Bhadrapada Ekadashi and Other Vratas: Fasting Dates and Benefits

The sacred month of Bhadrapada Masam in the Hindu calendar is filled with divine festivals, fasting days (vratas), and opportunities for spiritual upliftment. While major celebrations like Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi are well-known, Bhadrapada is also home to lesser-known yet powerful vratas such as Parsva Ekadashi and Anant Chaturdashi. These days of fasting and worship are mentioned in the Puranas as gateways to divine blessings, freedom from sins, and spiritual growth.

In 2025, observing Bhadrapada Ekadashi and other vratas will bring devotees closer to Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, reminding us that fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about cleansing the soul and connecting with the Divine.

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Bhadrapada Ekadashi 2025 Dates

In the year 2025, the two sacred Ekadashis of Bhadrapada are:

• Parsva Ekadashi (also known as Vamana Ekadashi): September 14, 2025 (Sunday)
• Indira Ekadashi (during Pitru Paksha): September 26, 2025 (Friday)

Each of these Ekadashis carries unique significance and blessings, rooted in stories from the Bhagavata Purana and Padma Purana.

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Parsva Ekadashi – The Turning of Lord Vishnu

Parsva Ekadashi occurs during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in Bhadrapada. According to the scriptures, this is the day when Lord Vishnu, who had been in yoga-nidra (cosmic sleep) since Devshayani Ekadashi, turns to His other side while resting on the serpent Adisesha.

The day is also associated with the worship of Vamana Avatar, the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu who restored the balance of dharma by subduing King Bali.

Rituals

• Devotees observe a strict fast (nirjala or phalahar depending on their capacity).
• Worship is offered to Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, milk, and offerings of sattvic food.
• Chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita chapters is recommended.

Benefits

• Liberation from sins of previous births.
• Protection of family prosperity.
• Attainment of spiritual clarity and divine grace.

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Indira Ekadashi – Liberation for Ancestors

Indira Ekadashi falls in Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada, during the Pitru Paksha fortnight. Scriptures state that by observing this vrata, one not only earns personal merit but also helps ancestors (Pitru) attain liberation from earthly bondage.

The Padma Purana narrates the story of King Indrasena, who was instructed by sage Narada to observe Indira Ekadashi so that his ancestors could be freed from the torments of Yamaloka. On completing the vrata, his ancestors attained liberation, and the king himself was blessed with prosperity and long life.

Rituals

• Fasting from sunrise to next-day sunrise.
• Offering of Tarpan (water oblations) and Pind Daan to ancestors.
• Feeding Brahmins, cows, crows, and the needy as symbolic acts of remembrance.

Benefits

• Ancestral peace and blessings for descendants.
• Removal of family obstacles.
• Attainment of Vishnu’s grace and protection.

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Anant Chaturdashi – The Infinite Lord

Another major vrata during Bhadrapada is Anant Chaturdashi, observed on the 14th day of Shukla Paksha. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His Anant (infinite) form. Devotees worship the serpent Ananta Sesha, upon whom Lord Vishnu reclines in the cosmic ocean.

According to the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira observed Anant Chaturdashi after Lord Krishna advised him to restore prosperity to his kingdom. On this day, devotees tie a sacred thread (Anant Sutra) on their wrists while worshipping the Lord, signifying infinite faith and protection.

Rituals

• Fasting and worship of Lord Vishnu with fruits, sweets, and Anant Sutra.
• Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and performing puja with 14 knotted threads.
• Offering prayers for family harmony and protection.

Benefits

• Removal of poverty and misfortune.
• Protection from negative energies.
• Eternal blessings of Lord Vishnu.

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The Spiritual Rewards of Fasting

Fasting in Hinduism (upavasa) is not just physical abstinence but an act of discipline, purification, and devotion. The Bhagavata Purana mentions that fasting with remembrance of Krishna equals performing hundreds of yajnas. Similarly, Shiva Purana declares that fasting with devotion to Lord Shiva burns away karmic impurities.

By observing vratas in Bhadrapada Masam, devotees receive:

• Purification of body and mind.
• Strengthened devotion to Krishna and Shiva.
• Blessings for family, ancestors, and future generations.

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Connection to Krishna and Shiva Worship

• Ekadashi fasts are deeply linked with Lord Krishna, who emphasized their importance in the Mahabharata, telling Arjuna that those who fast on Ekadashi are most dear to Him.
• Anant Chaturdashi, though dedicated to Vishnu, is also linked with Lord Shiva, as many devotees immerse Ganesh idols on this day, symbolizing the unity of deities and the infinite cycle of creation.

Thus, Bhadrapada becomes a divine bridge connecting Krishna’s compassion, Vishnu’s protection, and Shiva’s grace.

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Conclusion

The sacred vratas of Bhadrapada Ekadashi, Indira Ekadashi, and Anant Chaturdashi are not just ritual observances—they are spiritual opportunities. By fasting, praying, and offering devotion, one invites divine grace into life, liberates ancestors, and strengthens the soul’s journey toward liberation.

As the Puranas remind us: “By observing vrata with faith, one transcends the cycle of birth and death and attains the eternal abode of the Lord.”

Let this Bhadrapada 2025 be a time where fasting becomes a feast for the soul, reminding us of the infinite blessings of Krishna, Vishnu, and Shiva.