Discover the profound spiritual and health benefits of observing Ekadashi, a sacred day in Hindu tradition.
Understanding Ekadashi: Its Origins and Cultural Importance
Ekadashi is a day that holds immense religious significance within Hinduism, observed on the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. The term ‘Ekadashi’ is derive from the Sanskrit words ‘eka’ meaning ‘one’ and ‘dasha’ meaning ‘ten’, signifying the eleventh day. This day is dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu, the preserver-god in the Hindu trinity. The origins of Ekadashi can be trace back to ancient Vedic texts. Where it is describe as a day of spiritual elevation and atonement for sins. It is not just a religious observance but also a cultural cornerstone. That influences various aspects of social and spiritual life in Hindu communities.
Culturally, Ekadashi is mark by community gatherings, devotional singing, and recitation of scriptures. It is a day when many Hindus choose to step back from the material world and turn their focus inward. Seeking spiritual renewal and divine connection. The significance of Ekadashi is reiterated in various Hindu epics and Puranas. Where its observance is said to bring about spiritual liberation and fulfillment of desires. The cultural importance of Ekadashi is clear in the way it is integrated into the lives of Hindus. With many observing it with great reverence and devotion.
The Spiritual Significance of Observing Ekadashi
The spiritual significance of Ekadashi is deeply rooted in the concept of purification and renewal. Observing Ekadashi is believe to cleanse the soul, leading to spiritual growth and enlightenment. It is a time for introspection, meditation, and prayer. With a focus on transcending earthly desires and developing a closer relationship with the divine. The fasting and abstinence from certain foods are seen as a way to discipline the body and the mind. Enabling one to control the senses and detach from worldly pleasures.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna extols the virtues of Ekadashi fasting to his disciple Arjuna. Highlighting its importance for spiritual seekers. Devotees believe that by observing Ekadashi, they can achieve Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The day is also associate with the remembrance of ancestors and acts of charity. As giving alms and helping the needy are consider meritorious acts that bring one closer to the divine essence.
How Ekadashi is Observed: Rituals and Practices
The observance of Ekadashi is mark by a series of rituals and practices aimed at enhancing one’s spiritual well-being. Fasting is a key element, with many devotees abstaining from food entirely or consuming only fruits, vegetables, and milk products. The fast is typically broken the next day, after sunrise. Devotees also engage in extra prayers, chanting mantras, and reading holy scriptures like the Vishnu Sahasranama. Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu witness special pujas and offerings, with devotees thronging to seek blessings.
Rituals also include the performance of ‘Tarpan’ for ancestors, signifying respect and remembrance. Some observers keep silence throughout the day, known as ‘Mauna’, to conserve energy and focus on inner peace. Community services are encouraged. These services include feeding the poor and helping the less fortunate. They are expressions of the selfless love that is central to the teachings of Lord Vishnu.
The Health Benefits Linked with Ekadashi Fasting
Beyond its spiritual implications, Ekadashi fasting also offers health benefits. The practice of periodic fasting is popular to aid in detoxification, as it gives the digestive system a rest. This aligns with modern health perspectives that recognize intermittent fasting as beneficial for metabolism, weight management, and overall well-being. Fasting on Ekadashi encourages the consumption of a sattvic diet. This diet is light and easy to digest. It thus promotes better health.
Furthermore, the mental discipline needed to fast successfully can enhance cognitive ability and emotional health. The focus on meditation and prayer during Ekadashi can reduce stress and create a sense of mental clarity and tranquility. The holistic approach to wellness on Ekadashi thus integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health. In line with the ancient Ayurvedic principles of balanced living.
Ekadashi Across Different Cultures and Geographies
Ekadashi is predominantly observed by Hindus. Nonetheless, its themes of fasting, self-reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation resonate across various cultures and geographies. The specifics of the observance vary according to regional traditions. Different parts of India celebrate it with unique rituals and customs. Some regions have special names for each Ekadashi, often linked with particular legends or deities.
