Apara Ekadashi Vrat 2020
Apara Ekadashi is auspicious day its being observed on 18th May Monday Krushna Paksha of the Jyeshtha month
this year.Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi bestows their blessings on people who observe fast on this day. Cucumber / kakadi is offered in Bhog Samagri to provide sheetalta to Shri Thakurji .
Scriptures say that keeping a fast on Apara Ekadashi bestows fame, blessings and riches upon the devotee and also absolves him of grave sins. Apara Ekadashi is called so as it brings Apaar blessing. Some people observe fast without food as well as water, therefore it is also called Ajalaa Ekadashi – waterless fasting Ekadashi.
Apara Ekadashi fasting
The fast of the Ekadashi starts from Dashami and continues till Dwadashi. The person observing fasting on this day must wake up early in the morning and bath with Ganga water and wear clean clothes in order to start the fasting. It must be noted that people observing the fast should not take food after sunset. Also, the person must eat satvik food on the eve of Apara Ekadashi.
In Apara Ekadashi, clean the spot of worship and then bathe the idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with Ganges water. Offer flowers, betel nuts, coconut, etc, to the idol of Lord Vishnu. After this, pray to Lord Vishnu in order to fulfil all your wishes. Also light lamp in front of the idol of Lord Vishnu in the evening. Donating food to Brahmins is considered sacred on this day. Distribute the Prasad to the people after worshipping.
You must keep in mind that the person observing the fast must not sleep till late hours. Also, refrain from using onion or garlic in your meal on an auspicious day. Avoid eating rice on the day. Rather, eat it the next day i.e on Dwadashi and open the fasting on the next day in Paran Muhurta.