Celebration of Liberation and Light: Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Mahotsav
In this blog, you will read about the significance of Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti and the associated celebrations.
The month of Margashish (November-December) brings together a powerful tithi when Ekadashi coincides with the sacred occasion of Gita Jayanti. This spiritually charged tithi, called ‘Mokshada Ekadashi’, is a crucial day to pray for the liberation of one’s forefathers.
‘Mokshada’ means that which purifies the devotee of all sins and grants ‘moksh’ or liberation. It is celebrated on the eleventh day in the bright half of the Margashirsh month.
Mokshada Ekadashi has been described in the Brahmanda Puran, Padma Puran, and Vishnu Puran. It is also known as Vaikunth Ekadashi and Swargavathil Ekadashi.
Mokshada Ekadashi Katha
The 39th chapter of Padma Puran records the Katha as narrated by Lord Krishna to the Pandava King Yudhishthir. In the city of Champakanagar there once lived a righteous and noble king named Vaikhanas. Although he ruled wisely, he was very worried by a dream in which he saw his dead father suffering in the afterlife for past wrongs. With a heavy heart, Vaikhanas approached the Brahmans (wise men) in his kingdom to seek an answer for his disturbed state of mind. The Brahmans suggested that he visit the great sage, Parvat Muni.
Grieved and restless, the king went to the ashram of Parvat Muni, a tri-kaal-jnani (a sage of great wisdom who knows the past, present and future of all). The sage revealed through his divine vision that the Vaikhanas’ father could be liberated if the king observed the sacred Mokshada Ekadashi fast and dedicated its merit to his father. The king followed Parvata Muni’s instructions and performed the vrat (fast) with utmost devotion. Praying to Sri Vishnu and Ma Lakshmi, and reading the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the king performed austere rites. Pleased with his sincerity, Lord Vishnu granted liberation to Raja Vaikhanas’s father and blessed his lineage with peace and prosperity.
Since then, Mokshada Ekadashi has been revered as the day of liberation and divine grace. Scriptures mention that it frees the sadhak and his ancestors from the cycle of life and birth. While observing the day at home, devotees avoid grains, pulses, and some vegetables, and instead eat fruits, milk-based foods, and light meals to stay focused on spiritual practices. They perform charity and chant divine names.
Gita Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadashi is an auspicious occasion, as it coincides with the Gita Jayanti, the day when Sri Krishna revealed the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjun. Therefore, this day offers a valuable chance to grow spiritually by remembering Sri Vishnu’s divine names and reflecting on the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
Gita Mahotsav
On Mokshada Ekadashi, a grand celebration called Gita Mahotsav is held in Kurukshetra, Haryana. It is also known as Jyotisar or Jyotish tirtha, the place recognised by Adi Sankaracharya during his journey in the Himalayas.
Jyotisar Sarovar is a sacred site in the heart of Kurukshetra. Here stands the magnificent Akshaya Vat, the 5,000-year-old immortal banyan tree that is said to have been the divine witness to Lord Krishna’s discourse.
The annual Gita Mahotsav festival attracts thousands of devotees who perform various rituals and ceremonies. The atmosphere comes alive with sounds of mass recitations of Srimad Bhagavad Gita (Gita Path), spiritual discourses, cultural programs, exhibitions showcasing Srimad Bhagavad Gita’s relevance in daily life. Scholars and devotees participate in this event from all over the world.
Many also pledge to read at least one chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita regularly, turning this occasion into a beginning of lifelong spiritual growth.
This year Gita Mahotsav will be celebrated from 15 November to 5 December, 2025.
Gita Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi mark the day of self awareness and reflection. It encourages us to connect deeper to the voice of wisdom and truth within.
Gita Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi: Important Information
This year Gita Jayanti will be celebrated on Monday, 1st December.
Mokshada Ekadashi tithi begins: 30 Nov 2025, 09:29 PM
Mokshada Ekadashi tithi ends: 01 Dec 2025, 07:01 PM
On this auspicious day let us restore balance in our lives through goodness, knowledge and surrender.
Celebrate Gita Jayanti on the Sadhana App by chanting the Krishna Gayatri Mantra on 1st Dec. You can also experience the divine energy of Sri Vishnu by participating in the Vishnu Sahsranaam Sadhana beginning from 15 Dec. 2025.
