Aja Ekadashi 2024 / If you are also observing Aja Ekadashi fast, know the complete Shastra Vidhi

Aja Ekadashi is dear to Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi. It is also called Annada Ekadashi. By observing this fast properly, sins are destroyed and one attains heaven. Listening to the story gives the fruits of Ashwamedha Yagna. On this Ekadashi, the fasting person remains without food and water.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Aug 29, 2024, 09:08 AM
Aja Ekadashi 2024: Aja Ekadashi, also known as Annada Ekadashi, is an important occasion of devotion and reverence towards Lord Vishnu. This Ekadashi is especially considered dear to Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi, and devotees get their blessings by observing its fast. According to Hindu religious scriptures, by observing this fast methodically, all sins are destroyed and ultimately heaven is attained. Listening to the story of this Ekadashi also gives the same virtue as Ashwamedha Yagna.

Aja Ekadashi Vrat and Puja Vidhi

  • Morning: On the day of Ekadashi, take a bath before sunrise and meditate.
  • Worship: Light a ghee lamp in front of Lord Vishnu, worship with fruits and flowers.
  • Reading: After worship, recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
  • Vrat: Follow a fast without food and water throughout the day.
  • Ratri Jagran: Keep a night vigil on this day.
  • Dwadashi: On Dwadashi Tithi, feed a Brahmin and give donations. After that, eat yourself.
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Muhurat

  • Parana Muhurat: 07:52:04 am to 08:31:29 am on August 30 (39 minutes)
  • Hari Vasara End Time: 07:52:04 am on August 30
Aja Ekadashi Story

Once upon a time, King Harishchandra was famous for his truthfulness and honesty. One day the gods planned to test him. The king saw in a dream that he had donated the kingdom to Sage Vishwamitra. When the king handed over the kingdom, Vishwamitra asked for 500 gold coins as Dakshina. The king donated his wealth and treasury and eventually raised gold coins by selling his wife and son, but even that was not enough.

The king even sold himself and started collecting tax in the cremation ground. On one Ekadashi day, the king, while guarding the cremation ground, saw a poor woman carrying the dead body of her son. The king followed his duty and asked the wife for the tax, and the wife tore a part of her sari and gave it to the king.

Then Lord Vishnu appeared and appreciated the truthfulness of King Harishchandra. He brought the king's son back to life and Vishwamitra also returned his kingdom. Thus, King Harishchandra established the highest ideal of truth and dharma and became immortal.

The fast of Aja Ekadashi not only reveals the spirit of devotion but also shows the importance of truth and dharma in life.