"Indira Ekadashi" is a significant Hindu fasting day falling on the 11th day (Ekadashi) during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of the moon in the Ashwin month (September – October) as per the traditional North Indian calendar.
This year, the auspicious day of "Indira Ekadashi" is on the 17th of September 2025.
As per "Drik Panchang", the "tithi" for “Indira Ekadashi” in 2025 is as follows:
As "Indira Ekadashi" lies during the propitious occasion of Pitru Paksha, it's also called by the name 'Ekadashi Shradh' by Hindus. And hence, this Ekadashi is observed to provide salvation to the ancestors from their past sins (in case any) & get their blessings for the whole lineage.
Actually, the prayers and rituals to be offered to the ancestors start on the day before 'Indira Ekadashi', i.e., on Dashami Tithi. And, the devotees consume only a single meal on this day.
'Hindu Shastras' claim that the afternoon time is considered to be favorable for praying to the forefathers.
Following on 'Ekadashi Tithi', people fast for the whole day & dedicate 'Ekadashi Shradh' (Indira Ekadashi) to their ancestors. The vrat begins at sunrise and ends on the next day, ‘dwadashi.’
As it falls during the Pitru Paksha, food is offered to priests and cows, before "Parana."
As per Drik Panchang, the "Parana" timings for 'Indira Ekadashi' (Ekadashi Shradh) in 2025 are as follows:
Also, Lord Padmanabha, a form of Shri Hari Vishnu, is worshiped on this blissful occasion.
"Padmanabha '' form of Lord Vishnu has been depicted in the Hindu Shastras as lying on the 'Anant Shaiyya' with Padma (Lotus) arising from his Nabhi (Navel) & Lord Brahma sitting on the Lotus.
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There's also a great story behind the observance of "Indira Ekadashi" (Ekadashi Shradh):
Once, there lived a powerful yet humble king, namely Indrase, in the city of Mahishmati Pur. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu & kind towards his people (praja). Everyone was satisfied and happy with his rulership in his kingdom.
One day, Narada Muni visited Raja Indrasen. After paying homage to Narada Muni, the King asked him if there was any specific reason for your visit from Brahma Lok to our small kingdom. To this, Narada Muni responded that he was here to deliver the message of Indrasen's father, who was suffering in Yamaloka, being in hell (narak). Elaborating more, Narada Muni told Raja Indrasen that his father had prematurely broken Ekadashi Vrat during his lifetime on the earth (Prithvi Lok) because of which he's in the suffering state today.
Being worried about his father's condition, King Indrasen enquired Narada Muni on how to make his father get rid of the same. Then, Narada Muni explained the Vrat Vidhi of 'Indira Ekadashi' to him & suggested that he observe a strict fast. King performed the same & eventually, as a result, his father got free from his sufferings and found a place in the heavenly abode (Vaikuntha).
This Vrat Katha moralizes the power of the divine festive occasion of 'Indira Ekadashi' (Ekadashi Shradh) as mentioned in ‘Brahma Vaivarta Purana’ as well.
Apart from fasting for the well-being of the ancestors, the devotees also visit Lord Vishnu temples & recite bhajans and read the holy books such as Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita & many more for the peace of mind.
Many people also stay vigil (awake) the whole night to pay reverence towards their ancestors & Lord Vishnu.
During Puja, many people install and meditate on the 'Shaligram' form of Lord Vishnu. Later in the evening, lighting a lamp in front of a Tulsi plant is considered blissful. Donating to the Brahmins & the needy people works as a plus for the observers of 'Indira Ekadashi.'
Performing all these rituals with a pure heart is considered to bestow one with prosperity, good fortune & relief from their past sins as well.
Indira Ekadashi, observed during the sacred period of Pitru Paksha, stands as a divine occasion that bridges devotion, gratitude, and liberation. By fasting with sincerity, offering prayers, and performing charitable deeds, devotees not only seek forgiveness for ancestral shortcomings but also invite peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment into their lives. Rooted in the wisdom of the Shastras and enriched by the powerful Vrat Katha of King Indrasen, this Ekadashi reminds us of the eternal bond between generations and the grace of Lord Vishnu in guiding souls toward salvation. Observing Indira Ekadashi with a pure heart is believed to open the path for blessings that transcend both worlds — for ancestors and the living.
!! Om Namo Narayanaya !!
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