In the global context, the practice has been embrace by the international Hindu diaspora. Adapting to the local environments while retaining its core essence. Non-Hindus are also interested in the spiritual and health aspects of fasting. They have found relevance in the observance of Ekadashi. This cross-cultural interest highlights the universal appeal of Ekadashi’s principles. It also underscores the potential for intercultural dialogue and spiritual exchange.
SHUKLA PAKSHA EKADASHI NAMES, SIGNIFICIANCE AND RELIGIOUS STORIES
Putrada Ekadashi (giver of sons):. Takes place in December-January on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle.
Putrada Ekadashi is a sacred day in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the waxing moon in the month of Pausha. According to the North Indian calendar, and in the month of Margashirsha in the South Indian calendar. This day is deeply venerated by Hindus who uphold the Vaishnava tradition. The origins of Putrada Ekadashi are found in ancient scriptures. The Bhavishya Purana particularly highlights Lord Krishna narrating its significance to King Yudhishthira. The day associates with the legend of King Suketuman and his queen. After much despair due to childlessness, they found solace by observing Putrada Ekadashi with devotion. They received blessings for progeny.
The story further illustrates how the royal couple, guided by a celestial voice, visited the forest. They came upon a pond where sages were performing sacred rituals. Upon learning about the king’s plight, the sages advised them to follow the Putrada Ekadashi fast with dedication. After their advice, the couple was eventually blessed with a child. This narrative demonstrates the ekadashi’s association with the hope for offspring. It highlights the divine assistance that supports devotees in fulfilling their familial desires.
Bhaimi Ekadashi / Jaya Ekadashi (one can liberate from effects of their wrongdoings):. Takes place in January-February on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle.
Ekadashi is a significant day in the Hindu lunar calendar, observed every fortnight. Bhaimi Ekadashi is also referred to as Jaya Ekadashi. It is celebrated on the eleventh day of the waning moon in the month of Magha. This is according to the traditional Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and is believed to bestow spiritual benefits. And the removal of sins upon the devotees who follow it with full devotion. The origins of Bhaimi Ekadashi are rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures. These texts highlight its importance. They also mention the special rituals performed on this day.
The significance of Bhaimi Ekadashi lies in its ability to purify the heart and soul of devotees. It is said that fasting and praying on this day can lead one towards a path of virtue and enlightenment. Many devotees engage in charitable acts. They believe that such deeds will bring them closer to attaining moksha. Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The observance of Bhaimi Ekadashi is not just a religious practice, but also a time for self-reflection and spiritual rejuvenation.
The story of Jaya Ekadashi is recounted in the ancient texts. It is a testament to the power of faith and devotion. According to the legend, there was once a celestial singer named Malyavan. He, along with his two wives, incurred a curse due to negligence in his duties. As a result, they were condemned to be born on Earth as demons. Malyavan’s virtuous son remained in the heavens. He learned about the redemptive power of Jaya Ekadashi. He decided to watch the fast rigorously. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu granted his wish. He liberated his father and stepmothers from the curse. He restored them to their celestial forms.
The tale underscores the transformative effects of observing Jaya Ekadashi with sincere devotion. It serves as an inspiration for devotees to follow the path of dharma with unwavering faith. They believe the blessings of Lord Vishnu are particularly accessible on this day. The narrative also encourages the practice of forgiveness. It instills the belief in the possibility of redemption, no matter the past actions. Thus, Jaya Ekadashi stands as a beacon of hope and spiritual upliftment for all who partake in its observance.
Amalaka Ekadashi / Amalaki Ekadashi:. Takes place in Febuary-March on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle.
