Saphala Ekadashi 7 Jan | 26 Dec 2024 : Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time

Acharya Ridhima Agarwal

3 months ago

Saphala Ekadashi - 7 Jan 2024 and 26 Dec 2024

Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time

Saphala Ekadashi 7 Jan 2024 : Date and Time

Pausha, Krishna Paksh Ekadashi

Ekadashi tithi begins : Jan 6, 2024 – 7:11 PM (IST)

Ekadashi tithi ends : Jan 7, 2024 – 7:16 PM (IST)

Parana Time : Jan 8, 2024 – 8:07 AM – 9:45 AM (IST)

Dwadashi ending time : Jan 8, 2024 – 6:28 PM (IST)

Saphala Ekadashi 26 Dec 2024 : Date and Time

Pausha, Krishna Paksh Ekadashi

Ekadashi tithi begins : Dec 25, 2024 – 4:59 PM (IST)

Ekadashi tithi ends : Dec 26, 2024 – 7:13 PM (IST)

Parana Time : Dec 27, 2024 – 8:09 AM – 9:44 AM (IST)

Dwadashi ending time : Dec 27, 2024 – 8:56 PM (IST)

Saphala Ekadashi Story (Katha)

Yudhishthira asked, “O Lord, what is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Pausha month? What are its rituals, and which deity is worshipped on this day? Please explain.”

Lord Krishna replied, “Listen, O King. I am more pleased by the observance of Ekadashi than by great sacrificial offerings with lavish gifts. Therefore, one should make every effort to observe Ekadashi fast. The Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Pausha month is called ‘Saphala Ekadashi.’ On this day, one should worship Lord Narayana with the prescribed rituals. Ekadashi brings great auspiciousness; thus, it is imperative to observe its fast. Just as Shesha is the best among serpents, Garuda among birds, Lord Vishnu among deities, and Brahmins among humans, similarly, Ekadashi is the best among all fasts.

On ‘Saphala Ekadashi,’ one should worship Lord Hari with fruits such as coconuts, betel nuts, Bijora lemons, Jamira lemons, pomegranates, beautiful gooseberries, cloves, berries, and especially mangoes, reciting mantras and performing rituals. Additionally, one should offer incense and lamps to Lord Hari. It is particularly significant to offer lamp donations on ‘Saphala Ekadashi.’ Staying awake throughout the night with Vaishnavas and performing devotional activities yields rewards greater than performing penance for thousands of years.

Therefore, by observing the fast and performing the rituals of ‘Saphala Ekadashi,’ one can attain spiritual success and ultimate liberation.”

Now listen to the auspicious story of ‘Saphala Ekadashi.’ There is a city called Champavati, which was once the capital of King Mahishmat. Rajarshi Mahishmat had five sons, the eldest of whom was always engaged in sinful deeds. He was an adulterer and addicted to prostitutes. He squandered his father’s wealth on sinful activities, was constantly engrossed in wicked deeds, and denigrated Brahmins, Vaishnavas, and deities. Seeing his son’s sinful behavior, King Mahishmat named him Lumbhaka and, along with his brothers, expelled him from the kingdom. Lumbhaka then went to a dense forest, where he began to live. The sinful Lumbhaka often looted the city’s wealth from the forest. One night, while he was stealing, the city guards caught him. When he revealed himself as the son of King Mahishmat, the guards released him. Lumbhaka returned to the forest, living off the fruits of the trees and subsisting near an ancient peepal tree, considered a great deity in that forest.

After many years, due to some accumulated merits, he observed the fast of Ekadashi. On the Dashami of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Pausha, Lumbhaka ate fruits and, being without clothes, suffered the cold all night. He neither slept nor rested, lying almost lifeless. Even after sunrise, the sinner remained unconscious. On the day of ‘Saphala Ekadashi,’ Lumbhaka remained unconscious until midday. When he regained consciousness, he stumbled into the forest, weak and hungry. Returning with many fruits just as the sun was setting, he offered them at the base of the tree, saying, “May Lord Vishnu, the consort of Lakshmi, be pleased with these fruits.” Thus, he unknowingly observed the fast of ‘Saphala Ekadashi.’

Suddenly, a divine voice announced, “Prince, by the grace of ‘Saphala Ekadashi,’ you will regain your kingdom and have a son.” Accepting the boon, his appearance became divine. His mind turned towards devotion to Lord Vishnu. Adorned with divine ornaments, he ruled the kingdom for fifteen years. By Lord Krishna’s grace, he had a son named Manojna. When Manojna grew up, Lumbhaka handed over the kingdom to him and went to Lord Krishna, where there is no sorrow. Therefore, anyone who observes the ‘Saphala Ekadashi’ fast enjoys happiness in this life and attains moksha after death. Those who engage in the fast of ‘Saphala Ekadashi’ are truly blessed. Reading, hearing, and practicing the significance of this Ekadashi bestows the merit of performing the Rajasuya Yajna.

Yudhishthira asked, “Sri Krishna, you have described the auspicious ‘Saphala’ Ekadashi. Now, please tell us about the significance of the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight. What is its name? What is the method to observe it? Which deity is worshipped on this day?”

