The fast of Ekadashi holds an important place in Hinduism. There are twenty-four Ekadashis during each year, increasing to twenty-six when there is a leap month. Among these, the Ekadashi that occurs during the Vad (Krishna Paksha) of Bhadrava month is known as Indira Ekadashi. This Ekadashi comes on very holy and sinful Ekadashi. Due to the influence of his vow, major sins are destroyed. This Ekadashi Vrat is beneficial even to ancestors who are lying in a lowly vagina.
Importance of Indira Ekadashi Vrata - This Agiyaras in Shraddha Paksha is special because by doing it the ancestors are redeemed. If our forefathers are suffering the punishment due to knowingly or unknowingly committing any sin, doing this eleventh will complete their punishment. So they get peace. So the family is blessed. Simultaneously, the lineage grows. If the behavior of this Ekadashi is done properly, merit is attained. It is a special honor to give charity on this eleventh day. After death one resides in Vaikuntha.
Indira Ekadashi Vrat Story :
Lord Sri Krishna Dharmaraja explained the importance of Indira Ekadashi Vrat to Yudhishthira. In which Lord Krishna has said that Indira Ekadashi is special among the Ekadashi that destroys all sinful deeds. By performing this vow, the ancestors are freed. Hey Rajan.. Listen carefully to the story of Indira Ekadashi that I have to tell you. Just by listening to it one gets the same fruit as Vajpayee Yajna.
Lord Shri Krishna said that in Satyuga there was a city called Mahishmati. The great King Indrasena was ruling there. The king himself was a religious person and a Prajavatsal. The people also lived happily under his rule. All the works of religion and karma were doing very well in the town. One day it happened that Naradji reached the court of Indrasen. Indrasen bowed to him and asked the reason for coming.
Then Naradji said I have come with a message from your father. Who is currently being punished by Yamaraj for breaking the Ekadashi Vrat in a previous birth. Indrasen was distressed after hearing Naradji's words. Devarshin started asking his solution. Indrasen said that Maharaj show me some remedy so that my father's pain ends. Let them move.
Then Devarshi said that O Rajan, you should fast on Indira Ekadashi coming in Shraddha Paksha. On this day, do proper worship of Narayana, fast the whole day and listen to Lord Vishnu's bhajan, mantra-japa or katha sravana. By his virtue your father will get salvation. On that day also donate Shakti. Saying this, Naradji became introspective.
After that Maharaja Indrasen fasted Ekadashi according to the ritual as per Naradji's instructions. This brought peace to his father and he attained the supreme position. While Raj himself also attained Moksha after enjoying infinite happiness.
On this day first worship Vishnu Narayan with full faith and devotion. After that worshiping the ancestors and doing tarpan. Eat fruit on this day. Do not take food. Remembering the Lord throughout the day. Praying to God for the welfare of parents. After that, if possible, have Brahm Bhojan. Yathashakti Dakshina or to honor by giving clothes. If this is not possible then give it directly to someone. If possible chanting while sleeping during the day and keeping vigil till 12 o'clock in the night.
One who thus fasts on Indira Ekadashi attains moksha by enjoying all the pleasures of the world. resides in Vaikuntha. When there is peace and speed of parents, special happiness and peace is achieved in family relations too.