Discover the Ekadashi Story and Why the Ekadashi Fast is Observed
Dive into the fascinating “ekadashi story” and uncover “why the Ekadashi fast is observed” in this enlightening article. Ekadashi, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with deep reverence and spiritual significance. Rooted in ancient mythology, the Ekadashi story narrates the divine origins of this sacred fast, often linked to Lord Vishnu. Observing the Ekadashi fast is believed to bring numerous benefits, including spiritual purification, redemption from past sins, and the attainment of moksha (liberation). This practice, which occurs twice a month, is not merely a religious obligation but a profound journey towards spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. By exploring the ekadashi story and understanding why the Ekadashi fast is observed, you can gain insight into its enduring importance and the transformative impact it can have on one’s life. Join us as we delve into the history, significance, and benefits of this revered tradition.
Narada asked, “O Mahadeva! What is the excellent observance of Mahadvadashi (Ekadashi)? Lord of all! Please kindly explain the benefits obtained from observing this fast.”
Mahadev said, O Brahmin! This Ekadashi bestows great merit. Even the revered sages should observe this fast. Depending on the alignment of specific constellations, this date is renowned by four names: Jaya, Vijaya, Jayanti, and Papanaashini, each known for eradicating sins. These fasts must be observed.
When Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha coincides with the Punarvasu Nakshatra, it is called ‘Jaya,’ an auspicious date that, when observed, frees one from sin. When Dwadashi of the Shukla Paksha coincides with the Shravana Nakshatra, it is known as ‘Vijaya,’ offering thousandfold benefits for charity and Brahmin feasts, and even more for rituals and fasting. When Dwadashi of the Shukla Paksha coincides with the Rohini Nakshatra, it is called ‘Jayanti,’ known for removing all sins. On this day, Lord Govinda cleanses the devotee of all sins.
When Dwadashi of the Shukla Paksha coincides with the Pushya Nakshatra, it is known as ‘Papanaashini,’ a day of great merit. The merit of donating one prastha of sesame seeds daily for a year equals the merit of fasting on Papanaashini Ekadashi. On this auspicious day, Lord Vishnu is pleased and grants direct darshan. Every righteous act performed on this day yields infinite rewards.
Sagara Nandan Kakutstha, Nahusha, and King Gadhi worshipped Lord Vishnu on this auspicious day, and in return, the Lord granted them everything on Earth. Observing this Ekadashi frees a person from the sins of body, speech, and mind committed over seven lifetimes. There is no doubt about this. By observing the Papanaashini Ekadashi, which coincides with the Pushya Nakshatra, one reaps the benefits equivalent to fasting on a thousand Ekadashis. Activities such as bathing, charity, chanting, homa (fire ritual), self-study, and deity worship performed on this day yield eternal rewards. Hence, one must observe this fast with great devotion.
Why is ekadashi fast observed ?
When the virtuous King Yudhishthira completed the ritual bath for his fifth Ashwamedha Yagna, he inquired from Lord Krishna, the crown jewel of the Yadu dynasty, about this sacred fast.
Yudhishthira asked, O Lord! What are the merits and benefits of the Nakt Vrata and Ekabhukt Vrata? Please explain this to me in detail, Janardana.
Lord Krishna replied, O son of Kunti! During the Hemanta season, when the highly auspicious month of Margashirsha arrives, one should observe a fast (vrat) on the Krishna Paksha Dwadashi (12th day). The method is as follows: A pure-hearted person, who firmly follows the vows of the best vrat, should eat only once on Dashami (10th day) or, by adhering to the rules of cleanliness and contentment, observe Nakt Vrata by eating once in the night.
The time known as ‘Nakt’ is when the sun’s light diminishes in the eighth part of the day. Eating at night is not prescribed. For a householder, eating after the stars are visible is the rule for Nakt Bhojan, whereas for a sanyasi, it is in the eighth part of the day since eating at night is prohibited for them.
O son of Kunti! After passing the night of Dashami, one who is observing the fast should take the vow of the vrat in the morning of Ekadashi (11th day) and bathe for purification both in the morning and at midday. Bathing in a well is considered inferior, in a stepwell is considered moderate, in a pond is considered good, and in a river is considered the best. If standing in water causes harm to aquatic creatures, the merit and demerit balance out. However, if one filters and purifies the water, bathing at home is also considered good. Therefore, O best of the Pandavas! Bathe at home following the above method. Before bathing, recite the following mantra while applying clay to the body.
