Ekadashi in August 2025: Don’t Miss These Auspicious Dates, Tithi & Shubh Fasting Timings

Ekadashi is a highly respected day in the Sanatan Dharma tradition. It is a spiritually meaningful time devoted to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

Ekadashi is a special day that comes twice in every lunar month and is very important for followers of Sanatan Dharma. It is devoted to Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi. On this day, many worship, take part in spiritual activities, and fast to ask for worldly relief, prosperity, and peace. In August 2025, two important Ekadashis are Aja Ekadashi, and Putrada Ekadashi. Both are spiritually important and offer devotees an opportunity to draw nearer to God through fasting and worship.

The Meaning Behind Ekadashi

The word "Ekadashi" means "eleven" in Sanskrit. It is the name for the eleventh day of the lunar month. This happens twice in each month — once during the waxing moon (called Shukla Paksha) and once during the waning moon (called Krishna Paksha). On these days, people fast, pray, and spend time in meditation and self-reflection.

In Sanatan Dharma, people believe that observing Ekadashi helps clean the body and also lifts the spirit. The Padma Purana says this clearly.

यो भक्त्या एकादश्यां विष्णुं पूजयति स सर्वपापैः मोक्तः विष्णुलोकं प्राप्नोति।

“He who worships Lord Vishnu on Ekadashi with devotion shall be freed from all sins and attain the abode of Vishnu.”

August 2025: Important Ekadashi Dates & Ritual Timings

Putrada Ekadashi (4–5 August 2025)

Putrada Ekadashi, which literally means “giver of sons,” falls after Dashami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan. The Ekadashi day starts at 11:41 AM on August 4th and ends at 1:12 PM on August 5th. People fast on August 5th. This Ekadashi is very special for couples who want to have children. It is a time full of hope and blessings from the divine for them.

Vedic astrologers say that this day has special good signs called Ravi Yoga and Bhadra Vaas Yoga. Worshipping Lakshmi Narayan during Ravi Yoga is believed to bring good health, happiness, and success. In the Sanatan tradition, devotees are encouraged to do puja with a pure heart, chant mantras from the Vishnu Shastra, and fast sincerely.

Aja Ekadashi (18–19 August 2025)

Aja Ekadashi also known as Annada Ekadashi, happens after the tenth day (Dashami) of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the Bhadrapada month. This Ekadashi starts at 5:22 PM on August 18th and ends at 3:32 PM on August 19th. People fast on August 19th.

This day is especially potent for cleansing past karmic sins. The Sanatan teachings tell us that a fast kept on Aja Ekadashi removes deep-rooted spiritual impurities, bringing the devotee closer to liberation. As per the Padma Purana:

“एवमेव रजसि सर्वपापैश्च विनश्यति |

अजाकाश्यविद्येयं शुद्धिं प्राप्नोति साधकः ||”

“One who fasts on Aja Ekadashi is freed from all sins born of passion and ignorance, attaining spiritual purity.”

The Rituals and Fasting Tradition

The Sanatan tradition prescribes a three-day fasting regimen for Ekadashi. On Ekadashi and the day before, devotees observe fasting rituals and the day before, non-vegetarian meals are allowed. A single meal is consumed at noon which consists of non-vegetarian meals. On the day itself, strict fasting is observed which consists of water, and fruits until the next sunrise. 

In Sanatan Dharma, prayer and worship go hand in hand, and are important rituals and activities for fasting the spiritual self. Fasting detoxes the body, while prayer and japa purifies the soul, mind, and body. When these fasting rituals and prayer are practiced together, self-discipline is achieved along with tranquility, and a higher Power. This alignment is vital for spiritual progress and attaining blessings from the Divine.

Spiritual Benefits

• Cleansing of past karmas

• Relief from sorrow and obstacles

• Connection with guru tattva (the guiding principle of knowledge)

This Ekadashi is seen as the best day for those who want to achieve moksha, or liberation. Fasting on this day isn’t just about not eating. It also means spending time in self-reflection, singing devotional songs (bhajan), and doing good deeds (seva).

In short, the Ekadashis in August 2025—Putrada and Aja—are great chances for spiritual growth, cleansing the mind and body, and receiving blessings from the divine. By fasting, praying, and showing devotion on these special days, people can feel closer to Lord Vishnu and find more peace, happiness, and freedom.