Aja Ekadashi is a highly revered Hindu fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In 2025 Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during the sacred Chaturmas period when Lord Vishnu is believed to be in deep Yogic sleep. Devotees observe strict fasting on this day to seek forgiveness for sins, blessings for prosperity, and the path toward Moksha (liberation).
Aja Ekadashi 2025 Date and Parana Time
| Event | Date and Time |
| Aja Ekadashi | Tuesday, August 19, 2025 |
| Parana Time | 06:05 to 08:36, Aug 20 |
| Dwadashi End Moment | 15:28, On Parana Day |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | 18:52 on Aug 18, 2025 |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | 17:02 on Aug 19, 2025 |
Parana must be done within Dwadashi Tithi. Breaking the fast before sunrise or during Hari Vasara is prohibited. The most auspicious time to break the fast is Pratahkal (early morning). If that is missed, devotees can perform Parana after Madhyahna.
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Fasting Rules for Aja Ekadashi
- Devotees avoid grains, rice, and certain vegetables on this day.
- Fruits, milk, dry fruits, and Ekadashi-friendly meals are consumed.
- Complete fasting with only water is also observed by many devotees.
- Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, reciting Bhagavad Gita, and offering Tulsi leaves for Lord Vishnu is considered highly meritorious.
At times, Ekadashi is observed on two consecutive days. The first day is generally observed by householders (Smartha tradition), while the second day is reserved for Sanyasis, widows, and those seeking liberation. Staunch devotees may choose to fast on both days.
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Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha: The Story of King Harishchandra and Sage Gautama
Long ago, King Harishchandra, the noble ruler of Ayodhya, was known for his truthfulness and courage. By divine will, he lost his kingdom in a dream donation to a sage. His life took a tragic turn, he had to sell his wife and son and became a servant of a Chandala, collecting cremation fees. Despite enduring immense suffering, King Harishchandra never abandoned the path of truth. Burdened by sorrow, he once shared his pain with Sage Gautama, who advised him to observe the Aja Ekadashi Vrat with full devotion and stay awake the entire night in worship.
Following the sage’s advice, Harishchandra fasted and performed jagarana (night-long prayer). By the power of this vrat, all his sins were washed away. The heavens resounded with drums, flowers rained from the sky, and to his amazement, his son was revived while his wife appeared adorned in royal attire. The gods Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Indra blessed him.
Ultimately, Harishchandra regained his kingdom, and the illusion created by the sage’s divine test was dispelled. Through the merit of Aja Ekadashi fasting, the king, along with his family, attained heaven.
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Significance of Aja Ekadashi
When Arjuna asked Lord Krishna about the importance of this vrat, Lord Krishna explained that observing Aja Ekadashi fast with devotion destroys all past sins and grants blessings in both this world and the next. Fasting on this day is considered as powerful as performing great yajnas and is one of the most rewarding Ekadashis in the year.
Aja Ekadashi 2025, falling on August 19 (Tuesday), holds immense spiritual significance. Observing this vrat with devotion, following the proper fasting rules, and performing Parana at the right time is believed to bring divine blessings of Lord Vishnu. The vrat not only purifies the soul but also paves the way for salvation.
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