Amalaka Ekadashi, also known as Amalaki Ekadashi, is a day of great spiritual importance for followers of Hinduism. This auspicious occasion falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun. This period typically corresponds to late February or early March in the Gregorian calendar. The day is dedicated to worshiping the sacred amla tree. The Indian gooseberry is considered a physical manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
Devotees follow a strict fast on Amalaka Ekadashi. They abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunrise of the next day. Many believe that the act of fasting cleanses the soul, body, and mind. This practice also brings one closer to divinity. The day is marked by offering prayers to the amla tree, chanting mantras, and reading or listening to sacred texts. The significance of this day lies in the belief that observing Amalaka Ekadashi can erase a multitude of sins. It is also believed to lead to salvation.
The mythological origins of Amalaka Ekadashi are recounted in ancient Hindu scriptures and hold great meaning for the faithful. According to the legends, the amla tree was created by Lord Brahma and is blessed by Lord Vishnu. It is observed that on the day of Amalaka Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu resides in the amla tree. This makes the tree an object of veneration.
The legend narrates the story of King Chaitraratha of Vidyadhara, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. His kingdom was blessed with prosperity and happiness due to his piety and the practice of Amalaka Ekadashi. A hunter, who had killed many animals, stumbled upon the king’s celebrations. By merely being there, he was absolved of all his sins. This story highlights the transformative power of Amalaka Ekadashi and encourages followers to watch this day with faith and devotion.
Kamada Ekadasi (believed to grant all desires):. Takes place in March-April on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle.
The tale as told by the god Krishna to the king Yudhishthira: A young gandharva couple lived in Ratnapura. Lalit and his wife Lalita resided there. The city was ruled by the King Pundarika. Lalit was a famed singer, while Lalita was a renowned dancer at the royal court. One day when Lalit was singing in the royal court, he lost focus on the song. His thoughts turned to his wife, who was absent from the court.
As a result, he missed some beats and incorrectly ended his performance. A serpent named Karkotaka complained to the king. He said that Lalit considered his wife more important than his master, the king. Infuriated, the King Pundarika cursed Lalit to become a monstrous cannibal, who was sixty-four miles in height. His neck was like a mountain, arms eight miles long and mouth the size of huge cave.
This greatly distressed Lalita. She wandered around the Vindhyachal Hills with her monstrous husband. She came across the sage Shringi and appealed to him to give a solution to her problem. Sage Shringi told her to follow the vrata of Kamada Ekadasi with great devotion. With the blessings of Krishna, Lalit was restored to his original gandharva form. Thereafter, they were taken to heaven on a celestial flying chariot.
Mohini Ekadashi (relief from all sufferings):. Takes place in April-May on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. The legend of Mohini Ekadashi Vrat was narrated to Lord Rama by Sage Vashishtha. Later, in the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna explained the significance of this vrat to Pandava king Yudhishthir. There lived a businessman named Dhanpal in a kingdom called Bhadravati on the banks of the Saraswati river. He was a nobleman and would often join in philanthropic activities. He had five sons, but the eldest was the most irresponsible.
And his son’s behaviour, conduct and habits made the businessman worry about his future. After several failed attempts to convince his son to give up obnoxious ways of living, Dhanpal decided to disown him. But even this action didn’t deter the son from giving up his undesirable habits. As a result, he began stealing and looting people’s homes. In the end, he was ostracised and sent to a jungle. In the forest, Dhanpal’s son came across Sage Kaundinya and confessed to him about the crimes he had committed. The sage suggested he must follow the Mohini Ekadashi vrat if he wished to remove the consequences of his sins.
Nirjala Ekadashi (meaning water-less): Takes place in May-June on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. It is said to be the most rewarding. It grants the virtue gained by the practice of all 24 ekadshis in the year. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrates the story behind the Nirjala Ekadashi vrata. Bhima, a lover of food, wanted to follow all ekadashi fasts, but not control his hunger. He approached the sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and grandfather of the Pandavas for a solution. The sage advised him to follow Nirjala Ekadashi. For one day in the year, he should follow an absolute fast. Bhima attained the virtue of all 24 ekadashis, by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.