Ashwakrante rathkrante vishnukrante vasundhare । Mritike har mein papam yanmaya purvasanchitam॥
Meaning : O Earth! Horses and chariots tread upon you. Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, measured you with his steps. O clay! Please remove the sins I have accumulated in the past.
A person observing the fast should be single-minded and resolute, abandoning anger and greed. Avoid interaction with outcasts, hypocrites, liars, Brahmin defamers, those who engage in forbidden acts, other evildoers, thieves, and those who commit adultery. Worship Lord Keshava and offer him Naivedya. Light a lamp at home with a devotional heart. O Partha, abstain from sleep and sexual activity on this day. Spend the entire day enjoying religious scriptures. O best of kings, stay awake at night with devotion, give donations to Brahmins, and seek their forgiveness for any mistakes. Just as there is an Ekadashi in the dark fortnight, there is also one in the bright fortnight. One should observe the fast in the same manner.
O Partha! A Brahmin should not discriminate between those who observe Ekadashi fasts in the bright (Shukla) and dark (Krishna) fortnights. Bathing in the Shankhodhara Tirtha and having a vision of Lord Gadadhara provides great merit, as does donating four lakhs during the Sankranti. However, even all this merit does not equal the sixteenth part of the Ekadashi fast. The merit gained from bathing and donating at Prabhasa during a solar or lunar eclipse is certainly attained by observing the Ekadashi fast. Drinking water at the Kedara shrine ensures no rebirth, and Ekadashi has a similar effect in preventing rebirth. The merit of performing an Ashwamedha Yagna on Earth is a hundred times greater for those who observe the Ekadashi fast.
The benefits received when ascetic and noble Brahmins dine at one’s home are also obtained by observing the Ekadashi fast. The merit of donating a thousand cows to a learned Brahmin versed in the Vedas is surpassed by a hundred times for those observing the Ekadashi fast. Such merit is difficult even for the gods to attain. Eating at night reduces this merit by half, while eating once during the day provides only half the merit of the night meal.
Until a being observes the Ekadashi fast, which is dear to Lord Vishnu, the significance of pilgrimage, donation, and observance remains unfulfilled. Therefore, O best of the Pandavas! You should observe this fast. O son of Kunti! This is a secret and supreme fast, which I have described to you. Thousands of Yagnas cannot compare to the merit of observing the Ekadashi fast.
Ekadashi Katha | Ekadashi Story
Yudhishthira asked, “O Lord! How did the auspicious Ekadashi Tithi come into existence? Why is it considered sacred in this world and so dear to the gods?”
Shri Bhagwan replied, “O son of Kunti! In ancient times, during the Satya Yuga, there lived a demon named Mura. He was extraordinary, extremely fierce, and terrifying to all the gods. This malevolent demon, who embodied death, even conquered Indra. All the gods, defeated by him, were expelled from heaven and roamed the earth in fear and anxiety. One day, all the gods went to Lord Shiva. There, Indra narrated the entire situation to Lord Shiva.”
Indra spoke, “O Maheshwara! These gods are wandering on Earth, having been expelled from heaven. Their presence among humans is not fitting. O Lord! Please suggest a solution. Whom should the gods seek refuge in?”
Lord Shiva said, “O King of the Gods! Go to where Garudadhwaj, the Lord of the Universe who offers shelter to all and is ever ready to protect everyone, resides. He will protect you.”
Lord Krishna says, “Yudhishthira! Hearing Lord Shiva’s words, the supremely wise Indra, along with all the gods, went there. Lord Gadadhar was resting in the waters of the Kshirasagara. Seeing Him, Indra folded his hands and began to praise Him.”
Indra spoke, “O Lord of the Lords, I bow to You. Both gods and demons revere You. O Pundarikaksha, You are the enemy of demons. O Madhusudana, please protect us. O Jagannath, all the gods are terrified of the demon named Mura and have come to seek refuge in You. O Protector of the Devotees, save us. O Lord of the Lords, save us. O Janardana, protect us, protect us. O Lotus-eyed Destroyer of Demons, protect us. Lord, we have all come to You and have taken refuge in You. O Lord, help the gods who have come to Your shelter. O Lord, You are the Master, the Intellect, the Doer, and the Cause. You are the Mother and Father of this universe. O Lord of the Lords, O Protector of the Surrendered, the gods, frightened, have come to Your refuge. O Lord, the mighty and fierce demon named Mura has defeated all the gods and expelled them from heaven.”
Hearing Indra’s plea, Lord Vishnu responded, “Devaraja, what kind of demon is he? What is his form and strength, and where does this vile creature reside?”
