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Ekadasi is the 11th day of the lunar phase of the Moon. Indira Ekadasi is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (waning Moon phase) in the month of Ashwin (September–October). Since this Ekadasi falls on the Pitru Paksha (15 days in the month of Ashwin dedicated to ancestors), it is also known as ‘Ekadasi Shraddh.’ This is widely celebrated in Northern India to pay rituals to ancestors.
King Indirasena, who ruled Mahishmati, is a very religious and honest man. He took excellent care of his subjects and kingdom. Once, Sage Narada visited Indirasena and told him that while he was traveling from Brahmaloka to Earth, he met the King’s father in Yama Loka. Since Indirasena did not perform one of the Ekadasi Vrats, his father’s soul was wandering in the Yama Loka. To make his father’s soul rest in peace at heaven, Narada suggested the King observe Indira Ekadasi Vrat (fasting). After that, the King, upon observing the Indira Ekadasi Vrat, helped his father’s soul to reach Vaikunta — Lord Vishnu’s abode.
Indira Ekadasi involves offering Tarpanam or ancestral rituals to one’s ancestors and observing a complete fast to please Lord Vishnu for his blessings. Afternoon timings are considered appropriate to perform rituals for ancestors. The fasting begins on the day before (Dasami or 10th Moon) and ends the next day (Dwadasi or 11th Moon). It is beneficial to stay awake at night reading Vishnu Sahasranamam and reciting stories of Lord Vishnu.
The fast is broken the next morning by consuming the Pooja offering with the family.
As per sacred texts, observing Indira Ekadasi Vrat can bestow the following blessings:
The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.
Any form of ceremonial or organized worship can generally be termed a pooja. Rituals like an abhishekam, alankaram, archana, etc. can qualify to be so called. A pooja, in the present context, can be taken to specify an archana.
Lord Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe and one among the Trinity. Performing a sacred homa to Lord Vishnu can bestow you with wealth, good health, happiness, and prosperity.
Maha Vishnu is the protector of this Universe; he guards all the living beings on this earth plane. When you worship him, you will be gifted with long life, prosperity, peace, happiness and success. Impediments will no longer stand on your way of achievements.
