Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comApara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is observed on Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi and is also called Achala Ekadashi. According to the Padma Purana, it is the Ekadashi that gives boundless fruit and destroys even grave sins such as killing a brahmin.
This Ekadashi falls after Buddha Purnima (Vaishakha Purnima). In the amanta calendar it is called Vaishakha Krishna Ekadashi, but the day is the same.
Significance of Apara Ekadashi
In the Padma Purana, Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi of Jyeshtha's dark fortnight is named Apara because it gives boundless (apara) fruit. One who keeps it gains renown in the world and is freed even from sins such as killing a brahmin, killing a child in the womb, slander, false witness, cheating in measure and weight, fleeing from battle and reviling one's teacher.
Shri Krishna says that the fruit of bathing at Prayag in Magh, bathing at Kashi in an eclipse, offering pindas at Gaya, bathing in the Godavari, seeing Kedar, the pilgrimage to Badarikashrama and giving gifts at Kurukshetra in a solar eclipse is the fruit the Apara vow brings. He calls it an axe to the tree of sin and the sun to the darkness of sin.
How Apara Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotees bathe in the morning, take the vow and worship Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama, as the Padma Purana says. The fast is kept without water, with water only or with fruit, as one is able, and the glory of Apara is read or heard.
This Ekadashi falls in the burning heat of Jyeshtha, and Nirjala Ekadashi follows it in the bright fortnight. The next day, on Dwadashi, alms are given and the fast is broken within the prescribed parana muhurat.
Apara Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Eat a simple sattvic meal on Dashami, and on Ekadashi bathe in the morning and take the vow of fasting. Worship Lord Trivikrama, hear the glory of Apara Ekadashi, and the next day, on Dwadashi, give alms and break the fast within the parana muhurat.
About Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is the vow kept on Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi for boundless merit and release from sin. This page gives its date, the vidhi of the fast and a summary of the glory given in the Padma Purana.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Apara Ekadashi in 2027?
Apara Ekadashi falls on Tuesday, 1 June 2027. The parana time will be added here as the date approaches.
Why is Apara Ekadashi observed?
According to the Padma Purana, this vow gives boundless fruit, frees one even from sins such as killing a brahmin and false witness, and its fruit equals the merit of tirthas such as Prayag, Kashi, Gaya and Kedar.
What is the difference between Apara and Achala Ekadashi?
There is none. The Padma Purana calls Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi Apara, and in many places the same day is also called Achala Ekadashi.