Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comIndira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi is observed on Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi, falling during Pitru Paksha itself, and is kept with the wish for ancestors' liberation and peaceful passage.
This Ekadashi falls during Pitru Paksha itself, a few days after Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya), and before the start of Shardiya Navratri. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Indira Ekadashi
According to the Padma Purana, in the Satyayuga King Indrasena of Mahishmati ruled his people by dharma and was devoted to Lord Vishnu. One day the divine sage Narada came to his court and told him that he had gone from Brahmaloka to Yamaloka, and in Yama's assembly had seen the king's father. He was there because of the fault of a broken vow.
The father had sent a message through Narada: 'Son, send me to heaven by giving me the merit of the Indira vow.' Narada gave the vidhi: on Ashwin Krishna Dashami, bathe in the morning and at midday, perform the ancestors' shraddha at midday, eat one meal and sleep on the ground at night. On Ekadashi take the vow of fasting, bathe and worship before a Shalagram stone at midday, and keep vigil at night near Lord Hrishikesha. On Dwadashi worship Hari at dawn, perform the ancestors' shraddha with wheat flour, feed brahmins, and then eat in silence with the family.
King Indrasena kept the vow with his queens, sons and servants. When it was complete flowers rained from the sky, and his father rode on Garuda to Vishnu's abode. The king too enjoyed his kingdom without rival, handed it to his son and went to heaven. That is why this Ekadashi, which falls in Pitru Paksha, is held to grant a good end even to ancestors fallen into lower births.
How Indira Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotees perform the ancestors' shraddha at midday on Dashami and eat a single meal, and on Ekadashi take the vow. At midday there is bathing and worship before a Shalagram, Lord Vishnu is worshipped, the Indira Ekadashi katha is heard, and the night is spent in vigil.
The next day, on Dwadashi, the Lord is worshipped at dawn, the ancestors' shraddha is performed with wheat flour and brahmins are fed, and the fast is broken within the prescribed parana muhurat by eating in silence with the family, offering the vow's merit to the ancestors.
Since this Ekadashi falls during Pitru Paksha itself, many families also observe this vow in connection with their ancestors' Shraddha date, regarding it as especially dedicated to their ancestors' wellbeing.
Indira Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
On Dashami perform the ancestors' shraddha at midday, eat one meal and sleep on the ground. On Ekadashi take the fasting vow, bathe and worship before a Shalagram at midday, worship Lord Hrishikesha and keep vigil at night. On Dwadashi worship at dawn, perform the shraddha with wheat flour, feed brahmins, then break the fast in silence.
About Indira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi is the vow observed on Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi during Pitru Paksha, for the wish of ancestors' liberation. This page covers the vow's significance, the legend of King Indrasena, and the vidhi for observing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Indira Ekadashi observed?
This vow is observed every year on Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi, falling during Pitru Paksha.
How is Indira Ekadashi connected to ancestors' liberation?
According to the katha, Narada told King Indrasena that his father was in Yamaloka for the fault of a broken vow and had asked for the merit of the Indira vow. The king kept it and gave his father the merit, and his father rode on Garuda to Vishnu's abode.
How is Indira Ekadashi related to Jivitputrika Vrat?
Both fall in the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin, during Pitru Paksha, Jivitputrika Vrat on Ashtami, for children's wellbeing, and Indira Ekadashi a few days later, for the liberation of ancestors.
What should be done on Indira Ekadashi?
According to the Padma Purana, on this day one should fast, bathe and worship before a Shalagram at midday, worship Lord Vishnu and keep vigil at night. The ancestors' shraddha is performed the day before, on Dashami, and the day after, on Dwadashi, and on Dwadashi the fast is broken after feeding brahmins.