The Ekadashi tithi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha will be observed on Tuesday, October 6, when devotees across the country will undertake the sacred Indira Ekadashi fast. According to traditional calendrical calculations, the Ekadashi tithi will remain in effect until 12:35 AM late Tuesday night. As this religious date coincides with the ongoing Pitru Paksha period, ancestral shraddh and tarpan ceremonies for family members who passed away on an Ekadashi tithi will also be performed on this day. Astrologically, Sadhya Yoga will prevail through the entire day and night before concluding at 5:00 AM on Wednesday morning, while Ashlesha Nakshatra will stay active until 10:18 PM on Tuesday night. The day will record sunrise at 06:16 AM and sunset at 06:01 PM.
Spiritual Significance of Indira Ekadashi
Tradition accords exceptional reverence to the Ekadashi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha because of its direct placement within the sacred fortnight of Pitru Paksha. Belief holds that if ancestors are suffering distress or retribution under Yamraj due to inadvertent mistakes or misdeeds committed during their lifetimes, dedicated observance of this fast provides divine relief. By observing the vows properly and dedicating the gathered spiritual merit to one's departed forefathers, their souls attain liberation and secure passage toward Moksha. Consequently, families seeking ancestral peace and ancestral blessings consider this fast a vital spiritual duty.
Auspicious Windows for Ekadashi Shraddh Rites
Specific temporal segments have been outlined for performing ancestral tarpan, pinda daan, and memorial offerings on October 6. The Kutup Muhurat will begin at 11:48 AM and continue until 12:36 PM. This will be followed immediately by the Rohina Muhurat, spanning from 12:36 PM to 01:24 PM. Furthermore, the broader Aparahna Kaal, considered highly suitable for traditional rituals, will extend from 01:24 PM through 03:48 PM in the afternoon. Families are advised to organize their ritual oblations and Brahmin feeding ceremonies within these auspicious intervals.
Rahu Kaal Timings Across Major Indian Cities
In Vedic astrology, the period of Rahu Kaal is traditionally avoided for launching new ventures, though ongoing rites adhere to specified muhurat timings. The Rahu Kaal schedule on Tuesday across major urban centers stands as follows
- Delhi from 03:05 PM to 04:33 PM
- Mumbai from 03:25 PM to 04:54 PM
- Chandigarh from 03:07 PM to 04:34 PM
- Lucknow from 02:51 PM to 04:19 PM
- Bhopal from 03:05 PM to 04:34 PM
- Kolkata from 02:22 PM to 03:51 PM
- Ahmedabad from 03:25 PM to 04:53 PM
- Chennai from 02:56 PM to 04:26 PM
According to Acharya Indu Prakash, aligning devotional observances and memorial offerings with these precise astrological timings helps families fulfill their spiritual obligations and invoke lasting peace for their ancestors.
