Mokshada Ekadashi मोक्षदा एकादशी
Margashirsha Shukla Paksha • Ekadashi
Also known as: Vaikuntha Ekadashi (in some traditions), Gita Jayanti
Story — Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi
On this day, Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Hence Gita Jayanti. The vrat grants moksha (liberation) — to oneself and to seven generations of ancestors.
Benefit
Moksha (liberation from samsara); benefit transfers to ancestors; Gita-shravana merit
Special Note
Reading or listening to the Bhagavad Gita on this day is considered the highest spiritual practice. Geeta Jayanti is celebrated grandly at Kurukshetra.
Vrat Vidhi (Procedure)
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1
Dashami Eve Preparation
On the day before Ekadashi (Dashami), eat only one satvik meal before sunset. Avoid grains, lentils, onion, garlic, masala. Sleep early after a clean bath.
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2
Ekadashi Sankalpa at Sunrise
Wake before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta is best). Take bath, wear clean clothes (preferably yellow or white). Stand facing east, hold water and tulsi leaves in your right hand, take sankalpa (vow): 'Today I observe [Name] Ekadashi vrat for the welfare of all beings and to please Lord Vishnu.' Release water on the ground.
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3
Ekadashi Day Practice
Maintain fasting per your tier: Nirjala (without water — for the strong), Phalahar (fruits, milk, water — most common), or Saatvik (one fruit-and-milk meal at noon). No grains, beans, lentils, masala. Spend the day in Vishnu-naam japa, reading Bhagavad Gita / Vishnu Sahasranama, or temple visit.
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4
Evening Vishnu Puja
Light a ghee lamp before Vishnu (or Krishna/Rama/Shaligram) image. Offer tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, fruits, panchamrit. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or read one chapter of Bhagavad Gita. Aarti.
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5
Dwadashi Parana
Break the fast next morning (Dwadashi) at the prescribed parana time — ideally after sunrise within the parana window (typically the first quarter of Dwadashi). Begin with tulsi water, then a satvik meal. Donate food, clothes, or money before eating yourself. Never break Ekadashi vrat after the parana window closes — wait till next day.
Mantras
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