Indira
Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month of
September/October. The Indira Ekadasi Vrat Katha is mentioned in the
Brahmavaivarta Purana. The story of this Ekadashi fasting was narrated to
Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna. This Ekadasi falls during the Pitru Paksha Shradh period
and therefore observing it is considered apt for redemption of sins of one’s
own and that of forefathers.
Once there
lived a powerful, honest and popular king named Indrasena. He was an ardent
devotee of Lord Vishnu. Once Sage Narada visited King Indrasena and mentioned
about his visit to the abode of Lord Yama, the Hindu God of death.
At the
abode of Lord Yama, Sage Narada found the father of King Indrasena. He had not
got moksha and was living in the house of Yamraj. The father of Indrasena asked
Sage Narada to ask his son to observe Indira Ekadasi so that he will escape
from the house of Yama and attain Moksha and reach the feet of Lord Vishnu.
Indrasena
immediately agreed to observe Indira Ekadasi for his father and asked Sage
Narada to guide him in observing the Ekadasi fasting. Sage Narada explained to
the King on how to observe Indira Ekadasi.
The day
before Ekadasi one should perform Shradh rites and rituals for dead ancestors
and parents. On the day one should only take a single meal.
On the
Ekadasi day it is a complete fast. At noon, one should pray for the wellbeing
of the ancestors and for their souls to rest in peace. Devotees do not sleep
during the night and stay awake by chanting prayers or listening to stories of
Lord Vishnu.
The next
day after morning prayers, the fast is broken by eating with family members.
As a result
of observing Indira Ekadasi, father of King Indrasena got Moksha and reached
the abode of Lord Vishnu.