Apara Ekadashi Shri Narayana Seva

Ekadashi, observed on the 11th day of both the waxing and waning lunar phases, holds deep spiritual significance in Sanatana Dharma. It is a sacred day dedicated to worshipping Bhagwan Vishnu, when devotees observe fasting, prayer, and self-discipline to purify the body, mind, and soul. According to legend, Ekadashi, personified as a divine energy, emerged from Bhagwan Vishnu to destroy sins and grant liberation. Observing Ekadashi is said to wash away past karmas, grant inner peace, and accelerate one’s spiritual evolution. Fasting on this day enhances sattvic (pure) qualities, controls desires, and aligns the devotee with divine consciousness. The merit earned on Ekadashi is believed to surpass that of even grand yajnas (sacrifices), making it one of the most potent observances to seek Bhagwan Vishnu’s grace, material blessings, and ultimately moksha (liberation).

The Story (Katha) of Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June). The term "Apara" means "limitless", signifying the vast, immeasurable spiritual merit one earns by observing this Ekadashi.

According to the Padma Purana, Bhagwan Krishna narrated the story of Apara Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira:

In ancient times, there lived a sinful king named Mahidhwaj. Despite his burden of wrongdoings, he had a younger brother named Vajradhwaj who was jealous and wicked. One day, out of envy, Vajradhwaj killed King Mahidhwaj and buried his body under a peepal tree in the forest.

The soul of Mahidhwaj became a restless ghost (preta), haunted by his bad karma. A devout sage named Dhondu Rishi was passing through the forest. With his spiritual powers, he sensed the presence of the suffering spirit and, filled with compassion, performed the rituals of Apara Ekadashi on behalf of the restless soul.

As a result of this observance, the ghost was liberated from its tormented state and attained peace and salvation.

This story emphasizes the power of Apara Ekadashi to absolve even the gravest sins and liberate one from suffering. Apara Ekadashi is a golden spiritual opportunity for inner transformation. Whether you seek redemption, peace for ancestors, or deeper spiritual growth — this sacred day can guide you toward divine light.

Benefits of Observing Apara Ekadashi

• Freedom from Sins (Paap Mukti): Even severe karmic burdens are alleviated.
• Mental Clarity & Peace: Fasting and prayers enhance focus, calm, and awareness.
• Health Benefits: Ekadashi fasting improves digestion and detoxifies the body.
• Spiritual Upliftment: The devotee’s heart becomes more aligned with dharma and devotion.
• Liberation of Ancestors: Performing pitra tarpan or prayers for departed souls on this day grants them peace.
• Blessings of Bhagwan Vishnu: As Shri Vishnu is the presiding deity of Ekadashi, his grace brings protection and prosperity.

How to Observe Apara Ekadashi

• Fasting: Complete or partial (phalahar - fruits/milk only) fast from sunrise to next day's sunrise.
• Worship Bhagwan Vishnu: Offer tulsi leaves, chant Vishnu Sahasranama, and light a ghee lamp.
• Charity: Donate clothes, food, and money to the needy for immense merit.
• Avoid Negativity: No violence, lies, or indulgence. Maintain purity of thoughts and speech.

JyotirGamaya will be conducting Vishesha Ekadashi sevas to Bhagwan Shri Mahavishnu along with Sridevi and Bhudevi on this sacred day of Ekadashi, when the divine energies are at their peak.

Experience the Divine—Wherever You Are!

Detaild Seva Description

Sevakarthas can now book any or all of these sacred Ekadashi Sevas online and participate in the divine celebrations from the comfort of their own homes. Witness the LIVE Sevas directly from the Temple, feel the vibrations of the sacred chants, and receive the divine blessings of Bhagwan Shri Mahavishnu, Sridevi, and Bhudevi—no matter where you are in the world.

Whether you're near or far, let devotion transcend distance.

Participate. Experience. Be Blessed.

Below is the significance and benefits of each of the sevas:

1. Panchamrut Abhisheka

Ritual bath with five nectars: milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar

Significance:

• Symbolizes purification and sanctification of the deity.
• The five nectars represent the five elements (Pancha Mahabhutas), harmonizing the devotee with nature and divinity.
• It is said to cool the body and mind of the deity and of the devotee as well, spiritually aligning their energies.

Benefits:

• Cleanses the karmas of the devotee performing or sponsoring it.
• Bestows health, wealth, and longevity.
• Brings emotional stability and spiritual progress.
• It purifies the heart and mind, making it a perfect start to the Ekadashi rituals.

