Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Fasting Guidelines for Devotees

Ekadashi is an auspicious spiritual fast observed by Hindus in India and around e world. The Hindu Lunar calendar distinguishes two Moon cycles: Shukla Paksha, the waxing Moon fortnight, and Krishna Paksha, the declining Moon fortnight. The term Ekadashi refers to the lith day in each Moon cycle. As a result, Ekadashi occurs twice a month, for a total of 24 Ekadashis each year. Ekadashi fasts are observed in honor of Bhagwan Vishnu. Ekadashi fasts are regarded as the best type of fast, and the day is considered auspicious and sacred. Bhagwan Vishnu bestows happiness, good health, prosperity, relationship harmony, and abundance to devotees who observe the fasts with complete dedication and strictly sticking to the regulations.

This is said to create the path for Moksha. Aside from fasting, staying awake during the night of Ekadashi, singing praise, and praying to Shri Harl, is an important aspect of the fast. Staying awake all night is encouraged since it boosts the benefits of the Ekadashi Fast. Vaishnavs fast regularly on Ekadashi, with some observing the Waterless Fast (Nirjala Upvas), believed to be the most pleasing form of fasting to Lord Vishnu.

Table of Contents:

1. The Meaning of Mokshada Ekadashi
2. Key Dates and Timings for Mokshada Ekadashi 2024
3. Mokshada Ekadashi Fasting Rules and Rituals
4. What to Do on Mokshada Ekadashi: A Step-by-Step Guide
5. Mokshada Ekadashi Mantras to Chant
6. Benefits of Observing Mokshada Ekadashi Fast
7. Mokshada Ekadashi and Charity: The Power of Donations

The Meaning of Mokshada Ekadashi

The Ekadashi that occurs in the months of November and December (Margashirsha in the Hindu calendar) on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha or waxing Moon phase is known as Mokshada Ekadashi. On this auspicious day, Lord Sri Krishna taught the wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, hence the name Gita Ekadashi. It is stated that giving someone a Bhagavad Gita on this day will bring them Lord Krishna's blessings. Mokshada Ekadashi is also known as Vaikuntha Ekadashi because it is thought that Lord Vishnu's dwelling, Vaikuntha, is open to anyone who observes and worships Lord Vishnu on this day. In southern India, this Ekadashi is known as Mukkoti Ekadashi. 

Key Dates and Timings for Mokshada Ekadashi 2024

Mokshada Ekadashi falls on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Mokshada Ekadashi Tithi begins at 03:42 AM on December 11, 2024.
Mokshada Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 01:09 AM on December 12, 2024. On 12th December,
Parana Time: 06:28 AM – 08:47 AM
On Parana Day, Hari Vasara ends at 06:28 AM.
Those who keep the fast must break it after sunrise the next day, after Ekadashi. It is important to note that the fast (Parana) must be broken within Dwadashi Tithi. Another crucial factor is that one should not break the fast on Hari Vasara, which is the fourth day of Dwadashi. The greatest time to break the fast is in the morning, or Pratahkal.

Mokshada Ekadashi Fasting Rules and Rituals

The rites of Mokshada Ekadashi are described in ancient Hindu texts, and Lord Sri Krishna is supposed to have outlined them while answering Yudhishthira's (one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata) question.

The ceremonies are:

One day before Mokshada Ekadashi, or the tenth day of the Krishna Paksha, a person should thoroughly clean his or her teeth in the afternoon and eat supper soon before sunset.
On the morning of Mokshada Ekadashi, the person should be determined to keep the fast diligently.
The person should bathe in a river (which is claimed to be the purest) or a lake, and if neither is accessible, in pond water.
While showering, the person should apply mud on his or her body and sing a prayer to Mother Earth. The prayer:
O Asvakrante! O, Rathakrante! O, Vishnukrante! • Vasundhara! • Mrttike! O, Mother Earth!
Please eliminate all of my sins from previous life so that I can enter the abode of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Lord. Worship Lord Govinda with entire dedication and offer an amazing 'Bhog' (meal to Divine) together with flowers and other offerings.
If one does not have access to a natural water body, one can simply take a shower and apply a Mud Pack (Multani Mitti or dirt or anything available on the market).
Light a lamp at home to worship Bhagwan Vishnu. Chant or sing gratitude to Bhagwan Vishnu throughout the day.
The next morning, the individual should provide alms to Brahmanas and politely seek maafi for any offense.
People who observe a complete fast till the next day should say the prayer while breaking the fast. I'm going to dine now, Pundarikaksha, lotus-eyed Lord. Please protect me.
Following the prayer, the devotee should give flowers and water to Lord Vishnu's lotus feet and beg that the Lord eat by singing the eight-syllable mantra three times.
To get the full benefits of the fast, the devotee should consume water that has been dedicated to the Lord. If the devotee wants to do Vishnu or Krishna Homa, he may do so.
From the day of Ekadashi till the next morning, devotees should bathe, sing and chant praises to the Lord, participate in Bhajan and Kirtan, worship Lord Vishnu with entire devotion, and do charity. 

What to Do on Mokshada Ekadashi: A Step-by-Step Guide

According to ancient writings, in order to reap the advantages of fasting on Ekadashi, one must completely follow the guidelines.

On the morning of Mokshada Ekadashi, devotees who are fasting should bathe.
Ekadashi prohibits the consumption of beans and grains. On this day, devotees are barred from murdering any animal.
The devotee fasting should not encounter or communicate with any cheaters, fraudsters, or individuals engaged in any illegal activity.
According to texts, if a devotee encounters such a person, they should purify themselves by standing beneath the sun and staring straight at it.
Ekadashi and Dwadashi abstain from sexual activity.
If the devotee is unable to break the fast the next day for any reason, he or she should drink water to indicate that the fast has been completed and then eat when convenient. 

Mokshada Ekadashi Mantras to Chant

Devotees can chant the Shri Vishnu Mantra,
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay. Shri Vasudevay Gayatri Mantra: Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay Narayanay Vidmahe Vasudevay Dheemahi Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat. 

Benefits of Observing Mokshada Ekadashi Fast

The value of fasting on Ekadashi is extensively stated in the Uttara Purana. According to the ancient literature, Bhagwan Krishna explains the value to Yudhisthira, saying that it is higher than all sacrifices, generosity to the poor, horse sacrifice (Ashvamedha), or even meeting Bhagwan Vishnu himself. It is stated that anyone who fasts on this day and follows the rules would be emancipated and granted a position in Bhagwan Vishnu's abode. Yudhisthira questions Bhagwan Krishna about fasting on Ekadashi.
Ekadashi may be so great that it exceeds the finest of human actions; the Bhagwan tells the account of Mokshada Ekadashi and its significance. 

Mokshada Ekadashi and Charity: The Power of Donations

Donations on Mokshada Ekadashi are regarded as extremely auspicious and meritorious. Here are some suggested goods to contribute on this holy day.

Food products include rice, wheat, and other grains. Fruits and veggies. Cooked meals for the destitute and hungry.

Clothing:
New clothing for the needy and impoverished. Warm clothing, blankets, and shawls are very useful in colder climates or throughout the winter season.

Money and Benefits:
Financial gifts can be sent to temples, charity organizations, or directly to persons in need. Donating to schools or educational charity can help poor youngsters receive an education.
Religious items include books on spirituality and religious scripture. Items used in worship include incense sticks and diyas (lamps).

Shelter and support:
Donating to shelters for the destitute or animals. Supporting the development of schools, hospitals, and community centers.
Donate to cow shelters or animal care organizations. Providing food, fodder, and other necessities for animals.