Lord Krishna said, “O King, I will now describe the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight of the month of Pausha. Listen carefully as I narrate it for the benefit of the world. This Ekadashi is called ‘Putrada,’ which means ‘giver of sons.’ It is an excellent day that removes all sins. Lord Narayana, who grants all desires and perfections, is the presiding deity of this Ekadashi. There is no other day in all the three worlds, including all living beings, that is superior to this day.

In ancient times, there was a king named Suketuman who ruled the city of Bhadravati. His queen’s name was Champa. Despite a long period, the king and queen had no progeny. This caused them great sorrow and worry. Their ancestors drank the water offered to them by the king and queen with heavy hearts, fearing that there would be no one to offer them oblations after the king’s demise. The couple’s constant concern and grief troubled their ancestors as they worried about their lineage and the continuation of their offerings.

To perform the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi vrat, follow the prescribed rituals with utmost dedication. On this day, Lord Narayana, the bestower of all desires and perfections, is worshipped. Observing this Ekadashi with devotion fulfills all desires, especially the wish for a son. Thus, ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi is highly revered for its power to grant offspring and to remove all sins. The importance of this Ekadashi is unmatched, and observing it with faith brings immense benefits and divine grace.”

One day, King Suketuman, while riding his horse, ventured deep into the forest. Neither the priest nor anyone else was aware of his whereabouts. As he wandered through the dense forest, which was inhabited by deer and birds, he heard the cries of jackals and other animals. Various birds and deer appeared along his path. As he observed his surroundings, midday approached, and he became afflicted with hunger and thirst. In search of water, he roamed around and, by some divine blessing, he discovered a splendid lake surrounded by many sages’ ashrams. The sight of the beautiful hermitages delighted the king. At that moment, he received auspicious omens. His right eye and right hand twitched, indicating good fortune.

Many sages were reciting the Vedas by the lake’s edge, and the sight of them filled the king with joy. Dismounting from his horse, he stood before the sages and greeted each one individually with great respect. These sages were adherents of noble vows. When the king repeatedly bowed to them with folded hands, the sages said, “O King, we are pleased with you.”

The spiritual significance of this encounter highlights the transformative power of divine blessings and the virtues of humility and reverence. By following the sages’ advice, King Suketuman’s devotion led him to discover the auspicious ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi, which promises the fulfillment of all desires, particularly the blessing of progeny. Observing this sacred day with sincere devotion brings immense spiritual benefits, removes all sins, and ensures divine grace and prosperity.

The king asked, “Who are you? What are your names, and why have you gathered here? Please tell me truthfully.” The sages replied, “O King, we are the Visvedevas. We have come here to bathe. The month of Magha is approaching, and in five days, the Magha bath will begin. Today is the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi, which grants sons to those who observe the fast.” The king said, “Visvedevas, if you are pleased with me, please grant me a son.” The sages replied, “O King, today is the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi, renowned for bestowing sons. You should observe this excellent fast. By the grace of Lord Keshava, you will surely be blessed with a son.”

Lord Krishna said, “Yudhishthira, following the advice of the sages, the king observed the supreme fast. According to the instructions of the great sages, he performed the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi fast with devotion. After breaking the fast on Dwadashi, he repeatedly bowed his head at the feet of the sages and returned home. Subsequently, the queen conceived. At the time of delivery, the virtuous king was blessed with a radiant son, who delighted his father with his qualities and became the protector of the people. Therefore, O King, the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi fast must be observed. I have described it for the welfare of the people. Those who observe the ‘Putrada’ Ekadashi fast with a focused mind will be blessed with sons in this world and will attain heaven after death. Reading and hearing this glory grants the merits of the Agnistoma Yajna.”

Spiritual Significance of Saphala Ekadashi

Saphala Ekadashi, observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Pausha, holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. The term “Saphala” means “to prosper” or “to succeed,” and it is believed that observing a fast on this Ekadashi brings immense prosperity, success, and the removal of all sins.

According to ancient scriptures, Saphala Ekadashi is celebrated with great devotion and involves various rituals and pujas dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to Vishnu with fruits, flowers, incense, and lamps. Chanting Vishnu’s names and reading sacred texts like the Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita are also integral parts of the observance.

The story of Saphala Ekadashi is narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira in the Bhavishya Purana. It tells the tale of King Mahishmata’s son, Lumpaka, who was banished to the forest due to his sinful deeds. Living a life of crime and disrespect, Lumpaka once inadvertently observed the Saphala Ekadashi fast. As a result of this unintentional fast, his sins were absolved, and he was blessed with divine grace, leading him to repent and transform his life. Eventually, he was restored to his kingdom and lived a prosperous and pious life.

The spiritual significance of Saphala Ekadashi lies in its power to cleanse the soul, bring about inner transformation, and bestow material and spiritual success. It is believed that by observing this Ekadashi with sincerity and devotion, one can attain moksha (liberation) and the favor of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, Saphala Ekadashi is said to bring good fortune, enhance spiritual growth, and fulfill the devotee’s righteous desires. Hence, this Ekadashi is considered a powerful and auspicious day for seeking blessings, prosperity, and spiritual elevation.