Legend
In ancient times, there lived a king who successfully ruled his kingdom. He had abundance of everything because he was a very spiritual and devout man.Once, a great sage descended from heaven and told the king that his father could not get to heaven because of the sins he had committed in his past life. He also said that if the king observed the sacred Indira Ekadashi fast, his father would be able to enter the heavenly abode.So the king did so; on the day of the fast, he, his relatives and servants observed Ekadashi. When the fast ended, flowers fell from the sky and the king saw his father ascending to the heavenly abode on the back of an eagle.
Benefits
From a spiritual point of view, those who observe Indira Ekadashi free their ancestors from hell. From a physiological point of view, the benefits of observing Indira Ekadashi are as follows: a vacuum is created in the digestive tract under the influence of hunger, counteracting the lunar attraction, and upon exiting the fast the next day, there is a powerful removal of toxins from the body.
List of prohibited foods
- Legumes
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggplants
- Cabbage
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Tomatoes and tomato sauces
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Asafoetida
- Sea salt
- Vegetable oil (except olive oil)
- Honey Fried and fatty foods should not be eaten immediately after the end of the fast.
List of permitted foods
- Fruits
- Dried fruits
- Vegetables and root vegetables (except beets)
- Dairy products
- Nuts (except betel nuts)
- Water
Taking homeopathic medicines is not considered a violation of the fast.
Contraindications
- It is not advisable for children under 8 years old to observe Ekadashi.2. Ekadashi is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, the sick, and people with health problems. They are prescribed spiritual work: donations, chanting, reading sacred books.3. Ekadashi should not be observed if diagnosed:
Entry and Exit Time for Different Cities
Indira Ekadashi is an auspicious day observed by Vaishnavas and devotees of Lord Vishnu, dedicated to spiritual cleansing and seeking blessings for ancestors (Pitru Paksha). Fasting on this day is believed to liberate ancestors’ souls and purify the devotee. Observing the fast properly with accurate start and break times is essential.
How to Observe Indira Ekadashi
- Begin fasting at sunset on the day of Ekadashi (September 17, 2025).
- Abstain from grains, beans, and certain foods as per traditional customs.
- Devote time for prayers, meditation, and reading Ekadashi vrat katha.
- Break the fast during the Parana time window the next morning after sunrise.
What to Eat and Avoid
- Eat light, sattvic foods such as fruits, milk, and dairy products before sunrise on Ekadashi.
- Avoid grains (rice, wheat), beans (lentils, peas), onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
- Traditionally, water intake can be limited or avoided during the fast depending on the strictness one follows.
Entry and Exit Time for Different US Cities (Eastern to Pacific Time Zones)
| City | Entry (Start Fasting) | Exit (Break Fast - Parana Time) |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | September 17, 2025, evening (sunset) | September 18, 6:12 AM to 8:38 AM EDT |
| Chicago, IL | September 17, 2025, evening (sunset) | September 18, 5:12 AM to 7:38 AM CDT |
| Denver, CO | September 17, 2025, evening (sunset) | September 18, 4:12 AM to 6:38 AM MDT |
| Los Angeles, CA | September 17, 2025, evening (sunset) | September 18, 3:12 AM to 5:38 AM PDT |
| Anchorage, AK | September 17, 2025, evening (sunset) | September 18, 2:12 AM to 4:38 AM AKDT |
| Honolulu, HI | September 17, 2025, evening (sunset) | September 18, 12:12 AM to 2:38 AM HST |
This table provides precise local times for starting and breaking the fast in important US cities across different time zones. Following correct timing honors the spiritual significance of Indira Ekadashi.
