Indira Ekadashi is one of the Ekadashi rituals associated with Pitru Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha. In Hindu tradition it is important to worship Lord Vishnu and remember our ancestors.
Indira Ekadashi devotees usually perform a vrat, pray to Lord Vishnu and spend the day in devotional activity. Tulsi, which is sacred and connected with Lord Vishnu, is also very important in Vishnu Puja.
But traditional practices prescribe certain restrictions upon the Tulsi plant on Ekadashi. Here are three commonly followed rules.
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1. Do not offer water to Tulsi.
The first traditional rule is to not water the Tulsi plant on Ekadashi. Most devotees, on Ekadashi, fast for Lord Vishnu according to our religious belief.
For this reason, devotees traditionally leave the plant undisturbed and do not give water during the day. Regular watering can be resumed as it is the practice after Ekadashi.
2. Do Not Pluck Tulsi Leaves
The second important practice is avoiding the plucking of Tulsi leaves on Ekadashi.
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Since Tulsi leaves are such an important offering to Lord Vishnu, devotees who need them for puja can collect them before that day, usually on Dashami, the day before Ekadashi.
The collected leaves can be kept in a clean and respectful place until they are required for worship. According to traditional belief, Tulsi leaves are still suitable for religious offerings even after they are dried.
3. Do not touch the Tulsi Plant
The third custom of some devotees is to avoid touching the Tulsi plant on Ekadashi. The devotees can pray from a distance without touching or disturbing the plant.
Lighting a ghee lamp near Tulsi is considered auspicious in many Hindu households. Devotees may also recite Vishnu mantras or Vishnu Sahasranama during their prayers.
Vishnu worship and Ekadashi Vrat
Apart from Tulsi-related practices, devotees traditionally devote Indira Ekadashi to Lord Vishnu. Chanting "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya", meditating and reading devotional texts are among the practices followed by devotees.
Fasting is another central part of Ekadashi observance. Those who are taking the vrat typically break their fast on Dwadashi according to the prescribed time and their family or regional customs.
Indira Ekadashi and Ancestor Prayers
Indira Ekadashi is also related to Pitru Paksha, a period of remembering and paying respects to ancestors.
Devotees can pray and give away money and perform other traditional rituals throughout this time period, and Annadanam and donating to people who are in need too.
The three Tulsi practices are based on religious traditions and beliefs rather than scientific rules. Traditions can differ between families, communities and regions. Devotees may follow the custom of their family or spiritual teacher or local religious practice.
For Indira Ekadashi, the day is really devoted to dedication, self-discipline, Vishnu worship and remembering one’s ancestors.
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