Aja Ekadashi 2024: A Day To Wash Away One’s Sins!

Annada Ekadashi is also popularly known as Aja Ekadashi. According to the Vedic calendar, it is marked in the month of ‘Bhadrapada’ in the northern states of India (Purnimanta Calendar). Simultaneously, in other regions, it falls in the Hindu month of ‘Shravana’ (Amanta Calendar), showcasing the unity and diversity of Hindu culture. So, with that, now let’s move forward with knowing more about it and how it’s celebrated in India. 

Aja Ekadashi 2024 Date1 and Timings 

• Aja Ekadashi 2024 Date: 29th August 2024 (Thursday)
• Aja Ekadashi Parana Time 2024: 30th August from 07:49 AM to 08:31 AM
• On Parana Day Hri Vasara End time: 07:49 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 01:19 AM on Aug 29, 2024
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 01:37 AM on Aug 30, 2024 

Aja Ekadashi Meaning

According to Vedic astrology and the Hindu panchang, the word “Aja” means “unborn” or “unmanifested,” while Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. This day is auspicious for all Lord Vishnu devotees, and on this day, a special prayer is offered to Lord Hrishikesha. Lord Hrishikesh is the 47th name in the Vishnu Sahasranama, also known as the “lord of the senses”. 

Moreover, the Aja Ekadashi is called the Annada Ekadashi because it is believed to remove all sins and make the devotees purified. By simply fasting with devotion, one can eliminate their past karma and wrongdoings. 

Also Read: Yogini Ekadashi 2024: Welcome Good Health and Well-Being

Why is Aja Ekadashi Observed? 

Aja Ekadashi is a special day for spiritual observation, devotion, and cleansing of mind, body, and soul. By fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu, people want to clear away their past mistakes, receive blessings from heaven, and achieve moksha, which means freedom from being born again after death. 

Moreover, on this day, people can attain prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth by fasting and following the special rituals of Aja Ekadashi and worshipping Lord Vishnu. It is also a day to read and understand the mythological story about the observance of Aja Ekadashi, which highlights its importance. 

The Mythological Story Behind the Observance of Aja Ekadashi 

The Aja Ekadashi vrat katha highlights Lord Vishnu’s power and how he blessed Raja Harishchandra. King Harishchandra was a legendary man, and people know him for his commitment, honesty, and righteousness. 

So, once, a curse tested King Harish Chandra’s honesty, leading him to lose his kingdom, wealth, and family. He endured immense grief and sorrow, separated from his wife and son. To sustain himself, he worked as a cremation worker.

In the end, fed up with unending sorrow and suffering, he comes across Sage Gautama and seeks his help. Sage Gautama advised Harishchandra to observe fasting, Aja Ekadashi rituals, and prayers with dedication and devotion. 

King Harish Chandra agreed to this and followed the fasting, rituals, and prayers of Aja Ekadashi. By doing this, Harishchandra received back his kingdom, gained back all his wealth, and reunited with his wife and son. Therefore, this story emphasises the strength of truth and integrity, the value of devotion and prayer, and Lord Vishnu’s generosity.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi of Aja Ekadashi 2024

These are the ways and methods to perform the Aja Ekadashi vrat rituals. So, let’s take a look at it. 

• The first thing to do in the morning is to wake up before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta) and take a bath with clean water. 
• For the Puja vidhi, devotees place Lord Vishnu’s idol or picture in a clean area, decorating it with akshat, kalash, red and yellow cloth, and yellow flowers.
• On this day, after completing Puja at home, you must offer water, turmeric, and chana dal to the Banyan tree and light a diya under it.
• On this day, light a ghee diya before Lord Hari Vishnu and chant the Vishnu stotram and mantra, “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaye Namah.” You can also read sacred texts or books such as the Bhagwad Gita. 
• During the Aja Ekadashi, devotees should perform the nirjala vrat, abstaining from drinking or eating. 
• Offering food and donations to Brahmins is a form of charity. This can help remove all the doshas and negative energies. You can also donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy.
• Avoid eating rice on this special day as it’s inauspicious and believed to ruin individual virtues. 

Also Read: What is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi? Know the Vrat Katha

Benefits of Fasting on Aja Ekadashi 

Fasting on Aja Ekadashi is a major Hindu tradition that can provide multiple benefits. So, read below to know the advantages. 

• Observing Nirjal Vrat on the day can allow devotees to reach Lord Vishnu’s abode, Vaikunta, after death. 
• It helps the natives remove all their past sins and karma. It releases themselves from the wrongdoings and the burden of immortality. 
• Fasting also relaxes the digestive system, allowing the body to cleanse and remove stored impurities. It improves overall health and well-being.
• Participating in group prayers, kirtans, and temple events during Aja Ekadashi helps devotees develop a sense of peace and calmness. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Also Read: Devshayani Ekadashi 2024: The Beginning of Chaturmas!

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