Mokshada Ekadashi is a sacred Ekadashi falling in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Margashirsha month. In 2025, this fast will be observed on Monday, December 1st. Worshipping Lord Vishnu, observing a fast, and performing acts of charity on this day are believed to absolve one of sins and lead to liberation (moksha). Scriptures state that the merit gained from observing this fast benefits not only the individual but also their ancestors, helping them attain a higher realm.
What is Mokshada Ekadashi?
Mokshada Ekadashi in Sanatan Dharma is observed on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha (Agahan). This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds special religious significance.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025 Date, Time
Mokshada Ekadashi in 2025 will be observed on Monday, 1 December 2025.
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 30 November 2025, at 09:31 P.M
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 01 December 2025, at 07:02 P.M
• Fasting Parana Time: 02 December 2025, after sunrise
The Story of Mokshada Ekadashi
This is a tale from ancient times. In the beautiful Champak Nagar, adorned with Vaishnav devotion, there lived a king named Baikhanas. He cared for his subjects like his own children. While ruling his kingdom, one night the king saw his ancestors suffering in lower realms in a dream. Witnessing them in such a state caused him great distress. The next morning, he narrated the entire dream to the Brahmins.
The king said, “O Brahmins! I saw my ancestors fallen into hell. They were crying out to me repeatedly, saying that I am their son and I must rescue them from this ocean of hell. O Brahmins! I have seen my ancestors in such a form, and I cannot find peace. Please tell me about that vow, penance, or yoga which can immediately liberate my ancestors from hell.”
The Brahmins replied, “Nearby, there is the hermitage of the sage Parvat. He is a knower of the past and the future. O King, you should go to him.”
Hearing the Brahmins, the king quickly proceeded to the hermitage of Sage Parvat. Seeing the sage, he offered full prostration. The sage inquired about the welfare of the kingdom. The king replied, “By your grace, everything is well, but I have seen my ancestors suffering in the hellish worlds in a dream. Please tell me by what merit they can be freed from such torment.”
Hearing the king, Sage Parvat told him that by observing the fast of ‘Mokshada Ekadashi’ which falls in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Margashirsha, the ancestors can be liberated. The sage explained to the king in detail the method and significance of this fast.
After hearing this, the king returned to his palace. When the auspicious month of Margashirsha arrived, the king observed the fast of Mokshada Ekadashi as instructed by the sage and offered the merit earned to his father and ancestors. As soon as he did so, flowers began to rain from the sky. His father and all the ancestors were freed from hell and, ascending to the heavens, they said these sacred words to the king, “Son! May you be blessed.” Saying this, they departed for heaven.
One who observes the auspicious fast of Mokshada Ekadashi in this manner is freed from all sins and attains liberation after death. This Moksha-bestowing ‘Mokshada’, also known as ‘Utpatti’ or ‘Utpanna Ekadashi’, is like a Chintamani (a mythical gem that fulfills all desires) for human beings, fulfilling all their wishes. Reading and listening to its significance yields the result of performing a Vajapeya Yajna, meaning all of one’s desires are fulfilled.
Mokshada Ekadashi 2025: Rituals
On the auspicious day of Dashami in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Margashirsha, take a morning bath with a heart full of devotion. Then, during midday, eat only once with a focused mind, and sleep on the ground at night. At the end of the night, when the dawn is pure and bright, perform your daily duties and take a bath on the day of Ekadashi.
After this, with devotion, take the vow of fasting while chanting the following mantra:
Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogavivarjitah.
Shvo Bhokshaye Bhavachyut in Pundarikaksha Sharanam.
O lotus-eyed Lord Narayana! Today I will remain without food, giving up all pleasures, and I shall eat tomorrow. O Achyuta! Please grant me your refuge.
Then, worship Lord Narayana with incense, fragrance, and other offerings, and stay awake in vigil near the Lord during the night. After sunrise on Dwadashi, once again worship Lord Hari with devotion.
Thereafter, offer food to Brahmins and then, along with your brothers, relatives, grandchildren, and sons, eat in silence.
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https://www.sanatanjyoti.com/articles/mokshada-ekadashi-2025-77
