Rama Ekadashi is a very sacred Hindu worship day occurring during the month of Kartika (either in October or November). The devotees observe a fast and worship to the Supreme Godhead Shri Krishna and ask for him to free them from all kinds of evil karmas by involving and indulging them into His Pure Devotion and providing then Shelter unto His Divine Lotus Feet. The holy day is particularly significant for the people who wish to free themselves from old karmas and initiate towards Bhakti.
When is Rama Ekadashi in 2024?
Rama Ekadashi 2024 Date: The day for Rama Ekadashi is Monday, 28th October 2024 according to the Hindu calendar.
Rama Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha or the waning phase of the moon in Kartik Maas. People keep fast and worship on this day to have purification by the Lord Vishnu to get rid of sin.
Rama Ekadashi 2024 Tithi & Timings
Ekadashi Fasting Begins At – 06:30 AM on October 28, 2024.
Next Day Parana (Fast-Breaking) – 6:30 AM to 10:13 on 29th October 2024
Importance of Rama Ekadashi
This is a very important Ekadashi from the spiritual perspective. People who observe Rama Ekadashi with great devotion and purity of heart are purified of their sins and evil deeds. On this day, Lord Vishnu, who keeps the universe alive, hears the prayers of his devotees. Then, it bestows divine blessings on him. The negative influences are removed for devotees, and peace, prosperity, and happiness come back in their life.
This Rama Ekadashi fast helps purify the soul, as well as it strengthens the bond with Lord Vishnu. The fast is a way to show devotion and seek forgiveness for mistakes made.
Story of Rama Ekadashi
Rama Ekadashi is a very compelling story of devotion and divine favour. Ancient scriptures record the life of a king named Muchukunda, ruler of a big kingdom. He was an excellent just ruler and kind-hearted who was enamoured of and devoted to Lord Vishnu. His people were always ill-affected by the demons and evil powers.
One day, a sage came to Muchukunda’s kingdom. He directed him to observe Rama Ekadashi with devotion and dedication. The sage assured him that the kingdom would be freed from the forces of evil by his fasting on that auspicious day. Basing his trust on Lord Vishnu, the king observed Rama Ekadashi with strict devotion. His kingdom soon prospered, and the demons were destroyed by divine power.
From then on, the devotees followed it with the same faith. Fasting and praying on this day bring peace, destroy evil, and bestow the blessings of Lord Krishna.
How is Rama Ekadashi Celebrated in ISKCON Temples?
The day of Rama Ekadashi in ISKCON temples is very exuberantly celebrated with pomp. The repetition of 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra along with offering prayers to Lord Vishnu marks the beginning of the day. The devotees keep strict fasting; they abstain from grains and beans and eat fruits, milk, and water. Special kirtans have been sung throughout the day to spread the vibrations of devotion throughout.
Elaborative offerings and aarti ceremonies are organized by ISKCON temples. The deity of Lord Vishnu, usually in the form of Lord Krishna, is decorated with flowers, jewels, and garments. Bhajans and discourses on the importance of Rama Ekadashi are conducted, illuminating the devotees about the spiritual importance of this day for fasting and worshiping.
In the morning, the temple premises are congested with devotional gatherings where scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam are being recited. The air is full of the aroma of incense and is accompanied by the continuous ringing of the temple bell, giving a divine ambiance. Devotees immerse in prayers and request blessings from Shri Krishna for spiritual development and emancipation.
What to Do on Rama Ekadashi?
On the Ekadashi of Lord Rama, one should keep a fast and engage himself in devotional activities during the day. Some of the chief practices to adopt for this are:
- Fasting: The way of observing Rama Ekadashi is through fasting. Devotees avoid eating grains, cereals, and beans. They only eat fruits, milk, and take water. Some keep a complete fast and take only water or avoid food till the next day. It works as a kind of purifying the body.
- Chanting and Praying: Devotees spend the whole day chanting the holy names of Lord Vishnu, especially the Hare Krishna Mahamantra:
“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
This continuous chanting puts a seal to the mind on Lord Vishnu, bringing peace and spiritual completeness in oneself.
- Reading Holy Scriptures: On this auspicious day, one should read scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam. These will help in enlightening one about the living of righteous life and create that bonding with God.
- Importance of Charity: On Rama Ekadashi, one is advised to donate much. Giving food to the poor, clothes, or even donating money is included. Such deeds will make the soul pure and may attract the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Donation holds immense significance on Rama Ekadashi. It is believed that acts of charity performed on this day yield multiplied spiritual rewards. By donating to the less fortunate, devotees not only earn divine blessings but also purify their own hearts and minds.
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Verse 20)
“दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ||”
“dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe
deśe kāle ca pātre ca tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛtam”
Meaning: Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person, is considered to be in the mode of goodness.
- Meditation and Reflection. Today is the day for meditating on Vishnu’s various forms and his divine qualities. Today is to ponder over our behavior and thinking lines in the hope of being a better spiritual being and of service to others.
- Visiting temples: Many visit the temple of Lord Vishnu or Shri Krishna to make their offerings, but since it is under their guidance, all attendees of the festival participate in prayers. Flowers, light, and aarti in the temple is ordinary routine that helps the devotees connect better with the divinity.
All these rituals will settle one with a spiritual significance of Rama Ekadashi and create an atmosphere for peace. This is further impressed through the holy blessings of Lord Vishnu for a happy and progressive life ahead.
