When and why is Mokshada Ekadashi Celebrated?
By Intimate Viewpoint
Introduction
What is Mokshada Ekadashi — Meaning & Significance
Mokshada Ekadashi is a sacred observance falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) during the Hindu month of Margashirsha (roughly November–December).
The term “Mokshada” literally means “giver of liberation” — reflecting the belief that a devoted observance of this fast helps the soul progress toward spiritual purification and ultimately moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
This day is also celebrated as Gita Jayanti — marking the day when, according to tradition, Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Observing this Ekadashi is considered extremely meritorious: devotees believe it washes away sins, grants inner peace, spiritual growth, blessings of Lord Vishnu (and sometimes invoked also as Goddess Lakshmi), and can even aid in the liberation of the devotee’s ancestors.
Because of these layered significances — devotional, philosophical, ancestral — Mokshada Ekadashi stands out among the various Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year.
Date & Timings for 2025
In 2025, Mokshada Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, 1 December 2025.
The lunar day (Ekadashi Tithi) is scheduled to begin at 9:29 PM on Sunday, 30 November 2025, and end at 7:01 PM on Monday, 1 December 2025.
For those observing the fast, the correct time to break the fast (Parana) is on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, ideally between 6:57 AM and 9:03 AM, during the Dwadashi Tithi.
Important note: The fast should not be broken during “Hari-Vasara” (the first quarter of Dwadashi). The recommended time is in the early morning.
These timings are according to Hindu Panchang and widely followed Vrat calendars for 2025.
Mythological / Traditional Background & Vrat Katha (Story)
According to tradition — e.g. as noted in the sources describing the festival’s origin — in ancient times there was a city called “Champavati” ruled by a righteous king (often referred to as King Vaikhanasa). This king was a devoted worshipper of Lord Vishnu. It is said that by observing this Ekadashi with devotion, one could obtain forgiveness for sins, spiritual upliftment, and ultimately liberation.
Over centuries, this day came to be associated with the grand spiritual event of Gita Jayanti — the imparting of the Gita’s divine wisdom — thereby adding a philosophical layer: not just ritual purification, but spiritual knowledge, duty (dharma) and inner transformation.
Many scriptures and religious traditions treat observing this Ekadashi — with fast, prayer, reflection — as equivalent to major acts of penance or pilgrimage. It’s considered especially powerful for delivering the soul from the cycle of birth and death.
Rituals, Puja Method & Observance — How to Observe Mokshada Ekadashi Properly
If you plan to observe Mokshada Ekadashi in 2025 or in general, here’s a commonly followed method and important practices:
Preparatory Step (Prev Night / Dashami)
The night before Ekadashi (Dashami), many devotees take a light, sattvic meal (often avoiding grains, pulses, onion, garlic, tamasic or heavy foods), to prepare the body for fast.
On the Day — Bath & Purification
Wake up early, take a holy bath (or ritual bath), wear clean or preferably fresh clothes. This physical purity helps begin the fast and puja with devotion.
Puja & Worship
Set up an altar or temple corner with an image or idol of Lord Vishnu (or Lord Krishna). Some also include Goddess Lakshmi and a Tulsi plant if available.
Offer traditional “Shodashopachar” — sixteen kinds of offerings — including incense, flowers, sandalwood paste, ghee lamp (diya), water (or Ganga-jal if available), tulsi leaves, and fragrant materials.
Devotional prayers, chanting of mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Om Namo Narayanaya” are recommended.
Many devotees also recite or listen to the Bhagavad Gita (or recite a portion of it), chant hymns like Vishnu Sahasranama or Mukunda-ashtakam, or engage in bhajans/ kirtan.
Fasting / Dietary Rules
Ideally a 24-hour fast is observed (nirjala if possible — without food and sometimes even water). However, those unable to observe full fast may observe a partial fast: consuming only sattvic food such as fruits, milk/dairy, nuts, etc.
On this day, devotees usually avoid grains, pulses, onion, garlic, beans — basically tamasic or heavy foods are avoided.
Charity, Scripture Reading & Spiritual Activities
It is considered highly meritorious to read or gift a copy of the Bhagavad Gita on this day — believed to generate spiritual benefit even equal to a major yajna/ritual.
People may visit temples — many Vaishnava temples have special prayers or processions. In some traditions, temple doors known as “Vaikuntha Dwar” are considered open on this day to mark divine entry.
Breaking the Fast (Parana) — 2025 Guidelines
After the Ekadashi Tithi ends (7:01 PM on 1 Dec 2025), devotees should wait until the next morning — during Dwadashi Tithi — to break the fast. For 2025: Parana time: 6:57 AM–9:03 AM on 2 December.
Avoid breaking fast during “Hari-Vasara” (first quarter of Dwadashi) or at midday (Madhyahna) — early morning is ideal.
Spiritual & Philosophical Significance — Why Devotees Value Mokshada Ekadashi
Liberation (Moksha): The central belief is that sincere observance wipes out accumulated sins and grants spiritual purification — helping the soul progress toward liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Inner transformation & Dharma: Because this day is also Gita Jayanti, it is an opportunity for devotees not just to perform rituals but to reflect on the teachings of the Gita — duty, righteousness (dharma), detachment, and living a life of virtue. This adds a philosophical dimension beyond ritual worship.
Ancestral salvation: It is believed that when one performs this vrat with devotion, blessings extend to one’s ancestors — helping their souls attain peace and liberation.
Penance and devotion: The strictness and discipline associated with the fast — abstaining from regular food, performing worship, prayers, scriptures — helps devotees cultivate self-control, inner peace, focus on spirituality over material concerns.
Who Should / Can Observe — Flexibility & Considerations
Ideal for devotees of Lord Vishnu / Krishna, especially those who follow Vaishnava tradition.
Even if unable to do a full “nirjala” fast, one can observe a partial fast (phalahar or sattvic food) — this flexibility ensures that due to health, age, or other reasons, one can still participate and gain merit.
People can also focus on spiritual observance: reading scriptures (Gita), listening to religious discourses, charity, prayer — even without strict fasting — to benefit from the day’s energy.
Why Mokshada Ekadashi Remains Important in Modern Times
Beyond ritual fasting, Mokshada Ekadashi serves as a day for introspection, spiritual renewal and moral reflection — something many find meaningful in today’s fast-paced world.
It fosters values like self-discipline, detachment, compassion (through charity), respect for ancestors and spiritual knowledge — which align well with timeless human aspirations, beyond religious boundaries.
For families and communities, celebrating together — through worship, bhajans, reading scriptures — helps strengthen cultural and spiritual bonds across generations.
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