Mokshda Ekadashi - 11 December 2024
Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time
Mokshda Ekadashi 2024 : Date and Time
Margashirsha, Shukla Paksh Ekadashi
Ekadashi tithi begins : December 10, 2024 – 10:12 PM (IST)
Ekadashi tithi ends : December 11, 2024 – 7:39 PM (IST)
Parana Time : December 12, 2024 – 8:01 AM – 9:35 AM (IST)
Dwadashi ending time : December 12, 2024 – 4:56 PM (IST)
Mokshda Ekadashi Story (Katha)
Yudhishthira asked: “O Lord of Lords! I wish to know about the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Margashirsha. What is its name, the prescribed rituals, and which deity should be worshiped on this day? Please explain in detail.”
Lord Krishna replied: “O King! The Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha is known as Utpanna Ekadashi, which I have already described to you. Now, I will narrate the details of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha, the mere listening of which grants the same merit as performing a Vajapeya sacrifice. This Ekadashi is known as Moksha Ekadashi and is renowned for absolving all sins. On this day, one should worship Lord Damodar with Tulsi leaves, incense, and lamps. The same observances as previously mentioned for Dashami and Ekadashi should be followed.
Moksha Ekadashi is a powerful day that destroys even the gravest sins. One should stay awake at night, offering prayers, singing, and dancing to please me. Offering the merit of this Ekadashi to one’s ancestors who are suffering in lower realms will undoubtedly grant them liberation. There is no doubt about this.
In ancient times, in the beautiful Champaka city, adorned by Vaishnavas, lived a king named Vaikhanas. He ruled his subjects like his own children. One night, the king dreamt of his ancestors suffering in lower births. This sight deeply troubled him, and the next morning, he narrated his dream to the Brahmins, seeking their guidance.”
The King said: “O Brahmins! I saw my ancestors suffering in hell. They were weeping and repeatedly saying to me, ‘You are our descendant, so rescue us from this ocean of hell.’ Seeing them in this state, I am deeply troubled. What should I do? Where should I go? My heart is burdened. O noble Brahmins, please tell me of a vow, penance, or yoga that can immediately free my ancestors from hell. Despite being a strong and brave son, my parents are suffering in terrible hell. What is the use of such a son?
The Brahmins replied: “O King! Nearby is the great ashram of Sage Parvat. He knows both the past and the future. O best of kings, you should go to him.” Hearing the Brahmins’ advice, King Vaikhanas quickly went to the ashram of Sage Parvat. Upon seeing the great sage, the king prostrated himself and touched the sage’s feet. The sage then inquired about the welfare of the king and his kingdom.
The king said, “O Master, by your grace, all the seven parts of my kingdom are flourishing. However, I have seen my ancestors suffering in hell. Please tell me what merit can free them from this torment?”
Hearing the king’s words, the great sage Parvat meditated for a moment. After this, he spoke to the king, “O King, during the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha, there is an Ekadashi called ‘Moksha.’ You and your people should observe the fast of this Ekadashi and dedicate its merits to your ancestors. This will ensure their liberation from hell.”
Lord Krishna continued, “Yudhishthira, after hearing the sage’s advice, the king returned to his palace. When the auspicious month of Margashirsha arrived, King Vaikhanas observed the ‘Moksha’ Ekadashi fast as per the sage’s instructions and dedicated its merits to his ancestors. Instantly, flowers rained down from the sky, and his ancestors, along with his father, were freed from hell. Appearing in the sky, they blessed the king, saying, ‘Son, may you be blessed,’ and then ascended to heaven. O King, observing this auspicious ‘Moksha’ Ekadashi fast removes one’s sins, and after death, one attains liberation. This ‘Moksha’ Ekadashi is like a wish-fulfilling gem, capable of granting all desires. Reading and hearing the glory of this Ekadashi is equivalent to performing the Vajapeya sacrifice.”
Spiritual Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
Mokshda Ekadashi, observed during the bright fortnight of the Margashirsha month, holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector in the Hindu trinity. Devotees believe that observing the Mokshda Ekadashi fast with devotion and purity can absolve one’s sins and lead to Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The term ‘Mokshda’ itself means ‘giver of liberation,’ highlighting the fast’s primary spiritual goal.
The legend of Mokshda Ekadashi is rooted in the ancient story of King Vaikhanas, who, troubled by visions of his ancestors suffering in hell, sought guidance from Sage Parvat. The sage advised the king to observe the Mokshda Ekadashi fast and dedicate its merits to his ancestors. Following this, King Vaikhanas performed the fast with utmost devotion, leading to a miraculous event where his ancestors were liberated and ascended to heaven. This narrative underscores the profound impact of Mokshda Ekadashi on one’s spiritual journey and its potential to provide relief to departed souls.
Observing Mokshda Ekadashi involves fasting from sunrise to sunrise, refraining from consuming grains and certain other foods, and engaging in prayer, meditation, and recitation of Vishnu-related scriptures and hymns. Devotees often visit Vishnu temples, offer tulsi leaves, flowers, and light lamps as part of their worship. The spiritual benefits of this Ekadashi are immense; it purifies the mind and body, enhances one’s spiritual discipline, and brings one closer to divine consciousness.
Moreover, Mokshda Ekadashi is not only about personal liberation but also about the welfare of ancestors. By dedicating the merits of the fast to their departed loved ones, devotees believe they can aid their souls in achieving peace and liberation. This selfless act embodies the Hindu value of duty towards one’s ancestors and emphasizes the interconnectedness of the living and the departed in the spiritual realm. Thus, Mokshda Ekadashi stands as a beacon of spiritual hope and liberation, embodying the essence of devotion, discipline, and divine grace.
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