IndiraEkadashi
‖ 6 October 2026 (Tuesday) ‖
Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi — the fast that falls in the middle of Pitru Paksha and is kept for the peace of the ancestors. It is the one Ekadashi of the year whose merit the devotee gives away rather than keeps.
Indira Ekadashi falls within the shraddha fortnight, Pitru Paksha. Every other Ekadashi is kept for the devotee’s own good; this is the one whose merit is offered instead to the forebears — which is why it is known as the Ekadashi of the ancestors.
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The Ekadashi of Pitru Paksha
This fast falls during Pitru Paksha, when families perform shraddha and tarpan for those who have gone before them. It is held that keeping this Ekadashi and offering its merit to the ancestors frees them from the suffering of Yamaloka and the lower realms, and carries them to a better state.
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The story of King Indrasena
The sage Narada came to the court of the righteous King Indrasena of Mahishmati and told him he had seen the king’s father suffering in Yamaloka. On Narada’s counsel the king kept the Indira Ekadashi fast and offered its merit to his father — and by it his father was released.
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Shyam Baba and "Hare ka Sahara"
Baba Shyam’s dearest name is "Hare ka Sahara" — the refuge of the one who has lost, who has no support left. In Pitru Paksha that sentiment runs deepest: for those who can no longer act for themselves, the fast kept by a living child becomes the only support. Shyam devotees light a lamp before Baba on this day in their ancestors’ name.
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On Dashami, remember the ancestors according to shraddha custom and keep to sattvic food.
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Bathe at dawn on Ekadashi, take the sankalp, then perform Vishnu puja and tarpan for the ancestors.
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Keep the fast through the day, without food or on fruit, as you are able.
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Feeding brahmins, giving grain, and go-gras (a portion set aside for the cow) — giving in the ancestors’ name is the day’s central act.
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Break the fast on Dwadashi morning, formally offering the merit of the fast to the ancestors.
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Indira Ekadashi — FAQ
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Why is the Indira Ekadashi fast kept?
It is kept for the peace and release of the ancestors. Falling in Pitru Paksha, its merit is not retained by the devotee but offered to the forebears, by which they are held to be freed from the suffering of Yamaloka and the lower realms.
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What is the story of Indira Ekadashi?
The sage Narada told King Indrasena of Mahishmati that he had seen the king’s father suffering in Yamaloka. On Narada’s advice the king kept the Indira Ekadashi fast and offered its merit to his father, who was thereby released.
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Is this fast only for the ancestors?
Its principal purpose is the release of the ancestors, but the one who keeps it also receives Vishnu’s grace and the destruction of sins. Because it falls in Pitru Paksha, its ancestral significance is considered foremost.