Indra Ekaadasi 2020 - Fast to relieve souls of ancestors off remorse for their karmas they invoked when they lived on this plane

Dear Members:

Indira Ekaadasi is the Ekaadasi that occurs during the Mahalaya paksha / pitru paksha.

Schedule of observance of the fast for people living in different parts of the world:

a) For all those living in countries to the West of India (all nations of North and South American continents,  Africa, and Europe, and West and South West Asian countries) - the fast must be observed on Sep 13, 2020.

b) It is to be observed on September 13, 2020 in major parts of India EXCEPT - places in extreme East and Northeast of India (Eastern parts of Orissa, West Bengal, and all states of NE India).

c) Those living in extreme East states/ NE states of India and observing Smaartha traditions may observe this on September 13, 2020 (like those living in rest of India).

d) Those living in extreme East states/ NE states of India and observing Vaishna traditions (and also Sanyaasis of Smaartha order observing Gauna Ekaadasi) must observe this on September 14, 2020.  Saints/ Moksha-maarga spiritual aspirants - MAY - if their health permits - observe the fast on both September 13th and September 14th.  

e) Similarly those living in all countries to the East of India (All south-east Asian countries, far East Asian countries like Japan, those living in China, Myanmar, etc., and those living in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania countries) must observe Smaartha Ekaadasi on September 13, 2020 and Vaishna/ Gauna Ekaadasi on September 14, 2020.

IMPORTANCE OF INDIRA EKAADASI.

The importance of Indira Ekaadasi is explained in the Brahma vaivarta Puraana in a discussion between Lord Krishna and king Yudhishtra. Observance of this Ekaadasi will help in removing the sinful effects of actions done by oneself and also relieve deceased ancestors' souls from the remorse caused by their sinful actions when they lived on this earth. According to legends, King IndrasEnaa performed this fast on the advice of Devarishi Narada and saved his father from the remorse caused by his sins during his earthly life.

On the day before the observance of this ekaadasi fast, i.e. on dasami thithi, just one meal is eaten praying for ancestors' souls; on the Ekaadasi day a full fast is to be undertaken, and in the afternoon rituals for the satisfaction of pitrus are to be done; the fast is broken on dwaadasi day. If such an elaborate scheme is not feasible, you may just fast as usual on Ekaadasi day, and pray for peace of your pitrus' souls after the Ekaadasi pooja to Vishnu. What else can you do for you ancestors than undertaking this fast that can relive their souls of the burden/ remorse caused by sinful activities committed knowingly or unknowingly during their tenure on this earth?

Please note that this fast is not mandatory for those below 7 years/ above 70 years as is the common rule for Ekaadasi fasts. Similarly those who are sick and ladies who are pregnant are also exempt from this observance. Others should preferably undertake a full fast (abstaining even from water, if possible). Those who can't undertake such rigorous fasts due to practical circumstances should at least avoid all full-grains, onion/ garlic items, eating food outside, etc. and try to subsist on milk and fruits. The bottom line is - observe the fast to the best of your abilities and as best as your circumstances will permit the observance.  Remember that this is the best homage you can pay to your deceased ancestors.

May our members observe this wonderful fast and gain liberty from sinful karma not only for themselves but also for their ancestors!

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi