Rangbhari Ekadashi, which falls between Mahashivratri and Holi, will be observed on March 10, 2025.
All Ekadashi fasts hold great significance, but Rangbhari Ekadashi is particularly special. Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day with devotion pleases Lord Shiva, who fulfills the wishes of his devotees. On this occasion, devotees offer gulal (colored powder) and flowers to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, followed by playing Holi with colors and flowers. Bhajan and kirtan programs are also organized in temples.
Significance of Rangbhari Ekadashi
Rangbhari Ekadashi is closely associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to religious beliefs, on this day, Baba Vishwanath (Lord Shiva) brought Mata Gauri (Goddess Parvati) to Kashi (Varanasi) after their marriage. Special prayers and rituals are performed at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on this occasion. It is believed that when they arrived, devotees welcomed them with colors and gulal, which is why the festival is known as Rangbhari Ekadashi.
Rangbhari Ekadashi 2025: Auspicious Timings
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: March 9, 2025, at 07:45 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: March 10, 2025, at 07:44 AM
- Parana (Breaking of Fast): March 11, 2025, from 06:35 AM to 08:13 AM
- Dwadashi Ends (Fasting Completion): March 11, 2025, at 08:13 AM
Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)
- Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath.
- Light a lamp in your home temple.
- Perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with Gangajal (holy water).
- Offer fresh flowers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- As Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worship him and Goddess Lakshmi by offering Gangajal.
- If possible, observe a fast for the entire day.
- Perform Aarti and offer sattvic food (pure vegetarian meal) as bhog (prasad).
- While offering bhog to Lord Vishnu, make sure to include Tulsi leaves, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu does not accept offerings without them.
- Spend the day chanting and meditating on Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s names.
Essential Puja Items for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Flowers, five types of fruits, five types of dry fruits, gems, gold, silver, dakshina (offering money)
- Puja vessels, kusha grass mat, curd, pure ghee, honey, Gangajal, sacred water
- Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), perfumes, sandalwood paste, roli (sacred red powder), sacred thread (mouli), sacred cotton thread (janeu)
- Bilva leaves, dhatura (a sacred plant), cannabis leaves, ber fruit, mango blossoms, barley shoots, Tulsi leaves
- Mandar flowers, raw cow’s milk, sugarcane juice, camphor, incense sticks, oil lamps, cotton wicks
- Malaya sandalwood, materials for adorning Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Rangbhari Ekadashi holds deep religious and spiritual significance. Worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day brings happiness, prosperity, and peace into one’s life. Devotees should engage in fasting, prayers, and bhajans (devotional songs) to seek divine blessings and ensure well-being.