Mokshada Ekadashi

Mokshada (Mokṣadā) is the ekadashi of shukla paksha in the ninth lunar month, Margashirsha (November-December). The name comes from the Sanskrit "mokṣa-dā" — "the bestower of liberation." Tradition connects this day with the revealing of the "Bhagavad Gita" (Gita Jayanti).

Place in the system

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi of the lunar month. Mokshada falls eleventh in the bright half of Margashirsha, immediately after Utpanna — the ekadashi of krishna paksha in the same month.

"Moksha" in Hinduism is the highest liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Mokshada ekadashi is named so because the fast on this day is held especially effective in drawing closer to this liberation. Tradition connects it with the idea that a sincere fast on this day loosens karmic knots.

Practical meaning

The Mokshada fast is favorable for release from karmic knots, for spiritual practice, for deep focus. Tradition also connects this day with peace for the ancestors.

The Mokshada background works through release. We don't always know what exactly we need to be freed from — but on this day inner freedom itself draws nearer.

The Mokshada fast is kept as on other ekadashis: without grain or legumes, with fruit, milk, and water.

In Indian folk practice Mokshada is a day on which devout Hindus often take on major vows tied to spiritual practice, and read the "Bhagavad Gita."

In daily practice

Mokshada is a day for deep practice. If you meditate or follow some spiritual tradition, try on this day a longer or deeper practice than usual.

Mokshada also suits reading the "Bhagavad Gita" — tradition connects this text with exactly this day.

Mokshada also suits release from whatever holds you: giving up a bad habit, letting go of an old grievance, forgiving an old debt.

How much this day is yours is refined by Tara Bala. Mokshada sets a background of release, and the personal layer shows how far it matches your circumstances today.