2. Tulasi Mala Samarpan & Tulasi Archana Seva

Offering a garland of sacred Tulasi leaves and performing archana with Tulasi.

Significance:

• Tulasi is considered the most beloved to Bhagwan Vishnu; she is his consort in divine form.
• Offering Tulasi is equivalent to offering millions of gold coins in spiritual merit.
• Archana with Tulasi multiplies the blessings manifold on Ekadashi.

Benefits:

• Destroys sins and grants punya (spiritual merit).
• Protects from misfortunes, negativity, and health issues.
• Helps in removal of obstacles, both material and spiritual.
• Strengthens devotion (Bhakti Yoga) and purifies the heart chakra.

3. Alankara Seva with Fresh Fragrant Flowers including Tulasi & Lotus

Significance:

• Alankara (decoration) is not just for beauty — it is an expression of love and devotion. Bhagwan Vishnu is said to be “Alankara Priya” (fond of decoration).
• Lotus is the symbol of purity, detachment, and divine birth (Bhagwan Vishnu resides on the lotus of universal consciousness).
• Fresh flowers represent the devotee’s fresh, pure intentions offered to the Lord.

Benefits:

• Pleases the Divine and invites grace into the devotee’s home and heart.
• Brings joy, inner peace, and harmonizes relationships.
• Helps in removal of inner impurities - ego, pride, jealousy, etc.
• Enhances the spiritual atmosphere around the devotee.

4. Maha Mangalarti

Grand aarti performed with deep devotion, usually involving ghee lamps, camphor, and music

Significance:

• Mangalarti means invoking the auspicious presence of the Divine.
• It is the culmination of the worship, symbolizing the Bhagwan showering his blessings back upon the devotees.
• The flame represents divine knowledge, removing darkness (ignorance).

Benefits:

• Fills the devotee with positive energy, removing fears and doubts.
• Invokes the presence of all gods and goddesses, as they are believed to attend a full-hearted aarti.
• Ensures protection and prosperity for the family.
• Deepens the spiritual connection with Vishnu, Sridevi, and Bhudevi in that moment.

5. Vishnu Sahasranama Patan

Recitation of the 1,000 holy names of Shri Vishnu

Significance:

• One of the most powerful spiritual practices in Sanatana Dharma.
• Each name reflects a different divine quality of Bhagwan Vishnu.
• It is said in the Mahabharata that chanting Vishnu Sahasranama is the most effective path to liberation (moksha).

Benefits:

• Destroys sins and past karmas.
• Grants inner peace, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
• Protects from dangers, diseases, and enemies.
• Strengthens the power of the soul (Atma Bal) and promotes spiritual awakening.
• Creates a shield of divine protection around the devotee.

6. Naivedya (Bhog) offering of coconut & fruits

Offering Naivedya or Bhog to Bhagwan Shri Mahavishnu along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, especially on Ekadashi, is an essential and sacred part of seva. Each item offered carries deep symbolic meaning and spiritual benefits. On Ekadashi, grains and heavy food are avoided even for Naivedya, since it's a day of sattvic elevation. Hence, fruits, dry fruits, and coconut are the most appropriate offerings  - aligning with both scriptural guidance and energetic purity.

Significance:

• Coconut (Sriphala – the Divine Fruit):Coconut is known as "Shriphala", meaning "fruit of the gods".
  Symbolizes self-surrender — the hard shell (ego) is broken to offer the pure white heart (the soul) to the Lord.
  It represents purity, prosperity, and spiritual awakening.
  In many traditions, coconut is offered before any auspicious beginning and is also placed atop Kalash during Vishnu puja.
• Fruits:Fruits are considered natural sattvic offerings - pure, nourishing, and given in their most natural form.
  They symbolize the fruit of our actions (karma phala) being surrendered to God.
  Fruits represent gratitude and humble acknowledgment of the Bhagwan as the provider of all nourishment.

Generally the below Fruits are offered for Naivedya on Ekadashi:

• Bananas (symbol of humility and fertility)
• Pomegranate (symbol of auspiciousness and prosperity)
• Apple or Pear (symbolic of sweetness and clarity)
• Grapes or Dates (for divine sweetness and long life)
• Dry fruits like almonds, raisins, and cashews (symbolize strength and richness)

Powerful Blessings from Combined Sevas on Ekadashi

When all these sevas are performed together on Ekadashi to Bhagwan Vishnu along with Sridevi and Bhudevi:

• Body gets purified through fasting and Abhisheka.
• Mind gets stabilized through Tulasi offerings and Sahasranama.
• Heart gets elevated through Alankara and Aarti.
• Soul aligns with divine through devotion and surrender.