Ekadashi Tithi has a lot of importance in Hinduism. Ekadashi celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon Period) in the holy month of Kartika (as per the Hindu Calendar) is called Rama Ekadashi. Rama is one of the names given to Mahalakshmi, hence the Rama form of Mahalakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu on this special day. This is the last Ekadashi before the end of Chaturmas, so this day is considered to be very auspicious and beneficial for devotees who observe fasting.
Devuthani Ekadashi comes following the end of Chaturmas. Know More
When is Rama Ekadashi 2023?
In the year 2023, Rama Ekadashi will be celebrated on Thursday, November 9, 2023, four days before Diwali.
- Ekadashi Tithi starts: 08:23 a.m on Nov 08, 2023
- Ekadashi Tithi ends: 10:41 a.m on Nov 09, 2023
- Parana timing for Rama Ekadashi: November 10, from 06:39 a.m to 08:50 a.m
Find out about the Muhurat and Timings of Laxmi Puja during Diwali
Significance Rama Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi or the 11th day is considered to be the favourite day of Lord Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu on the occasion of Rama Ekadashi. The festive mood of Hindu’s famous festival Diwali starts from Rama Ekadashi and the enthusiasm continues till Diwali. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Rama Ekadashi brings happiness, peace and prosperity to the life of the devotees. The importance of Rama Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira. It is also known by other names like Kartik Krishna Ekadashi or Rambha Ekadashi. This auspicious day comes just four days before Diwali, the festival of lights. According to the scriptures, it is believed that a devotee who observes this Ekadashi fast gets rid of all past sins. Many people also worship the Amla tree on Rama Ekadashi.
Amalaki Ekadashi is another such festival in which the Amla tree is worshipped.
How to Fast on Rama Ekadashi
- Start observing Rama Ekadashi fast a day before the Ekadashi i.e. from the tenth day.
- Do not eat anything after sunset on the day of Dashami.
- Wake up early in the morning on the day of Rama Ekadashi, take a bath, wear clean clothes and take a vow to observe the fast with full dedication in front of Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi.
- The puja materials required are oil lamps, incense sticks, naivedya, fruits, sweets, flower garlands, sandalwood, chunni and vermilion for Mata Lakshmi.
- Recite the mantras of Mata Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu 108 times.
- Perform Aarti of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi during the sunset too.
- Some Devotees also stay awake the whole night and indulge in bhajan and kirtan by remembering the Lord.
- Do some donation or charity work before the Parana on Dwadashi day.
Also Read: Religious Benefits of Fasting on Ekadashi
How to Break Rama Ekadashi Fast (Ekadashi Parana)
Parana means breaking the fast. It is important to do the Ekadashi Parana i.e. break the Ekadashi fast before the end of the Dwadashi Tithi. According to the scriptures, not breaking the fast before the Dwadashi is considered to be very inauspicious. The devotees should break the fast by consuming fruits and water. The devotees should also do some charity work before breaking the fast. Before breaking the fast, it is also important to bow down before Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi, worship them and seek forgiveness for the unintentional sins committed during the fast.
Rama Ekadashi Fasting Story
Every Ekadashi has its importance and the story behind why it is observed. Once upon a time, there lived a king named Muchukunda. His daughter’s name was Chandrabhaga. The king got his daughter married to a prince named Shobhan. King Muchukunda was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and observed the Rama Ekadashi fast every year. A few days after the marriage of Shobhan and Chandrabhaga, the festival of Ram Ekadashi arrived. However, Shobhan couldn’t bear the hunger during the fast and died late in the night due to starvation. But due to the effect of the fast, Lord Vishnu blessed him with a kingdom-like heaven. Once when King Muchukunda was passing through a forest, he saw Shobhan and his invisible kingdom. Shobhan narrated the whole thing to Muchukunda. Then at the behest of Muchukunda, Shobhan’s wife kept a strict fast on Rama Ekadashi and as a result, the invisible kingdom of Shobhan was converted into reality. Shobhan got his life back and he lived happily with his wife.
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