Aja Ekadashi 2025: August 19 Ekadashi Fasting Timings, Rituals, and Significance

Aja Ekadashi 2025: August 19 Ekadashi Fasting Timings, Rituals, and Significance

Aja Ekadashi is one of the most sacred Ekadashi fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In 2025, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, August 19. Devotees observe this fast with great devotion to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings for prosperity, liberation from sins, and spiritual progress. Observing Aja Ekadashi Vrat is believed to wash away past karmas and bring peace and happiness.

Aja Ekadashi 2025 Date and Timings

According to the Panchang, the timings for Aja Ekadashi 2025 are as follows:

Parana Rules for Aja Ekadashi

• Parana should be done only after sunrise on the next day.
• One must avoid breaking the fast-during Hari Vasara, the first quarter of Dwadashi Tithi.
• The most auspicious time for Parana is Pratahkal (early morning).
• If not possible in the morning, devotees may break the fast after Madhyahna.
• Not observing Parana within Dwadashi Tithi is considered an offence as per scriptures.

The Aja Ekadashi fast holds immense spiritual significance. It is said that by observing this vrat with devotion, devotees are freed from sins and attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu. According to the Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha, King Harishchandra regained his kingdom, family, and glory after observing this fast on the advice of Sage Gautama.

This Ekadashi also falls during Chaturmas, the holy four months when Lord Vishnu is believed to be in Yog Nidra. Therefore, fasting and devotion during this time carry special importance.

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Aja Ekadashi Vrat Rituals

• Early Morning Bath: Devotees wake up at Brahma Muhurat and take a holy bath.
• Lord Vishnu Puja:  A clean altar is decorated with flowers, incense, and offerings.
• Fasting: Observers avoid grains, pulses, onion, garlic, and certain foods. Fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly meals are consumed.
• Bhajans & Mantras:  Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and recite Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Charity: Offering food, clothes, and donations to Brahmins and the needy is considered highly auspicious.

• Fruits like banana, apple, and papaya
• Milk, curd, and buttermilk
• Dry fruits and nuts
• Singhara flour, sabudana, and kuttu atta preparations
• Rock salt instead of regular salt
• Avoid rice, wheat, pulses, onion, garlic, and all tamasic foods.

Aja Ekadashi According to ISKCON

ISKCON follows the Vaishnava calendar, and often the fasting day may differ by one day from the Smartha calendar. In 2025, ISKCON devotees will also observe Aja Ekadashi Vrat on August 19, aligning with the Vaishnava tradition.

Aja Ekadashi 2025, observed on August 19, is a powerful day of fasting, prayer, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. The vrat not only helps in spiritual upliftment but also grants relief from past sins and difficulties. By observing Aja Ekadashi with faith and discipline, devotees can invite divine blessings and move closer to liberation.

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