Have you ever come across the belief that a single day of devotion can grant liberation not only to you but also to your ancestors? Hindu tradition reveres such a day: Mokshada Ekadashi. This sacred observance is considered a gateway to moksha (liberation), freeing souls from the cycle of birth and death.
If you are searching for when is Mokshada Ekadashi 2025, here’s the answer: In 2025, Mokshada Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, 1st December. This special day is doubly significant because it also coincides with Gita Jayanti, the day when Lord Krishna narrated the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The date and timing of Mokshada Ekadashi 2025.
- The story behind Mokshada Ekadashi.
- Its deep spiritual significance.
- The rituals and fasting traditions followed by devotees.
- Why it is one of the most important Ekadashis of the year.
When is Mokshada Ekadashi 2025?
The main query of devotees is: “When is Mokshada Ekadashi 2025?” The auspicious day falls on Monday, 1st December 2025.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Mokshada Ekadashi is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th day of the waxing moon) in the month of Margashirsha (November–December).
Important Details for 2025:
- Date: Monday, 1st December 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 06:58 AM on 1st December 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 04:28 AM on 2nd December 2025
- Parana (fast breaking): Morning of 2nd December 2025, during Dwadashi
Thus, devotees will keep the fast on 1st December and break it on 2nd December, as per proper timings.
What is Mokshada Ekadashi?
The term “Mokshada” literally means “bestower of liberation.” This Ekadashi is not just about fasting, it is about freeing the soul and uplifting the spirits of ancestors.
It is believed that by observing Mokshada Ekadashi vrat with devotion, one can:
- Remove the burden of sins.
- Liberate ancestors suffering in lower realms.
- Attain Vishnu’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress.
Additionally, Mokshada Ekadashi is always associated with Gita Jayanti, the day when Lord Krishna revealed the divine teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most profound spiritual texts in the world.
The Story of Mokshada Ekadashi
Like other Ekadashis, this sacred day is tied to a legend narrated in the Puranas.
Once, there was a righteous king named Vaikhanasa. He ruled his kingdom with dharma and compassion. However, one night, he had a disturbing dream in which his deceased father was suffering in the afterlife. The father appeared in torment, pleading for relief from his son.
The distressed king consulted sages and priests. They advised him to seek guidance from Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna’s Advice
The king prayed to Lord Krishna, who revealed that his father’s suffering was due to past karmas and sins. However, Krishna also offered a solution—by observing the vrat of Mokshada Ekadashi and dedicating its merits to his father, the king could liberate his soul and send him to heaven.
Following Krishna’s advice, King Vaikhanasa observed Mokshada Ekadashi with utmost devotion, and as a result, his father’s soul was freed and ascended to the higher realms.
Thus, Mokshada Ekadashi became known as the vrat that can grant moksha to ancestors and spiritual upliftment to the devotee.
Spiritual Significance of This Ekadashi
The observance of Mokshada Ekadashi 2025 carries immense spiritual meaning:
- Liberation for Ancestors
By dedicating the vrat to one’s forefathers, devotees can help release their souls from suffering and grant them peace. - Path to Moksha
The vrat is a direct means to spiritual liberation. Krishna Himself declared that observing Ekadashi brings one closer to salvation. - Connection to Bhagavad Gita
Since Mokshada Ekadashi coincides with Gita Jayanti, it is also a day to study, recite, and reflect upon the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. - Purification of Karma
Observing the fast helps devotees shed negative karma, cleanse the mind, and focus on higher spiritual practices. - Symbol of Duty and Faith
The story of King Vaikhanasa reminds us of the duty of children towards their ancestors and the power of faith in divine guidance.
How to Observe Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat
If you are planning to observe Mokshada Ekadashi 2025, here’s a step-by-step guide to traditional rituals:
1. Preparations on Dashami (the day before)
- Avoid grains, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
- Eat light, sattvic meals.
- Take a sincere pledge (sankalp) to keep the fast with devotion.
2. On Ekadashi (1st December 2025)
- Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
- Set up a shrine for Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, flowers, and incense.
- Perform puja, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama or Gita verses.
- Keep the fast either as nirjala (without food and water) or phalahar (with fruits, milk, and water).
- Engage in bhajans, kirtans, and reading the Bhagavad Gita.
- Dedicate the fast to your ancestors and pray for their peace.
3. Breaking the Fast (Parana)
- The fast is broken on Dwadashi Tithi (2nd December 2025) after sunrise.
- Offer food to Lord Vishnu before partaking in it.
- Charity (daan) is also considered highly auspicious on this day.
Benefits of Observing Mokshada Ekadashi
Keeping the fast on Mokshada Ekadashi 2025 brings numerous blessings:
- Spiritual Liberation: Helps in attaining moksha.
- Ancestor Relief: Frees forefathers from suffering.
- Divine Blessings: Ensures prosperity, peace, and divine protection.
- Mental Purity: Strengthens focus, patience, and devotion.
- Health Benefits: Fasting purifies the body and improves self-control.
Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti
One of the unique aspects of Mokshada Ekadashi is that it coincides with Gita Jayanti—the birthday of the Bhagavad Gita.
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, when Arjuna was gripped by doubt and despair, Lord Krishna revealed the timeless wisdom of dharma, devotion, and detachment through the Gita.
Thus, observing Mokshada Ekadashi is also an opportunity to:
- Read or listen to the Bhagavad Gita.
- Reflect on its teachings of karma (action), bhakti (devotion), and jnana (knowledge).
- Apply its wisdom in daily life for spiritual upliftment.
Regional Observances of Mokshada Ekadashi
Different regions in India celebrate this Ekadashi with unique traditions:
- North India: Special Vishnu pujas, Bhagavad Gita recitations, and temple decorations.
- South India: Devotees visit Vishnu temples and organize satsangs. In some areas, discourses on the Gita are arranged.
- Maharashtra: Bhajans and group prayers are common in Vaishnavite communities.
- Vrindavan and Mathura: Thousands gather to recite the Gita and chant the holy names of Krishna.
Lessons from this Ekadashi
Beyond rituals, Mokshada Ekadashi imparts deep life lessons:
- Faith and devotion can uplift not only you but also your ancestors.
- True liberation comes from detachment, devotion, and righteous living.
- Knowledge, like the Gita’s wisdom, is timeless and ever-relevant.
- Every act of sincere prayer contributes to spiritual progress.
So, when is Mokshada Ekadashi 2025? The answer is clear: Monday, 1st December 2025. On this sacred day, devotees fast, worship Vishnu, and reflect upon the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
Mokshada Ekadashi is not just a vrat. It is a spiritual gateway. It frees souls, uplifts ancestors, and brings one closer to moksha. By observing it with devotion, one connects with divine energy and aligns life with dharma.
May this Mokshada Ekadashi 2025 bring liberation, peace, and divine blessings to all devotees.
Want to explore more stories of Ekadashis and their significance? Check out our other blogs on Hindu vrat traditions.
