Rama Ekadashi 2025: Holy Rama Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashis dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated during the Krishna Paksha of the month of Kartik, a few days before Diwali. Devotees believe that fasting on this day removes sins, brings peace and brings divine blessings. Rama Ekadashi in 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, 17 October 2025.
Rama Ekadashi 2025 date and time
According to Drik Panchang, Rama Ekadashi date: Friday, October 17, 2025
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Ekadashi date starts: October 16, 2025 at 10:35 am
Ekadashi date ends: October 17th, 2025 at 11:12 am
Date of Parana (breaking of fast): Saturday, October 18, 2025
Passage time: 06:21 am to 08:38 am
Dwadashi date ends: October 18, 2025 at 12:18 pm
Importance of Rama Ekadashi
According to Drik Panchang, Rama Ekadashi holds deep spiritual significance for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is said that by observing fast on this day all sins are washed away and salvation is attained. The word Ram here refers to Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu, who is a symbol of prosperity and divine grace.
By observing this fast with devotion and rules, one attains peace, wealth and success in life.
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Rama Ekadashi fasting rules and rituals
Vrat (fasting) according to Drik Panchang: Devotees start the fast at sunrise on the day of Ekadashi and abstain from grains, pulses and some vegetables.
worship: While reciting Vishnu Sahasranama or Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha, offer basil leaves, lamp and sweets to Lord Vishnu.
Night vigil: Staying awake at night and meditating on Lord Vishnu is considered extremely auspicious.
Parana, or breaking of the fast, should be done on Dwadashi Tithi after sunrise and before the Tithi ends (12:18 pm).
This should not be done during Hari Vasar, which is the first quarter of Dwadashi. The best time to break the fast is in the morning.
Not performing Parana within Dwadashi is considered a crime equal to not observing the fast properly.
Ekadashi fasting guidance
According to Drik Panchang, sometimes Ekadashi fast is observed for two consecutive days.
Able devotees (including family) should fast on the first day.
Vaishnavas, ascetics and widows generally observe fast on the second day for the purpose of spiritual liberation.
Staunch devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu can keep fast on both the days.
Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story of King Muchukund, Shobhana and Chandrabhaga)
During the Mahabharata period, Arjun once asked Lord Krishna about the significance and story of Ekadashi falling during Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. Lord Krishna narrated the story of Rama Ekadashi, its divine power and the story of King Muchukunda and his daughter Chandrabhaga.
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Story
According to Drik Panchang, in ancient times there lived a wise and truthful king named Muchukunda, who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. His kingdom prospered with peace and prosperity. His daughter Chandrabhaga was married to Shobhan, son of King Chandrasen.
King Muchukunda was a staunch follower of the Ekadashi fast, and everyone in his kingdom – even animals – were required to fast on this holy day.
When Rama Ekadashi came, Shobhan went to her in-laws’ house. However, he was weak and feared that he would not be able to fast. His wife Chandrabhaga warned him that in her father’s kingdom no one was exempted from fasting, not even animals.
Despite her fear, Shobhana decides to fast, accepting her fate. Unfortunately, the hunger and thirst became too much and he passed away by the next morning.
Rebirth of divine grace and beauty
Due to the virtue of fasting on Rama Ekadashi, despite not wanting to, Shobhana was reborn in a divine city called Devpur on the Mandarachal mountain. The city was decorated with gold and gems, but it was unstable because the vow was made without true devotion.
One day, a Brahmin named Soma Sharma came to Devpura and recognized Shobhana. When Shobhan was asked about his father-in-law and wife, he told his story and requested the Brahmin to inform Chandrabhaga that only his devotion could stabilize the city.
When Chandrabhaga heard this he decided to help. Under the guidance of sage Vamadeva, he performed sacred rituals and prayers. By virtue of her devotion and her Ekadashi fasts, she attained a divine form and joined her husband in the divine city. His virtue stabilized Shobhana’s kingdom forever.
moral and essence (narrative essence)
Even if someone observes Rama Ekadashi fast with little devotion, Lord Vishnu blesses him with positive results.
However, fasting with full devotion and faith yields the highest spiritual benefits.
The story highlights Chandrabhaga’s devotion, showing that a dedicated and righteous soul can bring stability and grace even beyond death.
People who follow or listen to Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha are liberated from sins and ultimately reach Vishnu Loka, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Rama Ekadashi 2025, falling on Friday, October 17, is a highly auspicious day to seek divine blessings, peace and prosperity.
By observing this fast sincerely and following proper Parana Vidhi, the devotee can purify his soul and progress spiritually.
This Ekadashi reminds us that faith, devotion and determination can overcome any challenge – just as Chandrabhaga’s devotion restored her husband’s lost glory.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not confirm its accuracy or reliability.)