Rama Ekadashi 2024: Puja timing, rituals, and significance

Rama Ekadashi, observed this year on October 28, is a sacred day when devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Find the auspicious muhurta timings here.

Rama Ekadashi, celebrated on the eleventh day of Kartik month during Krishna Paksha, is revered as one of the most auspicious Ekadashis in Hindu tradition. Known alternatively as Rambha Ekadashi or Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, this sacred day typically falls four days before Diwali. This year, as per the Drik Panchang, the observance of Rama Ekadashi Vrat will occur on October 28, providing devotees a significant opportunity to seek spiritual purification and absolution of sins.

RAMA EKADASHI 2024: DATE AND TIMINGS

The auspicious occasion of Rama Ekadashi will be celebrated across India with fervour on October 28, 2024, according to the Vedic calendar. For those observing the vrat, here are the key timings:

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: October 27 at 5:23 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: October 28 at 7:50 AM
• Parana (fast-breaking) Muhurat: October 29, from 5:55 AM to 8:13 AM, with Parana Day Dwadashi concluding at 10:31 AM.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMA EKADASHI

According to Hindu scriptures, observing the Rama Ekadashi fast offers a powerful way for devotees to absolve sins from past and present lives, paving the way to salvation.

Known to be especially prominent in regions like Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, it aligns with their respective lunar calendars' Ashwina or Ashwayuja months.

Rama Ekadashi holds special spiritual weight, as it is believed that worshiping Lord Vishnu with devotion on this day brings blessings of prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.

RITUALS AND OBSERVANCE

The day begins with devotees taking a ritualistic holy bath early in the morning. After dressing in clean attire, they perform puja with unwavering devotion, often pledging to uphold righteousness throughout the day.

As part of the puja, idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are installed, and devotees light oil lamps (diyas) as a mark of devotion. Offerings, such as sweets, fresh flowers, and vermilion, are made, and panchamrit (a holy mixture of five ingredients) and tulsi leaves (tulsi patra) are presented, as these items are believed to be particularly pleasing to Lord Vishnu.