Ekadashi in August 2025: Know the Dates, Timings and Divine Significance of Putrada and Aja Ekadashi

When the rivers of the mind, tired from the world's clamor, grow calm, a small lamp of faith illuminates the soul's path. In the Hindu almanac, every eleventh day (Ekadashi) is such an occasion where devotees endeavor to connect their soul with the divine through fasting and worship. This is not merely a fast but a sacred observance of self-discipline, purification and seeking the grace of Shri Hari Vishnu.

This day is dedicated to receiving the grace of Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi. Devotees who observe the Ekadashi fast with complete faith and adherence to its rules find their lives filled with happiness, peace and prosperity. The month of August 2025 is especially significant in this regard as it features two highly meritorious Ekadashis: Putrada Ekadashi and Aja Ekadashi. Let us explore these sacred dates, their auspicious timings and the rules of the fast in detail.

August 2025: Ekadashi Vrat Dates and Timings

Name of the Vrat	Date of the Vrat	Ekadashi Tithi Timing	Parana (Time to break the fast)
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi	Tuesday, August 5 2025	Begins: 11:41 AM on August 4 Ends: 01:12 PM on August 5	After sunrise on August 6
Aja Ekadashi	Tuesday, August 19 2025	Begins: 05:22 PM on August 18 Ends: 03:32 PM on August 19	After sunrise on August 20

How to Observe the Ekadashi Vrat?

The Ekadashi fast is not a single day's affair but a spiritual discipline that spans three days.

• Dashami Tithi (The day before the fast): On this day, the observer should consume a single, light and Sattvic (pure) meal before sunset. One should keep the mind calm and prepare oneself for the next day's fast.
• Ekadashi Tithi (The day of the fast): On this day, there is a complete abstention from all foods and grains from sunrise until the next day's sunrise. Devotees may observe a fast on Phalahar (fruits, milk, nuts) according to their capacity. Most of the day should be spent in meditation on Lord Vishnu, chanting his mantras and singing devotional songs (bhajans and kirtans). The primary mantra is:
  • Sanskrit: ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
  • Transliteration: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
  • Meaning: "I bow to the Supreme Being, Vasudeva (an epithet for Lord Vishnu)."
• Dwadashi Tithi (The day of Parana): After sunrise, the fast is broken (Parana) within the auspicious time frame. It is essential to pay special attention to the Parana time, as breaking the fast at the correct moment ensures the full rewards of the observance.

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi: The Boon of Progeny

(Tuesday, August 5 2025)

This Ekadashi, which falls in the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Shravana month, is believed to bestow fruits true to its name. For couples who desire a child, this fast is nothing short of a blessing. It is believed that by worshiping Lord Vishnu with complete devotion and observing this fast, one is blessed with a worthy and healthy child and good fortune descends upon the family. This year, the formation of Ravi Yoga and Bhadravasa Yoga on Putrada Ekadashi further enhances its auspiciousness. These yogas are considered highly fruitful for worship, prayer and spiritual progress.

Aja Ekadashi: The Path to Liberation from Sins

(Tuesday, August 19 2025)

This Ekadashi, occurring in the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month, is also known as 'Annada Ekadashi'. The scriptures describe its significance, stating that this fast liberates a person from the known and unknown sins of their past and present lives. This observance is a powerful means of purifying the soul. Devotees who observe this fast and worship with sincerity are not only freed from worldly bonds but also advance on the path to Moksha (liberation).

A Festival of Soulful Purification

The Ekadashi fast is not just a means to fulfill material desires but a grand festival of spiritual and mental purification. Fasting on this day helps detoxify the body and the mind becomes filled with pure, Sattvic thoughts. Through the combined grace of Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi, a flow of happiness, peace and prosperity enters the life of the observer. This sacred day provides a divine opportunity to step away from the worldly hustle and connect with the self and the Supreme.