Shayani Ekadashi: Takes place in June-July on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. It is believe that Lord Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar (cosmic ocean of milk) on Sheshanāga (the cosmic serpent). Lord finally awakens from his slumber four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi. This period is popular as Chaturmas and coincides with the rainy season. Thus, Shayani Ekadashi is the beginning of Chaturmas.
The tale as told by the god Krishna to the king Yudhishthira: The pious king’s country faced a severe drought. This drought lasted for three years. The king was unable to find a solution to please the rain gods. Finally, sage Angiras advised the king to follow the vrata of Dev-shayani ekadashi. On doing so by the grace of Lord Vishnu, there was rain in the kingdom.
Parsva Ekadashi: Takes place in August-September on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. It falls on the period of Chaturmas which is again consider to be one of the most auspicious moments. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu turned from the left side to his right side while sleeping. Hence, it is also popular as Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi, Parivartini meaning turning sides.
Pasankusa Ekadashi: Takes place in September-October on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, once, there was a cruel hunter on the Vidhyanchal mountain. He had done only evil acts throughout his life. So, Yamraj sent his messenger to take him. It threatened the evil soul. He went to the Angara and asked him for help. He told him about Papankusha Ekadashi. If anyone observes Papankusha Ekadashi fast with true integrity and without anger, all his accumulated sins are destroyed. He then attains salvation.
Prabodhini Ekadashi: It takes place in October-November on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. This day marks the end of the four-month period of Chaturmas. People believe that Lord Vishnu sleeps on Shayani Ekadashi. He then wakes on Prabodhini Ekadashi. This waking gives the day the name “Prabodhini Ekadashi” (awakening). The end of Chaturmas, when marriages are prohibited, signifies the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. It is also noted as Kartiki Ekadashi, Kartik Shukla ekadashi and Kartiki. Prabodhini Ekadashi is follow by Kartik Poornima, which day is celebrate as Dev Diwali or Diwali of gods. It is also believe that Lord Vishnu married to goddess Tulsi on this Day.
Mokshada Ekadashi: Takes place in November-December on the eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. It is a highly auspicious day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. People worship to get rid of all their sins and achieve moksha or liberation after death. The ekadashi is celebrated on the same day as Gita Jayanti. On this day, Krishna delivered the holy sermon of the Bhagavad Gita to the Pandava prince Arjuna.
The tale as told by the god Krishna to the king Yudhishthira:. The story begins with a saintly king called Vaikhanasa. He was filled with total compassion. He treated the subjects as his own children. One night, the king had a dream. He saw his late father being tormented in Naraka (Hell). Naraka was ruled by Yama, the god of death. The king was highly anguish and relate this nightmare to his council the next day. The council advised the king to approach the omniscient saint, Parvata Muni (“sage of the mountain”). The sage meditated and found the reason for the hellish torture of the king’s father.
He mentioned that his father had sinned by quarrelling with his wife. He also had coitus with her during her menstrual cycle despite her strong protests. To rectify the situation, the sage advised the king. He told him to follow vrata of the Mokshada Ekadashi day. The king’s religious merit, obtained from the vrata, pleased the gods of heaven. With full faith and devotion, they carried the king’s father to heaven.
Vaikunta Ekadashi: This special Ekadashi coincides with Mokshada and Putrada Ekadashi. It is mostly once a year. Sometimes it occurs twice a year, once in January and the other in December. The legend says that the Devas were incapable of bearing the tyranny of ‘Muran,’ a demon. They approached Lord Shiva. He directed them to Lord Vishnu. A battle ensued between Vishnu and the demon and Vishnu realized that a new weapon was needed to slay Muran. Vishnu needed rest. He retired to a cave for the goddess named Haimavati in Badarikashrama to create a new weapon.
