Apara Ekadashi Story, observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the month of Jyeshtha, is one of the most spiritually powerful Ekadashis of the Hindu calendar. This sacred day is known to destroy the gravest of sins and bestow immense blessings when observed with devotion.
Let’s explore the divine story (katha), spiritual benefits, and fasting food rules for Apara Ekadashi.
What is Apara Ekadashi?
Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, falls in the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May–June). The word ‘Apara’ means “limitless”—referring to the immeasurable merit gained by observing this Ekadashi. It is said to wash away even the most severe sins, purify the soul, and ensure liberation (moksha).
The Apara Ekadashi Story (As Narrated in the Brahmanda Purana)
Once upon a time, the righteous King Yudhishthira humbly approached Lord Shri Krishna with a sincere question. Bowing with devotion, he asked, “O Lord Krishna, please tell me the name and significance of the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) during the month of Jyeshtha. I wish to know its greatness in detail.”
Pleased by the king’s inquiry, Lord Krishna responded with a compassionate smile, “O great king! You have asked a truly noble question that brings immense benefit to mankind. The Ekadashi that falls during the dark fortnight of Jyeshtha is known as Apara Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is celebrated for its divine power to destroy even the gravest of sins and bestow great merit. Anyone who observes this fast with faith and devotion becomes famous and respected in the world, and their sins—no matter how severe—are washed away.”
Lord Krishna continued, explaining that sins such as Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin), cow slaughter, abortion, slandering others, adultery, and lying—especially giving false testimony, cheating in weighing goods, misinterpreting sacred texts for personal gain, misleading others with false astrological predictions, or practicing dishonest medicine—all of these can be purified by sincerely observing the Apara Ekadashi fast.
Even a Kshatriya, who abandons his duty and flees from battle—a sin considered especially grave—can attain liberation by faithfully observing this sacred fast. The merits of Apara Ekadashi are beyond imagination. One who bathes at Prayag during the holy Magh month, fasts on Maha Shivaratri in the city of Kashi, performs Pind Daan at Vishnupad in Gaya, bathes in the holy Gautami river while Jupiter is in the Leo zodiac, visits Kedarnath during the Kumbh Mela, serves at the temple of Badrinarayan, bathes during a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra, donates elephants, horses, or gold, or performs a yajna with generous offerings—all of these great acts of virtue are matched by simply observing Apara Ekadashi with devotion.
Lord Krishna described Apara Ekadashi as the spiritual axe that cuts down the tree of sin, a blazing fire that consumes the wood of karma, the brilliant sun that dispels the darkness of ignorance, and the fearless lion that devours the elephant of evil deeds. He warned that a person who lives their life without observing such a holy fast is like a bubble in water—destined to burst without purpose. But one who observes Apara Ekadashi and worships Lord Vishnu with a pure heart is freed from all sins and ultimately reaches the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu.
Finally, Lord Krishna declared that simply reading or listening to the sacred story (katha) of Apara Ekadashi grants the spiritual merit equivalent to donating one thousand cows. This powerful narrative is recorded in the revered Brahmanda Purana, emphasizing the greatness of this divine observance.rative is found in the Brahmanda Purana.”
Fasting Rules and Food Guidelines
What to Eat on Apara Ekadashi
If you’re observing this fast with an Anukalpa or Phalahar approach, you may eat the following:
- Fresh fruits: Banana, papaya, apple, coconut, pomegranate, watermelon
- Root vegetables: Potato, sweet potato, bottle gourd, pumpkin
- Dairy products: Cow milk, curd, ghee, paneer (unprocessed)
- Allowed flours: Buckwheat (kuttu), water chestnut (singhara), amaranth (rajgira)
- Spices: Rock salt (sendha namak), black pepper, ginger
- Natural sweeteners: Jaggery instead of white sugar
All foods should be cooked without onion, garlic, grains, and tamasic ingredients.
