Indira Ekadashi: Significance and when to observe fast in Pitru Paksha

Indira Ekadashi fast is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. Krishna Paksha of Ashwin is known as Pitru Paksha and Shradh and Tarpan for the ancestors are performed during this period.

Significance of Indira Ekadashi

According to Hindu mythology, the fast of Indira Ekadashi should be observed for the salvation of the person whose soul is suffering in Yamalok or Pitralok.

It is believed that while explaining the importance of Indira Ekadashi fast to Yudhishthir, Lord Shri Krishna had said that the fast of Indira Ekadashi will liberate the ancestors from degradation. By observing this fast, the person becomes free from sin. He receives the blessings of Lord Vishnu and finds a place in Vaikuntha.

Also read: Pitru Paksha 2023: Metals to avoid while cooking during Shradh

Indira Ekadashi: Date and Time

According to the Hindu Panchang, this year the Ekadashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month will start from 12:36 PM on Monday, October 9. This date will end on Tuesday, October 10 at 03:08 PM. In such a situation, as per experts, the fast of Indira Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, 10 October.

• Ekadashi date starts – October 09, 2023 at 12:36 PM
• Ekadashi Tithi ends – October 10, 2023 at 03:08 PM
• Paaran (Time to break the fast) – 06:20 AM to 08:39 AM
• Dwadashi ending time on Paaran Tithi – 05:37 PM

What is Paaran during Ekadashi?

Ending the fast of Ekadashi is called Paaran. Paaran is performed after sunrise on the next day of Ekadashi fast. It is very important to break Ekadashi fast before the end of Dwadashi Tithi. If Dwadashi Tithi ends before Sunrise then Ekadashi fast is broken only after sunrise. Not performing Paaran within Dwadashi Tithi is equivalent to committing a sin. The best time to break the fast is in the morning.