Muran tried to slay Vishnu while he was sleeping. The female power emerged from Vishnu and burned Muran to ashes with her glance. Vishnu, who was pleased, named the goddess ‘Ekadashi’ and asked her to claim a boon. Ekadashi, instead, beseeched Vishnu that people who follow a fast on that day should be redeemed of their sins. Vishnu thus declared that people who observed a fast on that day and worshipped Ekadashi, would attain Vaikuntha. Thus came into being the first Ekadashi, which was a Dhanurmasa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi.
KRISHNA PAKSHA EKADASHI NAMES, SIGNIFICIANCE AND RELIGIOUS STORIES
Saphala Ekadashi: Takes place in December-January on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, King Mahishmat, who ruled a kingdom called Champavati, had five sons. His eldest son was wild, irresponsible and ill-mannered. Hence the King and his other sons named the eldest son, Lumbhak. A few days later, when Lumbhak’s atrocities cross new limits, he was throw out of the King’s kingdom. As days went by, Lumbhak started living in the forest under a Banyan tree. One day, Lumbhak introspected and realised how his conduct/behaviour and habits ruined his life. He repented committing sins and felt ashamed. Incidentally, on this Ekadashi Tithi, Lumbhak kept a few fruits on the tree roots and offered them to Lord Vishnu. Moreover, since he had not consumed food during the whole day, he succeeded in observing the Ekadashi Vrat, albeit unknowingly.
Shat Tila Ekadashi: Takes place in January-February on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, an old Brahmin widow observed a vrat for a month to pay her obeisance to him. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and would carry out intense penance and austerities. Once, Lord Vishnu visited her in the disguise of a poor man and asked her for alms. The Brahmani chose to hand over a fistful of mud instead of food. A few days later, the Brahmani died and was bless to visit Vaikuntha Dham (the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu).
However, she found an empty house and a lone mango tree to fend for herself. The Brahmani wonder why the Lord punish her despite her being so devote to him. The Lord answered by saying that she found an empty house because she did not do charity. Moreover, when she got a chance to serve him, she gave him a fistful of mud. The Lord instructed her to wait for the Dev Kanyas. She should learn the vidhi of observing the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat from them. Eventually, the Brahmani observe the vrat as per the Vidhi and was shower with everything she need.
Vijaya Ekadashi: Takes place in February-March on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi has risen since the times of Shri Rama. The sages and the saints advised Shri Rama to observe this vrat. He wondered how he cross the ocean to reach Lanka and free his consort, Sita.
Papavimocani Ekadashi: Takes place in March-April on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, there was a forest named Chaitrarath. In this forest, Sage Medhavi, Chyawan Rishi’s son, would meditate. He performed intense penance and maintained celibacy. However, one day Kama Deva decided to disrupt Medhavi’s penance by sending an Apsara named Manju Ghosha to his hermitage. Manju Ghosha danced, sang and lured the Sage by her beauty and succeeded in disrupting his penance. The Sage lost control over his senses. He forgot all about his Tapasya. He spent years with Manju Ghosha in the forest.
When Manju Ghosha expressed her desire to return to her abode, the Sage realised his folly. He learnt that it was Kama Deva’s attempt to ruin his penance. Therefore in rage, he cursed Manju Ghosha by stating that she would lose her beauty roam around like a ghost. She pleaded to the Sage to forgive her and appealed to him to revoke the curse. Hence, the Sage suggested that she observe the Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat to get riddance from it. After sharing the remedy with Manju Ghosha, the Sage visited his father, Chyawan. However, when Sage Chyawan learnt about his son’s conduct, he condemned his action. He asked him to observe the Vrat too.
Varuthini Ekadashi: Takes place in April-May on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. On this Ekadashi particularly his fifth avatar Vamana is worship. According to the legends, this ekadashi will turn a lame person to walk normally. An unfortunate woman will become a lucky one. Animals will be released from their cycle of birth and death. All human beings are assure of prosperity in this life and the next.
