Uncover the blessing of Saphala Ekadashi. The spiritual act of fasting is being preached by every religion, and in the same manner, Ekadashi holds value as per the Sanatan Dharma. The purpose of fasting on this auspicious day is not to trouble the material body, but to devote and utilize this holy day entirely to the devotional services of Lord Shri Krishna, and it is extremely beneficial to read and listen to the glories of Ekadashi vrat for this purpose.

As per Bhavishyottara Purana, once Maharaj Yudhishthir requested Lord Shri Krishna to explain “how one should observe fasting on Posh Masa, Krishna Paksha Ekadashi, and which demigod is to be worshipped on this day?”

“Oh holy saint Maharaj Yudhishthir, like Sheshnag is the superior of all of the snakes (sarpa), as Garuda dev is the superior most of all of the birds (pakshi), as Ashwamegha Yagya is the most superior of all of the Yagyas, like the holy river Ganga is the most pious of all of the rivers and as Lord Vishnu is the superior of all of the devas, in the same way, Ekadashi Vrat is the most important, beneficial and superior of all of the vrats, that is why none other vrat or devotional services can please me as that Ekadashi vrat does – replied Lord Krishna about the glories of the most sacred day of Ekadashi.

And those who observe this fast with complete devotion can please me in all terms. Posh Mas, Krishna paksha Ekadashi is also known as Saphala Ekadashi, and the fast is to be observed by showing a lamp and offering fruits to Lord Shri Narayana on this day, followed by listening to Lord Shri Narayana’s glories.

Once upon a time, there was a vast kingdom of Champawati ruled by Emperor Mahishmata; he had four sons, the eldest of which was Lumpak, but sadly, Lumpak was the greatest sinner of all—continues Lord Shri Krishna. Lumpak used to indulge in many malpractices, like forcing other people’s wives into courtship, he was a non-vegetarian, used to gamble, and he was envious of all others. He used to criticize Brahmins and Vaishnavas, and because of his malpractices, his father was becoming poorer day by day. The emperor was now able to make out that his son must not be forgiven, and he banished Lumpak from his kingdom. But Lumpak thought that as I had been banished by my father, I would spend my days hunting animals for flesh and plunder people at night, which led to increasing his sinful life over the years. He used to start his day with malpractices and end it similarly.

Now comes Saphala Ekadashi, he was sleepless the night before owing to an intense cold. The following day he wasn’t able to wake up in time because of ill health, he didn’t even hunt for food that day. So he collected fruits from the nearby trees and sat under one of the trees then he requested Supreme Lord, “Oh Lord Hari, please be merciful to me and accept these fruits”, in this way unknowingly he observed the fast on Saphala Ekadashi and offered fruits to Lord Shri Hari.

Supreme Lord is so merciful and kind even if someone (being sinful or not) observes the fast of Ekadashi and offers the offerings that would easily attain his mercy.

That way, Lumpak was able to please Lord Shri Hari, who blessed Lumpak with a boon. The next morning, a white horse stood before his house, and then a celestial voice was heard, saying, “By the mercy of Lord Vasudeva, Lumpak is now free from all sin and has got his kingdom again, as he has observed fast on Saphala Ekadashi.” This changed his life altogether, he returned back to his kingdom and took charge with the permission of his father, becoming an exultant devotee of Lord Shri Krishna. Lumpak delegated all the responsibilities and distributed his wealth among his sons in old age and devoted the remaining days of his life to the devotional services of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. After this, leaving behind all of the material desires and the material body Lumpak returns back to the heavenly abode of Lord Shri Krishna.

So by this story, one can better understand that although Lumpak had committed several mistakes but just by observing this fast and by involving oneself in the devotional services of Lord Shri Krishna he was able to attain salvation.

Let’s carefully observe this fast of Saphala Ekadashi in remembrance of Lord Shri Krishna by listening to the glories of Lord Shri Hari and chanting the holy name-

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare

Fast breaking time- 20 December 2022 (08:08 AM–10:35 AM) New Delhi

Ekadashi of Margashirsha month is also called Mokshada Ekadashi. On the day of Mokshada Ekadashi, our ancient religious text Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was also born from the mouth of Lord Shri Krishna. In our Indian culture, the Gita of Shrimad Bhagavad is revered and exemplary. This is the only such book in our entire world, whose birth anniversary is also celebrated as Gita Jayanti in the whole country. The essence of Vedic texts is hidden in the Gita, which Lord Sri Lord Krishna told Arjuna with his Sri Mukha during the war of Mahabharata.

In the Gita, Lord Krishna told Arjuna that one who surrenders to Shrimad Bhagavad with complete devotion and respect. There is no effect of any foul misdeeds on that person. Mokshada Ekadashi was when Shrimad Bhagwat was descended on this holy land. Anyone who follows the principles laid down in the Bhagavad Gita, this religious book, never gets hurt in his life, and they get the solution of all the problems of their life in it.

In the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira about the Ekadashi coming on the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month.

Once the Pandava’s son Shri Yudhishthira Maharaj asked Lord Shri Krishna that Oh Lord, you are the Lord of all the three worlds, you are the one who gives happiness to all, and you are the savior of the world, all the people are your well-wishers, I salute you, Lord, you clear one of my doubts. Would you please tell me the name of the Ekadashi of the month of Margashirsha? Which deity is worshiped on this day, what is its method, please tell me about the most important.

Lord Shri Krishna told Yudhishthira that, Yudhisthira, you have asked an excellent question. With this question, your fame will spread all over the world.

Margashirsha Ekadashi is the destroyer of many sins, and its name is Mokshada Ekadashi. On this day, Lord Damodar is worshiped with incense lamps, Naivedya, Tulsi Manjari, etc. The story of Ekadashi is as follows.

