Aja Ekadashi 2024: Date, time, significance, puja rituals, and mantras

Aja Ekadashi, observed on August 29, 2024, is one of the most significant days in the Hindu religion, dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu. Falling on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, the day is marked by devotees fasting and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu with great devotion and faith. The Ekadashi Tithi begins on August 29, 2024, at 01:19 AM and ends on August 30, 2024, at 01:37 AM. The Parana, or the time to break the fast, is scheduled from 07:49 AM to 08:01 AM on August 30, 2024.

Ekadashi holds immense religious significance among Hindus and is dedicated entirely to the worship of Lord Vishnu. This specific Ekadashi is also known as Ananda Ekadashi. There are two Ekadashi observances each month, and this instance is known as Aja Ekadashi.

Devotees believe that fasting on this day with sincere devotion can bless them with happiness, good health, wealth, prosperity, and the fulfillment of all their wishes. The fast on Aja Ekadashi is considered so powerful that it is said to provide the same benefits as performing an Ashwamedha Yagya.


According to Hindu scriptures, King Harishchandra, known for his honesty, once observed this fast. Due to some past bad karmas, he lost his family and kingdom and had to wander in the forest. Rishi Gautam then told him about the Aja Ekadashi fast and its miraculous effects. Following all the rituals, King Harishchandra observed the fast and eventually regained his family and kingdom. Since then, he began observing the fast on every Ekadashi.

The rituals for Aja Ekadashi start with waking up early in the morning and taking a holy bath. An idol of Lord Vishnu, along with a Shree Yantra, is placed on a wooden plank, and a diya is lit with desi ghee. Devotees then offer flowers or a garland, put Chandan tilak, and offer Tulsi Patra. Panchamrit, Tulsi Patra, fruits, and homemade sweets like Makhana kheer are also offered to Lord Vishnu.

Devotees recite the Aja Ekadashi Katha and chant various mantras throughout the day.

"Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye..!!"

"Ram Ram Raameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane..!!"

"Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare..!!"

Ekadashi fast can be broken on Dwadashi Tithi. However, devotees who are unable to bear the hunger can break their fast by consuming milk products and fruits, and they can properly break their fast the next day by eating rice and other salty food items. The day concludes with chanting Aarti and distributing Panchamrit among all the family members.

The faithful observance of Aja Ekadashi is believed to bring about numerous blessings from Lord Vishnu, making it an auspicious occasion for devotees.