Parama Ekadashi 2023 Date, Time, Rituals & Significance
On the eleventh day, or ‘ekadashi’ tithi, of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight of the moon) of the ‘Adhika Masa’ of the Hindu calendar, Parama Ekadashi is observed. In the Gregorian calendar, it occurs between July and August. Adhika Masa is an additional lunar month that occurs once every three years on the Hindu calendar. As this leap month typically occurs within the month of ‘Ashada,’ Parama Ekadashi is also known as ‘Ashadha Adhika Masa Ekadashi.
This month is regarded as extremely fortunate and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Parama Ekadashi is also known as Purushottam Kamala Ekadashi. It is believed that observing this ekadashi will result in material advancement and the cleansing of all offences committed during one’s lifetime.
Shravana Parama Ekadashi on Friday, August 11, 2023
On 12th Aug, Parana Time – 01:43 PM to 04:20 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 03:36 AM on Aug 11, 2023
Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 05:01 AM on Aug 12, 2023
Pooja Vidhi and Rituals on Parama Ekadashi
- Prepare the puja area by purifying it and adorning it with flowers, incense, and sacred symbols. As the focal point of the puja, place an image or statue of Lord Vishnu or your chosen deity.
- Essential to Parama Ekadashi is the observance of a stringent fast from sunrise on Ekadashi day until sunrise the following day.
- Usually, the fast entails abstaining from food and water, but some individuals may choose a partial fast with certain dietary restrictions.
- Arise Early: Awaken early in the morning and bathe to purify.
- Invocation: Invoke Lord Vishnu or your selected deity to begin the puja. It is customary to chant prayers, mantras, and devotional melodies dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Offer the deity water, flowers, fruits, treats, and other symbolic items as a sign of devotion and submission.
- You may also offer divine basil (tulsi) leaves, which are revered by Lord Vishnu.
- Arati: In front of the deity, light incense and a ghee lamp and conduct an arati (a circular movement of the lamp). During this ritual, sing or recite arati mantras and melodies.
- Reading Scriptures: Read or listen to the sacred scriptures that glorify Lord Vishnu, such as the Vishnu Sahasranama (thousand names of Lord Vishnu), Bhagavad Gita, or pertinent passages from the Puranas (ancient Hindu texts).
- Spend time in meditation and prayer, focusing on Lord Vishnu and requesting his blessings. Offer sincere prayers for forgiveness, spiritual growth, and your own and others’ well-being.
- Katha (Narration): Hear or narrate the significance and stories of Parama Ekadashi. These stories frequently emphasise the significance of observing Ekadashi fasts and the glory of Lord Vishnu.
- On Parama Ekadashi, it is auspicious to perform acts of charity, such as donating food, clothing, or money to the destitute. It is considered a means of sharing blessings and earning merit.
- Bhajans and Kirtans: Sing devotional songs and take part in group singing (bhajans) or congregational chanting (kirtans) to convey devotion and create an atmosphere of devotion.
- Breaking the Fast: After sunrise on the following day (Dwadashi), consume simple, sattvic (pure) sustenance to break the fast. It is customary to present the first course of a meal to Lord Vishnu prior to consuming it.
Parama Ekadashi Mantra
|| ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ||
Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya|| Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare ||
|| Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ||