Know the details about the Apara Ekadashi Pooja Procedure Items List Prasdam Recipe, Apara Ekadashi Pooja Procedure at Home Step by Step
Apara Ekadashi Pooja: Step-by-Step Procedure, Timings, Items List, Prasadam Recipe, Story, and Importance
Apara Ekadashi is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed by Hindus to seek his blessings and cleanse themselves of sins. This article provides a detailed guide on the pooja procedure, timings, items list, prasadam recipe, story, importance, and essential information about Apara Ekadashi.
Apara Ekadashi Pooja Procedure Items List Prasdam Recipe
Pooja Procedure
Observing Apara Ekadashi involves several steps. Below is a step-by-step guide to performing the pooja:
Preparation
- Clean the House: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the house, especially the pooja room.
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean, traditional clothes.
- Gather Pooja Items: Collect all necessary items for the pooja.
Setting Up the Altar
- Place an Idol or Picture: Set up an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu on a clean altar.
- Decorate with Flowers: Adorn the altar with fresh flowers and garlands.
- Light Lamps and Incense: Light oil lamps (diya) and incense sticks to create a divine ambiance.
Performing the Pooja
- Chant Mantras and Shlokas: Begin by chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama or other Vishnu mantras.
- Offer Flowers and Tulsi Leaves: Offer fresh flowers and tulsi leaves to the deity.
- Apply Kumkum and Turmeric: Apply kumkum and turmeric to the idol or picture.
- Recite Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Read or listen to the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha to understand the significance of the day.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the pooja with an aarti, singing hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu while waving camphor or a lamp in front of the deity.
Fasting and Charity
- Observe a Fast: Fast throughout the day, abstaining from grains and cereals. You may consume fruits, milk, and water.
- Break the Fast: Break the fast the next day, on Dwadashi, after performing the morning rituals.
- Engage in Charity: Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy as part of the observance.
Timings
- Ekadashi Tithi Starts: The exact start time varies each year. For Apara Ekadashi 2024, it begins at 04:00 PM on May 25, 2024.
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: It ends at 05:30 PM on May 26, 2024.
- Pooja and Fasting: Perform the pooja during the day of Ekadashi and observe fasting until the next morning.
Items List
- Idol/Picture of Lord Vishnu
- Oil Lamps (Diya)
- Camphor
- Incense Sticks
- Fresh Flowers and Garlands
- Tulsi Leaves
- Kumkum and Turmeric
- Fruits
- Coconut
- Holy Water
- Rice
Prasadam Recipe: Banana Halwa
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: 4
- Ghee: 4 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped Nuts: 2 tablespoons (optional)
Procedure
- Mash the Bananas: Peel and mash the bananas into a smooth paste.
- Heat Ghee: In a pan, heat the ghee over medium flame.
- Cook Bananas: Add the mashed bananas to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Season with Cardamom: Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
- Offer as Prasadam: Once cool, offer the halwa as prasadam to Lord Vishnu.
Story of Apara Ekadashi
According to legend, King Mahidhwaj was killed by his jealous brother, Vajradhwaj. The king’s spirit haunted a peepal tree until Sage Dhaumya performed rituals to liberate it. On Apara Ekadashi, the sage advised the spirit to observe the fast and worship Lord Vishnu. Following the sage’s advice, the king’s soul attained salvation.
Importance of Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi holds immense spiritual significance:
- Spiritual Cleansing: Observing the fast is believed to cleanse one’s soul and absolve sins.
- Attain Moksha: Devotees believe that observing Apara Ekadashi can help attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu: Worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day brings his blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Things to Know
- Avoid Certain Foods: Refrain from consuming grains, rice, and lentils on Ekadashi.
- Maintain Purity: Ensure personal and environmental cleanliness during the observance.
- Devote Time to Prayer: Spend time in meditation, prayer, and reading scriptures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of fasting on Apara Ekadashi? A: Fasting on Apara Ekadashi is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual benefits.
Q: Can children and elderly people observe the fast? A: Yes, but they should opt for a milder version of the fast, such as consuming fruits and milk.
Q: Are there specific mantras to chant on this day? A: Devotees often recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Chalisa, and the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Q: Can non-Hindus participate in the celebrations? A: Yes, non-Hindus can participate and learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival.
Q: Is it necessary to visit a temple on Apara Ekadashi? A: Visiting a temple is beneficial but not mandatory. You can perform the rituals at home.
Apara Ekadashi is a deeply spiritual day that offers devotees an opportunity to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings and purify their souls. By observing the fast and engaging in rituals with devotion, one can experience spiritual growth and inner peace.