Dear Members:
Indira Ekaadasi is the Ekaadasi that occurs during the Mahalaya paksha / pitru paksha. It is to be observed on October 6/ October 7, 2026 this year.
Indira Ekaadasi is the Ekaadasi that occurs during the Mahalaya paksha / pitru paksha. It is to be observed on October 6/ October 7, 2026 this year.
Schedule of the fast for people living in different parts of the globe
It is to be observed on October 6, 2026 by those living in countries of North America, South America, Africa, and major parts of Asia - except the far-east countries of Japan, North Korea, and South Korea.
Those living in far-east Asian countries mentioned above, and those living in Australia and countries of the Oceania region (Pacific Ocean Island countries) and observing Smaartha traditions must observe this on October 6, 2026 (like those living in rest of the world).
Those living in the above places and observing Vaishnava traditions must observe this on October 7, 2026.
Those living in New Zealand must observe this on October 7, 2026 (common to both Smaarthas and Vaishnavas).
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.
https://www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi
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