Apara Ekadashi (limitless blessings of the almighty): This event takes place in May-June. It occurs on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, a benevolent king name Mahidhwaj who was love and respect by his subjects. However, his younger brother, Vajradhwaj, was cunning and greedy. He killed Mahidhwaj and dumped his mortal remains under a peepal tree in a jungle. Because of the king’s untimely and unnatural death, his ghost started wandering. It troubled people who passed by the peepal tree.
One day, a sage named Dhaumya spotted the king’s ghost near the tree. He asked the ghost to reveal its reason for existing. And soon after learning about the ghost’s story with his divine powers, the sage shared the knowledge of visiting heaven. Furthermore, the great sage also observed the Apara Ekadashi Vrat on behalf of the ghost. This helped it get rid of the Preta Yoni. It allowed the ghost to get a new lease of life by sending it to heaven.
Yogini Ekadashi (to get rid of all past sins & assuring good health): It occurs in June-July. This takes place on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, King Kuber would worship Lord Shiva daily by offering flowers. There was a gardener name Hem Mali, who would get Kuber flowers on a regular basis from the Mansarovar. However, once he got the flowers. He forgot to give them to Kuber because he was busy spending time with his beautiful wife. The king learned about it. Kubera became extremely angry. He cursed Hem to suffer from the deadly disease of leprosy. Kubera ordered Hem to stay separated from his wife. Hem was out of the palace and suffered immensely due to the disease.
After wandering for many years in the forest, Hem came across the ashram of Rishi Markandeya. After listening to Hem’s story, Rishi Markandeya advised him to observe Yogini Ekadashi Vrat. As a result, the Lord accepts his prayers. Hem was cured of all his sins. He was free from any disease.
Kamika Ekadashi: Takes place in July-August on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, this day is equal to taking a bath in the sacred waters of the Ganga. A person can reap the benefits of visiting Kashi by keeping a vrat on Kamika Ekadashi. By following a vrat on this day, a person can free himself from all his past wrongs. He must maintain celibacy and do penance. People who devoutly offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu on this Ekadashi avoid all the sins of this world.
Annada Ekadashi: Takes place in August-September on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, a famous king named Harishchandra, a person of great truth and integrity. His wife’s name was Chandramati, and he had a son named Lohit Ashva. But, Harishchandra lost his great kingdom and sold his wife and son. The pious king himself became a menial servant of a dog-eater, who made him guard a crematorium. Yet even while doing such menial service, he did not forsake his truthfulness and good character. The king passed many years in this condition and drowned in an ocean of anxiety and sorrow. One day a great sage happened by, and the king narrated his pitiful story. Gautama Muni instructed him to keep fast on this Ekadasi for purification.
Indira Ekadashi: Takes place in September-October on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, a king named Indrasena who ruled a kingdom called Mahishmati. He was a benevolent king, and his people were happy and content under his leadership. Once, Devarishi Narada Muni paid a visit to Indrasena’s court and said that Indrasena’s father is in the Yama Loka. And hasn’t been able to attain Moksha owing to a few sins committed by him during his lifetime.
Hence, Narada Muni suggested Indrasena must follow a vrat on this Ekadashi Tithi. And pay obeisance to his dead ancestors in the afternoon. These prayers must be follow by a vrat on Ekadashi. After performing puja, one must read the sacred texts that hail the glory of Lord Vishnu. And then on Dwadashi, after taking a bath and worshipping Lord Vishnu, one must break the fast. Thus, by performing the Indira Ekadashi Vrat, one can help their dead ancestors achieve Moksha.
Rama Ekadashi: Takes place in October-November on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. According to the legends, a Lord Vishnu devotee named Muchukund had a daughter named Chandrabhaga. She was married to a prince named Shobhan, who was the son of King Chandrasen. Months later, Chandrabhaga and Shobhan visited the palace of King Muchukand. He instructed all his subjects to follow the Ekadashi Vrat religiously. But Chandrabhaga looked worried as she knew that her husband, Shobhan, was not physically fit to keep a fast.
