Apara Ekadasi is observed during the Krishna Paksha (second fortnight) of the month Vaisakha masam. Importance and significance of Apara Ekadasi was explained by Lord Sri Krsihna to Yudhistira (Dharma raj). Apara Ekadasi is also called as Vaishak Vadi Ekadashi or Achala Ekadashi.
When is Apara Ekadasi observed?
Apara Ekadasi is observed on Vaisakha masa Krishna Paksha Ekadasi. In 2020, Apara Ekadasi falls on May 18. It falls in Krishna Paksha of Jyeshta month as per North Indian Hindi calendars.
Importance and Significance of Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi mahatmyam was explained in the Brahmanda Purana. Observance of Apara Ekadashi fasting cleanses all sins of the performer and makes him/her free from all the bonds in the life.
It is believed that the performers of Apara Ekadashi will get the merits which are equal to – performing three times ritual bath in Pushkar Kshetra in Kartika masam, performing ritual bath in Prayag at in the month of Magha masam at Mesha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Capricorn), worshipping Lord Shiva in Varanasi, offering tharpan to forefathers at Gaya, performing ritual bath in the sacred Gautami river at the time of Simha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Leo) and etc.