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This Ekadashi comes in Shraddh Paksha and with its effect the forefathers get salvation. The Puja Vidhi of this Ekadashi is as follows:
1.Like other Ekadashis, its religious rites starts from the day of Dashami. One should pray and worship God at home on Dashami and at noon time perform tarpan in the river.
2. After performing tarpan vidhi of Shraddha, offer food to Brahmins and then, have your own meal. Keep in mind that one must not eat food after sunset on Dashami.
3. On Ekadashi, vow for the fast and take a bath early in the morning.
4. Follow the same procedure of Shraddha Vidhi and offering food to Brahmins on Ekadashi. After that, offer food to a cow, crow and dog as well.
5. Next day on Dwadashi, after worshipping God, offer food and donation to Brahmins. Then, eat together with your family.
During Satyug, a king named Indersena ruled the city of Mahishmati. His parents had died. One night he dreamed that his parents were experiencing extreme pain and sufferings in hell. The King got worried by the plight of his forefathers. He thought of ways to free them from the tortures of hell. He discussed the dream with his ministers and Brahmin scholars who said - : O Rajan! If you perform the fast of Indira Ekadashi along with your wife, then your forefathers will attain salvation. On this day, worship Lord Shaligram with Basil leaves, etc and offer food and donation to Brahmins. With their blessings, your parents will go to heaven.”
Following their advice, the King along with his wife perform the fast of Indira Ekadashi ritually. At night when he was sleeping, God appeared and said to him - “ Rajan! Your forefathers have attained salvation from the influence of your fast.” Since then only, the importance of Indira Ekadashi Vrat increased.