Apara Ekadashi Vrat 2023 Date, Time to Break Fast/Upvas, Rituals, Significance

Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi or Bhadrakali Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu festival observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May/June). This auspicious day holds great importance for devotees who observe fasting, perform rituals, and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Apara Ekadashi 2023 Date: May 15, Monday.

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: May 15, 2023 2:46 AM.

Ekadashi Tithi Ends: May 16, 2023 1:03 AM.

Fast Breaking Time: May 16, 6:41 AM – May 16, 8:26 AM.

Rituals associated with Apara Ekadashi may vary in different regions and among different sects, but the core practices remain consistent. Here are the common rituals observed during this festival:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast on Apara Ekadashi. It is customary to abstain from consuming grains, pulses, and certain vegetables during the entire day and night of Ekadashi. Some devotees may opt for a waterless fast, while others consume only fruits and milk.
2. Worship of Lord Vishnu: Devotees perform special rituals and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. The deity is adorned with flowers, incense is lit, and devotional hymns are chanted to express reverence and seek the blessings of the Lord.
3. Reading of Scriptures: The sacred texts like Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and Bhagavad Gita are often recited on Apara Ekadashi. Devotees engage in reading or listening to these scriptures, reflecting on their teachings, and contemplating the divine wisdom contained within them.
4. Charity: Generosity and acts of charity hold great significance on Apara Ekadashi. Devotees believe that donating food, clothes, or other essentials to the less fortunate can bring blessings and alleviate the sins accumulated in one’s life.
5. Bhajan and Kirtan: Devotional songs, bhajans, and kirtans praising Lord Vishnu are sung in temples and homes. These melodic hymns create a spiritually charged atmosphere and invoke a sense of devotion and reverence among the participants.

The significance of Apara Ekadashi lies in its spiritual and ethical aspects. Observing a fast and engaging in devotional practices on this day is believed to bring immense benefits to the devotees:

1. Spiritual Purification: The fast and religious activities on Apara Ekadashi are considered a means of purifying one’s mind, body, and soul. It is believed that observing the fast with a sincere heart and pure intentions can help cleanse one’s sins and promote spiritual growth.
2. Karma Removal: Apara Ekadashi is believed to provide an opportunity to eradicate past sins and negative karmas. It is believed that sincere devotion, fasting, and acts of charity on this day can help devotees break free from the cycle of birth and death.
3. Divine Blessings: Observing Apara Ekadashi with devotion and dedication is believed to attract the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Devotees seek the grace of the Lord for protection, prosperity, good health, and overall well-being.
4. Strengthening Self-Discipline: Fasting on Apara Ekadashi helps cultivate self-control, willpower, and discipline. It allows individuals to practice restraint and detachment from material desires, fostering spiritual growth and inner strength.
5. Community Bonding: Apara Ekadashi brings people together in the spirit of devotion and unity. It provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together, participate in religious activities, and reinforce their shared beliefs and values.

In summary, Apara Ekadashi is a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu that holds immense spiritual significance for devotees. By observing fasting, engaging in devotional practices, and performing acts of charity,