Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: Today is Rama Ekadashi, a revered observance in Hindu tradition, which is celebrated on the eleventh day of the Kartik month during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar, it is also known by various names such as Rambha Ekadashi or Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, and it precedes the festival of Diwali.
This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds a special place in the hearts of devotees who believe that observing it diligently can absolve them of their sins.
When is Rama Ekadashi 2023?
This year, the auspicious Rama Ekadashi will be celebrated with great fervor across India on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Rama Ekadashi 2023 Time
According to Drik Panchang, here are the auspicious timings and puja details for Rama Ekadashi in 2023:
Rama Ekadashi 2023 date: Thursday, November 9, 2023
Rama Ekadashi 2023 tithi begins: 08:23 AM, November 8, 2023
Rama Ekadashi 2023 tithi ends: 10:41 AM, November 9, 2023
Rama Ekadashi 2023 timings: 06:39 AM - 10:16 AM, November 10, 2023
Rama Ekadashi Puja Rituals
Devotees mark this special day with profound devotion and commitment. The day typically starts with a purifying bath, followed by dressing up in traditional attire. The key ritual involves taking a vow to observe a dedicated fast and refrain from wrongdoings. Idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi are adorned, and devotees light a diya while offering sweets, flowers, and vermillion as part of the pooja. To complete the ceremony, devotees offer panchamrit and tulsi patra, which are considered essential in appeasing Lord Vishnu.
In the evening pooja, bhog prasad is offered to Lord Vishnu, and sacred recitations like the Vishnu Sahastranaam and Shree Hari Stotram take place. An aarti in honor of Lord Vishnu is chanted. The fast technically concludes on Dwadashi Tithi, although those who cannot bear the hunger can partake in bhog prasad in the evening.
This prasad, consisting of satvik foods like fried potatoes, dairy products, and fruits, is considered pure. Devotees break their fast with a satvik meal following the evening aarti and share the bhog prasad with loved ones. It is customary to visit a temple and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna. Fasting participants should abstain from harmful activities like gambling and gossiping about others.
Rama Ekadashi Significance
In Hindu scriptures, it is believed that observing the sacred Rama Ekadashi Vrat can lead to salvation by cleansing past and present karmas, even for those who may have committed grave sins, such as Brahm Hatya (the murder of a Brahmin).
Devotees who faithfully observe Rama Ekadashi are said to attain Lord Shri Hari's dominion, Vaikunth dhaam. The merits of one Rama Ekadashi Vrat are equivalent to one hundred Rajasuya Yagyas or one thousand Ashvamedha Yagyas. Those who wholeheartedly worship Lord Vishnu are blessed with wealth, health, and prosperity, and their heartfelt wishes are fulfilled by the divine deity.
