Aja Ekadashi, also known as Annada Ekadashi is being observed today on 19th August. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu on Ekadashi, by observing a fast and donating special items.
It’s believed that observing this fast brings peace and happiness to life, and with Lord Vishnu’s blessings, pending work gets completed. According to Drik Panchang, “On Dwadashi, one should serve food to the Brahmin first. Those are unable to serve the cooked food should donate raw materials for Brahmin Bhoja on a decorated plate directly in the temple or to a deserving Brahmin. Parana is prohibited during Hari Vasara.”
Therefore, make sure to break the Aja Ekadashi fast on the next day, on Dwadashi.
Aja Ekadashi 2025 Auspicious Timings
According to the Vedic calendar, Aja Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Bhadrapad month, and is being celebrated today.
- Start of Krishna Paksha Ekadashi in Bhadrapad month: 18 August at 5:22 PM
- End of Krishna Paksha Ekadashi in Bhadrapad month: 19 August at 3:32 PM
Aja Ekadashi 2025 Vrat Parana Timings
The fast is broken on the following day, Dwadashi. It is believed that if the fast is not broken properly, the devotee does not receive the full benefit of the fast. Therefore, break the fast during the auspicious time and make donations according to your devotion. Donating food or money is believed to fill life with abundance and bring positive results.
The timing for breaking the fast on 20 August is from 5:15 AM to 7:49 AM. Devotees should break the fast during this period.
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha
According to the mythological story, King Harishchandra was known for his truthfulness. At one point in his life, he lost his entire kingdom. In difficult circumstances, his wife and son were separated from him. He then lived as a humble chandal (servant).
Once, King Harishchandra was sitting very sorrowful when Sage Gautam passed by. Seeing the king’s sadness, the sage asked the reason.
The king shared his troubles with Sage Gautam. The sage advised him to observe the Aja Ekadashi fast during Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapad month. Following this guidance, King Harishchandra observed the fast with proper rituals and worshipped Lord Vishnu.
Religious belief holds that by observing this fast, King Harishchandra was freed from all sins, and he regained his family and kingdom. After his death, he attained Vaikuntha. According to ISKCON Desire Tree, “When King Harishchandra left the planet, his relatives and all his subjects too, went with him to the spiritual world.”