Indra replied, “O Lord of the Gods, in ancient times, a great demon named Talajangha was born in Brahma’s lineage, who was extremely terrifying. His son, known as the demon Mura, is also immensely powerful and a grave threat to the gods. He resides in the city called Chandravati. This demon has defeated all the gods and expelled them from heaven. He has even placed another Indra on the throne of heaven and created replacements for Agni, Chandra, Surya, Vayu, and Varuna. O Janardana, this is the truth. He has deprived the gods of every place. Hearing Indra’s account, Lord Janardana was filled with great anger. He took the gods with Him to Chandravati city.
The gods saw the demon king roaring repeatedly, and they scattered in all directions in fear. The demon, upon seeing Lord Vishnu, shouted, “Stand still, stand still.” Hearing his challenge, Lord Vishnu’s eyes turned red with anger. He said, “You wicked demon, behold my mighty arms.” Saying this, Lord Vishnu began to slay the demons before Him with His divine arrows. The demons were overwhelmed with fear. O Pandunandan, then Lord Vishnu struck the demon army with His discus, killing hundreds of warriors. Afterward, Lord Madhusudana went to Badrikashrama. There, He entered a cave named Sinhavati, which was twelve yojanas long with only one entrance.
Lord Vishnu rested inside the cave. The demon Mura was determined to kill Him and followed Him into the cave. Upon seeing Lord Vishnu asleep, he was overjoyed, thinking he could finally kill the god who terrorized demons. O Yudhishthira, as the demon plotted, a beautiful, divine woman, came out from lord Vishnu’s body emanating from Lord Vishnu’s radiance, appeared. She was powerful and armed with divine weapons. This maiden, born from the Lord’s brilliance, was exceedingly strong and valorous. She challenged the demon Mura to a fight, and a fierce battle ensued. The maiden, skilled in all forms of warfare, reduced the great demon Mura to ashes with just her roar.
When the demon was slain, Lord Vishnu awoke. Seeing the demon’s corpse, He asked, “Who has killed this extremely fierce and dreadful enemy of mine?”
The maiden spoke, “Lord, by Your grace, I have slain this great demon.” Lord Vishnu replied, “Blessed one, the sages and gods of all three realms are delighted by your deed! Therefore, ask me for any boon that you desire, and even if it is difficult to grant, I will bestow it upon you without a doubt.”
This maiden was none other than Ekadashi personified. She said, “O Lord, if You are pleased, grant me the status of being the foremost among all pilgrimages, the destroyer of all obstacles, and the giver of all kinds of success. O Janardana, may those who fast on my day with devotion to You obtain all forms of success. O Madhava, those who observe my fast by fasting, eating once (nakt), or eating only once in the evening (ekabhukt), please grant them wealth, righteousness, and liberation.”
Lord Vishnu said, “Blessed one! Everything you have requested will be granted.” Lord Krishna then continued, “Yudhishthira, having received such a boon, the devout Ekadashi was very pleased. Both the Ekadashis of the waxing and waning phases of the moon are equally auspicious. There should be no distinction between the Shukla (waxing) and Krishna (waning) phases.
If at sunrise a small part of Ekadashi is present, with the majority of the day being Dwadashi, and a little of Trayodashi, it is called ‘Trispasha Ekadashi.’ This is very dear to the Lord. Fasting on Trispasha Ekadashi yields the same benefits as fasting on a thousand Ekadashis, and breaking the fast on Dwadashi yields a thousandfold reward.
One should not observe fasts on Ashtami, Ekadashi, Shashthi, Tritiya, and Chaturdashi if they are mixed with the previous tithi. Only if they are fully present in the subsequent tithi should the fast be observed. If Ekadashi is present throughout the day and night on the first day and is only present at dawn for a short period on the second day, one should fast on the Dwadashi with the Ekadashi on the second day.
This method applies to both phases of Ekadashi. A person who fasts on Ekadashi ascends to Vaikuntha, where Lord Garudadhwaja resides. Whoever recites the Ekadashi Mahatmya (glory of Ekadashi) at all times receives the merit of donating a thousand cows. Those who listen to this Mahatmya with devotion, whether by day or night, are undoubtedly freed from sins such as Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin). There is no other vow as sin-purging as Ekadashi.”
Follow to Stay Connected
More For You
-
Kamika Ekadashi 31 Jul 2024 : Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time -
Amalaki Ekadashi 19 Feb 2024 : Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time -
Vijaya Ekadashi 19 Feb 2024 : Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time -
Jaya Ekadashi 19 Feb 2024 : Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time -
Shattila Ekadashi 6 Feb 2024 : Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time
