For Hindus, Apara Ekadashi is a major day for fasting in 2025. This holy fast is observed on the eleventh day of Krishna Paksha during the month of Jyeshtha, according to the Hindu Panchang. Jakakrida Ekadashi and Achla Ekadashi are other names for this holy day.

The belief that fasting on the day of Apara Ekadashi would absolve them of all sins and negative karma is zealously adhered to by the believers. The purpose of this fasting day is to honor Lord Vishnu, particularly in his Trivikrama avatar. Devotees will celebrate Apara Ekadashi Vrat on May 23, 2025, this year.

See below for all the essential information about this holy Ekadashi tithi’s date, time, parana timings, importance, rituals, and vrat katha:

When and How to Celebrate Apara Ekadashi in 2025 Date: Friday, May 23, 2025

Ekadashi Tithi Commences: May 23, 2025, at 01:12 AM

Ekadashi Tithi concludes on May 23, 2025, at 10:29 p.m.

2025’s Apara Ekadashi: Parana Time
On May 24, 2025, the Parana timings for Apara Ekadashi 2025 are from 05:26 AM to 08:11 AM. At 07:20 PM on Parana Day, Dwadashi comes to an end.

Meaning of Apara Ekadashi 2025
The word “Apar” means “limitless” in Hindi, and the reason Apara Ekadashi gets its name is because it is believed to bestow on devotees unending riches and spiritual virtue. It is believed that fulfilling this vrat would result in incalculable advantages, including wealth and freedom from sin. Ancient writings like the Brahma Purana and Padma Purana, which address the spiritual significance of Apara Ekadashi and the benefits that come from sincere observance, make extensive reference to its significance.

In India, Apara Ekadashi is reverently observed under a variety of titles. It is celebrated as “Bhadrakali Ekadashi” in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana, when worshippers honor the goddess in hopes of receiving heavenly favors. The day is devoted to Lord Jagannath and is called “Jalakrida Ekadashi” in Odisha. The fundamental spiritual principles are the similar regardless of geographical differences: followers fast, pray, and ask for divine mercy in order to live a good, wealthy life and be freed from their previous transgressions.

Rituals on Apara Ekadashi in 2025
Before the evening, the Apara Ekadashi puja should be performed with utmost dedication. Before dawn, many begin the practice by getting up early and taking a morning bath. Lord Vishnu is presented tulsi leaves, flowers, incense sticks (dhoop), and a lit lamp. Additionally, certain unique candies are produced and sold as bhog. After reading or hearing the Apara Ekadashi vrat katha, people exchange prasad and perform aarti. In order to get Lord Vishnu’s blessings, the majority also visit his temples at night.

For Apara Ekadashi, the 10-day Dashami fast begins with a single, light meal. Some individuals observe a nirjala vrat on Ekadashi, which involves not eating or drinking anything, while others observe a phalahar fast, during which they consume fruits. No rice or grains are consumed. The next day, Dwadashi, the fasting ends at sunrise. Additionally, applying oil to the body is not advised.

The fast has mental as well as physical components. Falsehood, wicked thinking, and defaming others are things that devotees should avoid. They must keep their focus on Lord Vishnu, and they consider reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama, bhajans, and kirtans to be very holy.

2025’s Apara Ekadashi: Vrat Katha
A morally upright monarch named Mahidhwaj is the subject of the Apara Ekadashi tale. Vajradhwaj, his younger brother, was evil and envious, but he was good-hearted and moral. Vajradhwaj killed Mahidhwaj and buried him in a dark wilderness behind a peepal tree because he was unhappy with his moral character. Because of his untimely demise, Mahidhwaj’s spirit became a disobedient ghost that would haunt the location and frighten anybody who happened to walk by.

A wise sage once chance to see the king’s ghost while walking through the woods. The sage spoke with the spirit, who related the tragic tale of assassination and treachery. His narrative moved the sage, who decided to help the soul find peace. On the day of Dwadashi, he gave the wandering soul the spiritual merits he had gained by doing the Apara Ekadashi vrat. Eventually, the king’s soul attained moksha and was freed from the ghost realm.

According to Hindu mythology, King Yudhishthira was told by Lord Krishna the importance of Apara Ekadashi. It is said that this vrat purges one’s past and current misdeeds and leads one to a path of righteousness and optimism. This vrat is also linked to gaining enormous wealth, notoriety, and respect from others. Devoted practitioners of the rites may also attain moksha and escape the cycle of reincarnation.

Some spiritual teachers claim that observing Apara Ekadashi has the same benefits as giving a thousand cows or taking a swim in the Ganges during the month of Kartik. On this day, worshiping Lord Vishnu is very important from a spiritual standpoint. However, as correct observance is the key to spiritual success, one must follow the vrat and rituals truly and with understanding in order to get these spiritual rewards.