Aja Ekadashi 2024: Date, Time, Significance, Puja Rituals and Mantras

Aja Ekadashi, which is celebrated on August 29, 2024, is one of the most important days of the Hindu religion and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. The day falls on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and is marked by fasting and prayers of the devotees to Lord Vishnu with great devotion and faith. The Ekadashi Tithi begins on August 29, 2024 at 1:19 am and ends on August 30, 2024 at 1:37 am. The Parana, i.e. the time of breaking the fast, is scheduled for August 30, 2024 from 7:49 am to 8:01 am.

Ekadashi has tremendous religious significance among Hindus and is entirely dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. This particular Ekadashi is also known as Ananda Ekadashi. There are two Ekadashi celebrations every month and this time it is known as Aja Ekadashi.

Devotees believe that fasting on this day with sincere devotion can bless them with good fortune, good health, wealth, prosperity and the fulfillment of all their desires. Fasting on Aja Ekadashi is considered so powerful that it is said to bring the same benefits as performing an Ashwamedha Yagya.

According to Hindu scriptures, King Harishchandra, who was known for his honesty, once observed this fast. Due to bad karma in the past, he lost his family and kingdom and was left wandering in the forest. Rishi Gautam then told him about Aja Ekadashi fasting and its miraculous effects. King Harishchandra followed all the rituals, observed the fast and finally regained his family and kingdom. Since then, he started fasting on every Ekadashi.

The rituals for Aja Ekadashi begin with waking up early in the morning and taking a holy bath. A statue of Lord Vishnu is placed on a wooden board along with a Shree Yantra and a diya is lit with desi ghee. Devotees then offer flowers or a garland, put on Chandan Tilak and offer Tulsi Patra. Panchamrit, Tulsi Patra, fruits and homemade sweets like Makhana Kheer are also offered to Lord Vishnu.

Devotees recite the Aja Ekadashi Katha and chant various mantras throughout the day. “Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye..!!” “Ram Ram Raameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane..!!”

“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna, hare, hare, hare, Ram, hare, Ram, Ram, Ram, hare, hare…!”

The Ekadashi fast can be broken on Dwadashi Tithi. However, devotees who cannot bear hunger can break their fast by consuming dairy products and fruits and break their fast properly the next day by eating rice and other salty foods. The day ends with chanting Aarti and distributing Panchamrit to all the family members.

Faithful observance of Aja Ekadashi is said to bring numerous blessings from Lord Vishnu and is therefore an auspicious occasion for devotees.