What Not to Eat
Avoid these items completely:
- Grains & pulses: Rice, wheat, lentils, barley, corn, oats
- Leafy and tamasic vegetables: Brinjal, tomatoes, beans, spinach, etc.
- Processed items: Bakery products, packaged snacks, tea, coffee
- Regular salt: Only use rock salt (sendha namak)
Spiritual Benefits of Apara Ekadashi
- Erases severe karmic sins from past lives
- Protects from the hellish planets and rebirth
- Grants fame, virtue, and spiritual liberation
- Purifies the body, mind, and soul
- Brings prosperity and divine grace
How to Observe Apara Ekadashi
- Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
- Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, flowers, incense, and lamps.
- Chant Vishnu mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
- Read or listen to the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Observe a full fast (nirjala), or if needed, follow a phalahar diet.
- The next day (Dwadashi), offer food to Brahmins or poor people and then break your fast (Parana) during the prescribed time.
Summary Table: What to Eat & Avoid on Apara Ekadashi
| Allowed Foods | Forbidden Foods |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruits, dry fruits | Rice, wheat, lentils |
| Potatoes, pumpkin, cucumber | Tomatoes, beans, leafy greens |
| Milk, curd, desi ghee | Tea, coffee, processed items |
| Rock salt, ginger, black pepper | Mustard, hing, bakery spices |
| Kuttu, Singhara flour | Wheat flour, semolina, maida |
Apara Ekadashi 2025 Date & Time, India
- Date: 23rd May, Friday, 2025
- Ekadashi Begins: 08:35 PM, May 22
- Ekadashi Ends: 06:24 PM, May 23
- Ekadashi Parana Time (According to Smarta and Vaishnava traditions): Between 04:57 AM and 09:22 AM on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
- Ekadashi Parana Time (According to ISKCON): Between 04:53 AM and 09:20 AM on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Conclusion
Apara Ekadashi is not just about giving up food — it is about giving up ego, anger, and negative karma. It’s a sacred opportunity to align with dharma, devotion, and spiritual purity. Those who observe it with sincerity attain not only peace on Earth but also liberation after death.
FAQs About Apara Ekadashi Story
Q.What is the significance of Apara Ekadashi?
A: Apara Ekadashi falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Jyeshtha month and is considered highly auspicious for spiritual cleansing. The word “Apara” means “limitless,” indicating that the spiritual merits earned on this day are boundless. Observing this Ekadashi helps devotees eliminate the most severe sins such as false speech, deceit, slander, and even karma from past lifetimes. It is especially powerful for those seeking forgiveness, fame, and liberation (moksha). According to scriptures, this Ekadashi grants the same merit as performing sacred pilgrimages, yajnas, and charity.
Q. What should we do on Apara Ekadashi?
A: On Apara Ekadashi, devotees should wake up early, bathe, and take a vow (sankalp) to fast with devotion. The day should be spent worshiping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, chanting His names (like Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya), and reading or listening to the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha. One may observe a full fast (nirjala) or take fruits and milk if needed. Avoid grains, pulses, tea, and tamasic food. The next day (Dwadashi), break the fast (Parana) during the prescribed time after offering food or charity to Brahmins or the needy.
Q. What are the benefits of fasting on Apara Ekadashi?
A:Fasting on Apara Ekadashi offers both material and spiritual rewards:
It destroys all sins, including those from past births.
It grants fame, good fortune, and spiritual upliftment.
One attains the merit of donating gold, cows, elephants, and performing yajnas.
It is equivalent to pilgrimages to Kashi, Prayag, Gaya, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Ultimately, the soul is purified and granted access to Vaikuntha, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.
Q. What to donate on Apara Ekadashi?
Charity is highly recommended on Apara Ekadashi. One may donate according to their capacity and intent:
Clothes, and food grains are traditional and powerful donations.
You can also give fruits, cooked food, or money to Brahmins or the needy.
Offering Tulsi leaves, lamps (deep daan), and water to the poor is also considered highly auspicious.
Even listening to the story of Apara Ekadashi is said to be equal to donating a thousand cows
