Having a fast on Ekadashi is one of the most important rituals in Hinduism. People believe that if they keep fast on this day, it will bring peace, remove their sins, and bring them closer to God. It is very special. This Ekadashi is mainly performed for our ancestors as it will give freedom from any suffering to the souls of our forefathers in the afterlife. They are taken to a higher state and blessed with peace, and in return, we get blessings from our forefathers. This Ekadashi typically falls during Pitru Paksha, a time when we pay tribute to our ancestors. It inspires happiness, success, and prosperity in our family life. Those who keep the fast with full trust are expected to receive benefits similar to bathing in holy rivers such as the Ganga or taking part in important ceremonies such as the Ashwamedha Yajna. Above all, this vrat is a lovely approach to seek the heavenly blessing of Lord Vishnu (Padmanabha).

What are the benefits of Indira Ekadashi?

It brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
It provides peace and liberation to departed ancestors.
It will remove our past sins and karmic obstacles.
It will bring prosperity, happiness.
It will strengthen our family bond and bring peace and happyness into it by honouring forefathers.

Indira Ekadashi Tithi & Muhurat (Date & Time)

This year, Indira Ekadashi will be on Wednesday, September 17.
The tithi will begin in: 12:21 AM (17th September, 2025)
The tithi will end in: 11:39 PM (17th September, 2025)
The Parana Samay is : 05:35 AM to 07:55 AM (18th September, 2025)
The Hari Vasara ends in: 05:35 AM (18th September, 2025)

Indira Ekadashi Puja Vidhhi :

The devotee should be intent on keeping the fast with sincerity.
Take a bath early in the morning.
Wear clean clothes.
Do puja of Lord Padmanabha(Vishnu ) with dedication.
Offer bhog and deck the idol or image with flowers.
Offer incense and a Ghee Lamp.
Listen to Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, or Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Giving food, clothes, or donations to the needy is considered very auspicious. If possible, feed cows, Brahmins, or poor people.
Since this Ekadashi falls in Pitru Paksha, you should offer prayers for your ancestors.
Perform a tarpan or offer water to ancestors with mantras.
You can engage in a night of kirtan, singing bhajans of Lord Vishnu.

Indira Ekadashi Mantra:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye..!!
Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva...!!
Ram Ram Rameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahastranaam Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane..!!

How Utsav App Can Help You?

You can read Kathas in the app’s Gyan Section.
You can also book pujas on special days like Indira Ekadashi from your home.
You can offer bhog and dakshina to temples online.
It will keep notifying you of Ekadashi timings so you don’t have to miss any rituals.
It removes the physical barrier and allows you to connect with divinity.

Conclusion

Indira Ekadashi is a sacred day that beautifully mixes emotion, thankfulness, and devotion.Those who follow it with true faith are going to have their forebears' spirits purified of all sins and awarded Swarg (Heaven), assuring our peace and blessings from our forefathers.