Guruvayur Ekadashi is a highly revered occasion among Hindus, particularly in South India, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. In North India, it is known as Mokshada Ekadashi, and devotees observe fasting with devotion and purity. This sacred day falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha in the Margashirsha month. In 2024, Guruvayur Ekadashi will be observed on December 11.
Guruvayur Ekadashi 2024: Date and Time
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 03:42 AM on Dec 11, 2024
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 01:09 AM on Dec 12, 2024
Parana Time:
- Dec 12, 2024: 07:04 AM to 09:08 AM
- Dwadashi End Moment: 10:26 PM on Dec 12, 2024
Significance of Guruvayur Ekadashi
Guruvayur Ekadashi holds immense religious and spiritual significance. It is predominantly celebrated in the state of Kerala, where devotees worship Lord Krishna at the famous Shri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur. One of the main highlights of the day is the grand procession of elephants, which holds great cultural value.
According to legend, on this day, an elephant named Gajarajan Guruvayoor Kesavan passed away. Devotees honor the memory of this majestic elephant at the Guruvayur Temple with a special garland offering, followed by other elephants offering their prayers.
This day is also significant for the Bhagavad Gita. On Guruvayur Ekadashi, Lord Krishna gave the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. The day is also known as Geeta Jayanti or Geetopadesham Day. Elephants in procession visit the Parthasarathy Temple to mark this important occasion.
Guruvayur Ekadashi 2024: Puja Rituals
The rituals on Guruvayur Ekadashi are simple yet meaningful, helping devotees strengthen their bond with Lord Krishna.
- Fasting: Devotees observe a fast on the 11th day (Ekadashi) and break it on the 12th day (Dwadashi).
- Dietary Restrictions: On Ekadashi, eating grains, rice, and salt is prohibited.
- Temple Visit: Devotees visit Lord Krishna’s temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
- Chandan and Tulsi: Offering Chandan (sandalwood paste) to Lord Krishna is common, along with Tulsi Patra (holy basil) as part of the rituals.
- Food Offering: Present Lord Krishna with bananas or a traditional white meal (Pal Pyasam).
- Mantras and Chanting: Devotees chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye 108 times.
- Reciting Bhagavad Gita: Reading the Bhagavad Gita on this day is highly meritorious.
- Helping Animals: Devotees feed cows and care for them.
- Planting Tulsi: Planting Tulsi and offering water to it while lighting a diya (lamp) is considered highly auspicious.
Mantras for Guruvayur Ekadashi
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye..!!
- Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..!!
- Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Hare Hare..!!
- Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham.
Guruvayur Ekadashi is a day of devotion, fasting, and spiritual growth. By observing the rituals and chanting sacred mantras, devotees earn immense merit and strengthen their relationship with Lord Krishna. It’s a day of physical and spiritual purification, celebrated with tremendous faith and devotion by Hindus across India.
