As human being, we come to earn with three debts – Rishi Rin (debt to Rishis), Pitru Rin (debts to ancestors) and Deva Rin (debt to Gods). So to honor our Pitris, God created an annual ritual of Shraddh where we honor all the departed souls and get rid of our Pitri rin. However, there’s one special Ekadashi where you can repay the Pitru Rin and this is called Mokshada ekadashi. Mokshada means getting salvation and ending the cycle of life and death. In Hinduism, Moksha is given prime importance, as every scripture gives a path to finding moksha. As per the story, when the King Vaikhnasa’s forefathers were stuck in hell, he fasted on this day to release them from hell and help them reach heaven. Let’s explore the significance of Mokshada Ekadashi 2024, the vrat katha (fasting story), the fasting rituals, and the correct timings for observing this holy day.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 – Timings
To observe Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 properly, it is crucial to follow the precise timings
Ekadashi Tithi begins at 03:42 AM on Dec 11, 2024,
Ekadashi Tithi ends at 01:09 AM on Dec 12, 2024.
Paraná Time is on December 12, 2024, from 07:04 AM to 09:08 AM
Paraná Day Dwadashi end moment is on December 12, 2024, 10:26 PM.
Saphala Ekadashi – Significance, Timing, Vrat Katha
Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi 2024
As per Hindu scriptures, human beings are born with three inherent debts:
- Rishi Rin – The debt to sages for their wisdom and teachings.
- Pitru Rin – The debt to ancestors for giving life and lineage.
- Deva Rin – The debt to Gods for their blessings and sustenance.
While annual Shraddh rituals help honor and appease ancestors, Mokshada Ekadashi provides a unique opportunity to liberate them from the cycle of life and death. The word “Mokshada” means “granting salvation.” Fasting and praying on this day help devotees not only fulfill their spiritual duties but also uplift their ancestors from lower realms and guide them toward heaven.
This day is particularly revered for its healing benefits, as it allows devotees to release negative energies, overcome past burdens, and start afresh with positivity and good karma. Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 is an auspicious occasion for seeking inner peace, health, and liberation
Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 – Vrat Katha
In a city called Champaka, there lived a king called Vaikhanasa. The city was full of Vishnu devotees. He would look after people like his sons. In that city there were many brahmins who had mastered Vedas and Upanishads. One night, he had a dream of his forefathers going to hell. He narrated this dream to Brahmanas. He said the forefathers went to hell and asked him to get them out of hell.
The king said he was unhappy despite having all the horses, elephants, and wife because how can one be happy if their father and ancestors are in hell. He pleaded Brahmans to tell him any vow, penance which can release his ancestors from hell and give them salvation.
Brahmans told him to visit the Sage Parvata who lived nearby. Sage Parvata had the power to see the future, past, and present. The king reached the Sage with his men and took a bow before him. Sage Parvata inquired about his problem. King said, I saw my ancestors living in hell.
Sage Parvata closed his eyes for some time. When he opened his eyes, he narrated how Vaikhnasa’s father was Kshatriya in his previous birth. He due to his royal duty left his wife and did not give her child during her conception time. So as a result of this sin, entire ancestors fell in heaven. King asked for the way to break this curse.
Sage Parvata said, on the bright half of Margasira month, there is Mokshada Ekadashi. All should observe the vow and religious merits of Ekadashi should be given to forefathers. The king, pleased with the answer, did as told. He fasted on Mokshada Ekadashi and transferred his religious merit to forefathers, and soon there was a shower of flowers from the sky. Vaikhanasa’s father spoke from the sky and gave him a blessing and then went to heaven.
How to Fast on Mokshada Ekadashi 2024
On Mokshada Ekadashi 2024, the devotees should fast for the entire day and only break fast the next day on Dwadashi, in the morning after doing Paraná. Only fruits, milks and vrat fruits are allowed. No grains, vegetables, meat, liquor, is to be consumed on Ekadashi or while breaking fast. It’s essential to maintain celibacy while fasting on Ekadashi.
- Wake up before sunrise and take a bath.
- Light a pure cow ghee lamp.
- Pray to Lord Vishnu by offering fruits, flowers, and dhoop.
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Listen to Mokshada ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Wrapping Up
Fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi is one of the best way to provides salvation to our ancestors and release them from bondages of life. However, the main importance of fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi is healing and releasing from things that are holding you back. For those who have lost their health due to chronic illness, it’s particularly beneficial to fast on Ekadashi days.
In Rituals of Happy Soul book, the importance of each tithi is mentioned along with several rituals to help you heal on all levels. For those wanting to start new year with good energies, can take Lunar Astro consultation and resolve the issues to start new year with good note.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mokshada Ekadashi 2024
Q1. What makes Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 special compared to other Ekadashi days?
A: Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 stands out because of its unique focus on granting liberation (moksha) to ancestors. Unlike other Ekadashis, which emphasize personal spiritual progress, this day offers devotees an opportunity to repay Pitru Rin (debts to ancestors) by observing a fast and dedicating its merits to their forefathers. According to Hindu scriptures, fasting on this day can liberate ancestors from lower realms and grant them a place in heaven, ensuring peace and harmony in the family lineage. Additionally, it helps the devotee align with the higher purpose of life by releasing karmic burdens and promoting spiritual growth.
Q2. How does fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 benefit devotees spiritually and physically?
A: Fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 is believed to have profound spiritual and physical benefits. Spiritually, it helps cleanse negative karma, uplifts the soul, and enhances one’s connection with Lord Vishnu. This fasting day promotes inner peace by allowing devotees to focus on prayers, meditation, and self-reflection.
Physically, Ekadashi fasting acts as a detox for the body. By abstaining from grains, vegetables, and tamasic foods, the digestive system gets a much-needed rest, boosting metabolism and improving overall health. Furthermore, fasting instills discipline and mindfulness, fostering a holistic sense of well-being.
Q3. Can Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 rituals be performed at home, or is temple worship mandatory?
A: Rituals for Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 can be performed at home with equal effectiveness, as the key lies in one’s devotion and sincerity. Devotees can set up a sacred space, light a cow ghee lamp, and offer flowers, fruits, and incense to Lord Vishnu. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and listening to the Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha are essential practices.
While visiting a temple enhances the spiritual atmosphere and allows devotees to participate in group prayers, it is not mandatory. The ultimate goal of Mokshada Ekadashi is to observe the fast with dedication and focus on praying for the well-being and liberation of ancestors, which can be achieved at home.
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