Ekadashi in March 2024: Vijaya And Amalaki Ekadashi Date, Timings, Rituals and Significance

Vijaya And Amalaki Ekadashi 2024 Date and Timings: Ekadashi is a significant observance in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to the next day's sunrise, known as Dwadashi. This fast is observed twice a month during the Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.

In this article, we will delve into the details of Ekadashi occurring in March 2024. Scroll down to learn about the dates, days, and rituals associated with this auspicious occasion:

Vijaya Ekadashi (Krishna Paksha) in March 2024:

Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi 2024: Date and Time

Amalaki Ekadashi (Shukla Paksha) in March 2024:

The Ekadashi that falls during the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month is known as Amalaki Ekadashi. This Ekadashi typically falls between Maha Shivaratri and Holi. In the English calendar, it usually falls in February or March. In 2024 it will be observed on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Parana: The Ritual of Breaking the Fast

Parana, or breaking the fast, is an essential aspect of Ekadashi fasting. It is performed after sunrise on the day following the Ekadashi fast. It is imperative to complete the Parana within the Dwadashi Tithi, unless Dwadashi ends before sunrise. Failure to do so is considered an offense.

Parana should not be performed during Hari Vasara, which is the first one-fourth duration of the Dwadashi Tithi. One should wait for Hari Vasara to conclude before breaking the fast. The most auspicious time to break the fast is Pratahkal (morning). It is advisable to avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna (midday). However, if circumstances prevent one from breaking the fast during Pratahkal, it should be done after Madhyahna.

Sometimes, Ekadashi fasting is recommended for two consecutive days. In such cases, it is advised that Smarthas (householders) observe fasting on the first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is recommended for Sanyasis (ascetics), widows, and those seeking Moksha (liberation). When the alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smarthas, it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Fasting on both days is recommended for devout devotees seeking the love and affection of Lord Vishnu.

Ekadashi Puja Vidhi:

• Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath.
• Clean the house and puja room where you want to set up the altar.
• Place an idol of Lord Vishnu and Shree Yantra, a form of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Light a diya with desi ghee, adorn the idols with flowers, and offer homemade sweets.
• Chant Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye and Vishnu Maha Mantra 108 times.
• Recite Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Perform aarti and spend your day chanting mantras.
• In the evening, perform puja to Lord Vishnu.
• Break the Ekadashi fast on the next day, Dwadashi Tithi. If unable to bear hunger, eat sattvik food, such as kuttu ki poori, aaloo ki sabzi without turmeric, fruits, and milk products. Avoid rice on Ekadashi.

Significance Ekadashi

Ekadashi is a day of great religious and spiritual significance among Hindus. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Vaishnavas observe fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by chanting mantras, offering bhog prasad, and reciting Ekadashi vrat katha to seek the lord's blessings.

Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, grants salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death to those who offer prayers on Ekadashi. He removes all sins of the fast observer and provides a place in his abode, Vaikuntha Dham.

Mantras

• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye..!!
• Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..!!
• Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham..!!
• Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare..!!

Ekadashi 2024: Lord Vishnu Mantras

Chanting these mantras is believed to bring peace and prosperity and invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu:

Main Mantras of Lord Vishnu:

"Shanta Karam Bhujang Shayanam Padma Nabham Suresham.

Vishwadharam Gaganasdrsyam Meghavarnam Shubhangam.

Lakshmi Kantam Kamal Nayanam Yogibhirdhyana Nagmyam.

Om Namo: Narayana. Om Namo: Bhagwat Vasudevaya."

Vishnu Gayatri Mahamantra:

"Om Narayana Vidmahe. Vasudevay Dhimayi. Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat.

Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayharam Sarva Lokakenatham."

Vishnu Krishna Avatar Mantra:

"Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murare. Hey Nath Narayan Vasudevaya."

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.