Apara Ekadashi is also known as Achala Ekadashi. It is a sacred day in the Hindu lunar calendar. The word “Apara” means “infinite” or “boundless,”. This Ekadashi is believed to remove endless sins and bring limitless spiritual purity.
Devotees observe a fast and pray to Lord Vishnu on this day to seek forgiveness and blessings for a peaceful life. ISKCON Apara Ekadashi 2025 holds great importance as it helps one attain freedom from negative karma and leads to spiritual growth. They gather in temples to hear spiritual talks and sing bhajans.
When is Apara Ekadashi 2025?
Apara Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Friday, 23rd May 2025. According to the Hindu Panchang, this sacred Ekadashi falls during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Jyeshtha month. The Apara Ekadashi 2025 date and time are very auspicious for fasting, prayer, and charity.
Devotees begin the vrat at sunrise and break it the next day after sunrise during Dwadashi Tithi. ISKCON temples around the world will observe it with special kirtans, bhajans, and seva offerings to Shri Krishna.
Apara Ekadashi Significance in ISKCON
In ISKCON, Ekadashi is a very important part of devotional life. It is a day to go deeper into bhakti and self-purification. Apara Ekadashi significance ISKCON lies in its power to wash away sins. More than that, it brings the soul closer to Shri Krishna.
Fasting on this day is not just about avoiding food. It is about using time for seva, chanting, and remembering the Lord. ISKCON devotees avoid grains and beans, as per traditional Apara Ekadashi fasting rules. They offer fruits, tulsi leaves, and sattvic dishes to the Deities.
The Story of Apara Ekadashi
The story of Apara Ekadashi is found in the Brahmanda Purana. Once, King Mahidhvaja ruled with justice and devotion. But his envious younger brother killed him and left his body in the forest. As a ghost, the king suffered for his past karma. One day, a holy sage named Dhaumya passed through the forest.
The sage saw the ghost and understood his pain. Out of mercy, he observed Apara Ekadashi vrat and offered the merits to the ghost. Because of this sacred act, the king was released from ghostly life and went to Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s eternal abode.
This story shows that even a ghost can be liberated by this vrat.
ISKCON Temple Ekadashi Celebrations
ISKCON temple Ekadashi celebration is always filled with spiritual joy. Devotees rise early, bathe, and dress beautifully to please the Lord. They sing kirtans, read from Bhagavad Gita, and listen to Ekadashi glories.
Special decorations are arranged for Shri Krishna’s Deity form. Apara Ekadashi seva at ISKCON includes cleaning the temple, offering flowers, and distributing prasadam. Some devotees do night kirtan or stay awake, glorifying the Lord until the next sunrise.
The Importance of Donation on Apara Ekadashi
Charity is highly recommended on every Ekadashi. But the importance of donation on Apara Ekadashi is even greater. It is said that giving food to the poor, clothes, or money on this day brings many times more blessings.
ISKCON encourages food distribution on this day. Donating to the poor is seen as service to Shri Krishna Himself. Donating to ISKCON temples supports preaching, prasadam, and Deity service. Giving with love and humility pleases the Lord more than the gift itself.
Apara Ekadashi Vrat ISKCON Style
The Apara Ekadashi vrat ISKCON way is filled with sincerity and devotion. Devotees wake up early before sunrise. They take a clean bath and wear fresh, simple clothes. After that, they light incense and offer flowers to Shri Krishna.
Fasting begins at sunrise and continues until the next morning. Some devotees follow Nirjala (no food or water), while others take only fruits and water. The goal is not just to fast, but to remember the Lord at every moment.
Reading Bhagavad Gita, especially Chapter 9, brings deep spiritual realization. Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra helps the heart stay fixed on the Lord. ISKCON recommends devotees chant at least 16 rounds of japa on Ekadashi.
Fasting is done with joy, not pressure. When we serve Shri Krishna with love, even hunger feels sweet.
Importance of Seva and Devotional Offerings
Apara Ekadashi seva at ISKCON involves cleaning the altar, dressing the Deities, and preparing bhoga. Devotees help cook simple, Ekadashi-friendly meals without grains or onion-garlic. These are offered to Shri Krishna with love and gratitude.
Many devotees engage in distributing books and prasadam on this day. Some serve in temple kitchens or help clean the temple halls. This seva becomes more powerful when done on Apara Ekadashi 2025, as the Lord accepts it with more mercy.
This is also mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 9, Verse 26 where the Lord says:
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन:॥
Meaning: Whoever gives in charity with love, I accept it with great joy.
Each act of devotion brings us closer to Shri Krishna, who is pleased by sincere efforts.
Importance of Seva and Devotional Offerings
Apara Ekadashi seva at ISKCON involves cleaning the altar, dressing the Deities, and preparing bhoga. Devotees help cook simple, Ekadashi-friendly meals without grains or onion-garlic. These are offered to Shri Krishna with love and gratitude.
Many devotees engage in distributing books and prasadam on this day. Some serve in temple kitchens or help clean the temple halls. This seva becomes more powerful when done on Apara Ekadashi 2025, as the Lord accepts it with more mercy.
Each act of devotion brings us closer to Shri Krishna, who is pleased by sincere efforts.
Why ISKCON Glorifies Ekadashi So Much?
In ISKCON, Ekadashi is not just a fasting day. It is a divine opportunity. It is a chance to come closer to Lord Krishna, free from material distractions. On Ekadashi, the influence of the material energy is less. The soul can easily connect to the Supreme Lord.
Importance of Apara Ekadashi in ISKCON is taught through scriptures and real-life examples. Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, encouraged all devotees to observe Ekadashi. He said that fasting without chanting is incomplete. So, ISKCON temples focus more on devotion than just avoiding food.
The Lord says in the Padma Purana that Ekadashi destroys sins and increases devotion. And among all Ekadashis, Apara Ekadashi is one of the most powerful ones.
Why Donations Are Very Powerful on Ekadashi
The importance of donation on Apara Ekadashi cannot be described fully in words. This day opens a divine door. Whatever we offer on this day returns a hundredfold in spiritual merit.
Feeding the hungry, helping cows, and supporting temples are all recommended on Apara Ekadashi. The ISKCON temple Ekadashi celebration also includes prasadam distribution to the poor. By offering food to the needy, we please Shri Krishna, who lives in every soul.
Donating to ISKCON helps in serving Deities, building temples, and preaching the Holy Name. A small offering made on Apara Ekadashi can change your karma forever.
Conclusion
Apara Ekadashi 2025 is a powerful chance to begin again. It gives you strength to let go of sins. It gives you blessings from Shri Krishna, who is kind and full of mercy.
You don’t have to be perfect. You only need a sincere heart. ISKCON Apara Ekadashi 2025 is not just a fast. It is a celebration of bhakti, seva, and divine connection.
Fast with love. Pray with faith. Donate with joy. And feel the touch of Lord Krishna’s mercy on your soul.