After thinking of a choice, Shobhan decided that he would keep a fast to escape punishment. Yet, he succumbed to his illness on the morning of Dwadashi Tithi. His mortal remains were put in a river. But a while later, he bounced back to life. And landed in a kingdom called Devapur on the Mandarachal mountain and went on to occupy the throne. But he had kept the vrat out of compulsion. As a result, he had to deal with a kingdom that was good but unstable.
Meanwhile, a Brahmin lived in Muchukand’s kingdom. He was out on a pilgrimage and landed in Devapur. He was shocked to see Shobhan there. The Brahmin learned how Shobhan was blessed with Devapur. He then left for Muchukand’s kingdom to narrate the story to Chandrabhaga.
Then, Chandrabhaga visited Devapur to stay with her husband. And as soon as she joined her husband, his kingdom grew powerful and stable.
Utpanna Ekadashi (the emergence of a feminine power):. Takes place in November-December on the eleventh day of the fading half of the lunar cycle. The legend story of this Ekadashi is same as Mokshada Ekadashi.
Paramaa Shuddha Ekadashi:. The Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha, Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas is refer to as Parama Ekadashi. Follow once in about three years. A devotee can rid of financial problems. A legend linked to Parama Ekadashi tells of Sumedha. He was a humble and poor Brahmin man living in Kampilya. He and his wife, Pavitra, were popular for their hospitality and generosity.
Sumedha and Pavitra did not have much to fend for themselves. Despite this, they took great care of those who took shelter in their humble abode. They served people whole-heartedly. Later, Kaundinya Rishi visited their humble abode. The couple whole-heartedly served the sage and sought their blessings. And before leaving, the sage asked them to follow a vrat on the Ekadashi Tithi. He told Sumedha and Pavitra to pray to Lord Vishnu. And a few days later, things transformed for this couple. They became wealthy and were in a better position to serve those in need.
Padmini Visuddha Ekadashi:. The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha, Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas is refer to as Padmini Ekadashi. Observed once in about three years. According to the legends, there lived a king named Krit Virya of Mahishmati in the Treta Yuga. He was a noble king who was much-love by his people. The king was pained by the absence of a child. Along with his first queen, Padmini, he headed to the forest. They went to do intense penance. And performed austerities for years. One day, queen Padmini met Devi Anasuya. Devi Anasuya asked her to keep a vrat on the day of Ekadashi, Shukla Paksha of the Mala Maas. Eventually, the queen and the king were bless with a child. The prince was name Kartavirya, who went on to win name fame and adulation for his lineage.
References & Further Reading
Here are trusted sources for learning more about Ekadashi:
- Times of India – Discusses the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi, observed on June 6, 2025. It emphasizes fasting without food or water. Chanting mantras and engaging in silent meditation purify the body and mind.
- Economic Times – Provides details on Putrada Ekadashi. It is celebrated on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Sawan (Shravan). This festival is believed to bestow eternal spiritual benefits. It leads to Moksha through the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
- Navbharat Times – Provides insights into the rituals and dos and don’ts of Aja Ekadashi Vrat. It is observed on August 19, 2025. The article explains the importance of fasting, chanting mantras, and avoiding certain foods. These practices help attain the full benefits of the vrat.
- Drik Panchang – Details the Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi Vidhan. It outlines the rituals and practices observed during Ekadashi. This includes fasting guidelines, worship methods, and the significance of the vrat.
- Ekadashi.co – Provides comprehensive information on Ekadashi Vrat Rules & Benefits. It includes various types of fasting. It also details allowed and avoided foods. Additionally, it covers the spiritual benefits of observing Ekadashi.
- Hare Krishna Movement, Mumbai – Explains the rituals and significance of Ekadashi. It emphasizes fasting, chanting, and worship of Lord Vishnu. These practices purify the body and mind.
- Wikipedia – Offers a detailed overview of Ekadashi. It includes its origins and significance. There are variations in observance across different regions and communities.