In ancient times, the Vaikhanas kings used to rule in Champak city. Brahmins, who knew all the four Vedas, also lived in his kingdom, and they used to take care of their subjects like a son. One night, the king saw his father suffering the tortures of hell in his dream. In this way, seeing the night dreams, the king became very worried, and he became very disturbed and called the pundits in the morning and told them about this dream.

The king told the brahmins that I saw my father suffering the torment of hell at night. In a dream, the king’s father said to him, ” Son, I am suffering a lot in this hell. Get me free from this hell. I am not relieved to hear these words of my father. I do not feel that the whole kingdom is pleasing to me. I am not feeling anything good. What should I do, where should I go, O Brahmin gods, please tell me the solution of this problem so that I can free my father from that hell? If I do not free my father from that hell, then my life on this earth is meaningless. That is why, please tell me a solution to this problem as soon as possible.

Hearing this pain of the king, all the Brahmins had some discussions with each other and told the king that O king, the knower of the past, the present, the present, the mountain Mahamuni, lives nearby here. If you go to him and tell his real suffering, he will free you from this problem. Then the king went to the sage’s hermitage. In that ashram, many other sages were engaged in penance with a calm mind. Mount Muni, the knower of the four Vedas, looked like Brahma.

The king bowed to him and gave his complete introduction. The king told the sage that everything was well in my kingdom, but suddenly a problem came in front of me, due to which my heart had become wholly disturbed. The king, weeping in the night’s dream, told his father what was bothering him in front of the mountain sage. And requested Munishwar that you please tell me such a way by which I can get my father free from that hell.

The mountain sage listened carefully to the king’s whole thing, closed his eyes, and started contemplating the past and future. After that, the sage told the king that I have acquired the knowledge of all your father’s misdeeds. Your father had discriminated against his wives so much that he has to suffer this hell. Then King Vaikhanas prayed to Munishwar in pleading words that you should show some way of his salvation.

Then the mountain sage told the king that the Ekadashi, which comes in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Margashirsha, is called Mokshada Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is going to give salvation. By taking the resolution of fasting on this Ekadashi, you can free your father from this hell. Your father will get saving due to fasting on this Ekadashi. Hearing such words of king Parvat Muni, he returned to his kingdom and, together with his family, fasted on Mokshada Ekadashi. Due to the effect of fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi, the king offered his virtue to his father. Then the king’s father got freedom from that hell.

Shri Krishna told Yudhishthira that those who observe a fast on Mokshada Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of this Margashirsha month, all their sins are destroyed, and they get a place in the higher lokas. There is no other fast that bestows salvation than the fasting of this fast. This fast is like a Chintamani, which gives salvation. By observing this quickly, all the wishes of a person are fulfilled.

That is why the fast of Mokshada Ekadashi is said to be the best for all human beings who desire salvation. This fast should be done with complete devotion and devotion in front of Lord Shri Hari.

On the auspicious occasion of Mokshada Ekadashi, various significant books like Bhagavad Gita in the form of scriptures will be distributed in all the temples of ISKCON. This divine message of God can be passed on to all the people. All of you have become a participant in this holy work. Make your life bright and successful by buying all these books, studying them, distributing them elsewhere.

Moreover, you can also get your copy of Bhagavad Gita from- www.BuyGita.in

Lord Krishna told the importance of the Utpanna Ekadashi fasting to his childhood friend Arjuna in the Bhavishya Purana.

Arjuna told Lord Krishna that why you have declared this Ekadashi as the most sacred among all pilgrimages, please explain to me in detail. 

Then Shri Krishna told Arjuna that O Partha, there used to be a powerful, fierce demon named the Mur in the golden age. The demon named Mur had won his victory over all the demigods. Then all the demigods fled and went to the shelter of Lord Shiva and requested Lord Shiva that, all the people are living their lives in the world of death after getting defeated by the demon named the Mur. Due to the fear of all those demons, we are unfortunate and are also suffering terribly. Devraj Indra, the king of the demigods, said that Lord, you tell us some way to escape from this demon named the Mur. After listening to the demigods like this, Lord Shiva who is very innocent asked Devraj Indra, please go to Lord Vishnu. He will tell you the solution to this problem.

Then all the demigods like Indra went to Lord Shri Hari & started praising Lord Vishnu, O Shri Hari, and you are the Lord of all the three worlds, you are the savior of the whole world, that’s why we have a lot of respect for you. We all are in Your shelter; you protect us from that terrible demon, and because of the atrocities of that demon, we all have come under your protection; please save us from that monster in any way. All of us have been expelled from Devloka by that demon. That’s why we live our lives in the world of death, facing a lot of suffering due to the fear of that demon. That is why, Jagannath, you protect us.

In this way,after  praised by demigods, Lord Vishnu asked, please tell me which is such a terrible Demon, due to which this situation has happened to you. 

Hearing such words of ShriVishnu, Devraj Indra said, that O Lord, this is an Asura named Nadijangham, who was born in the Brahmavansh in ancient times. This demon has a son named the Mur who resides in the city named Chandra Vati. It is so fierce and powerful that it has conquered death in the entire Devloka by its strength. By removing all the demigods from Devloka, he has made the demons of his Daitya clan as Indra Niyam Varun Moon, etc. And by becoming the Sun himself, the earth gets austerity in the strong sunlight and the form of a cloud. He rains vital water on the people of the planet. That is why God save us from this terrible monster.

After listening carefully to all the words of the demigods, Lord Shri Hari urged all the demigods to accompany me to the city of Chandravati. That demon named the Mur had already known the words of the demigods and Lord Shri Vishnu before his brilliance. Lord Vishnu was coming to the battlefield with all the Creators to fight the war with that demon. Then there was a fierce battle between the demigods and that demon, due to which all the demigods became more and more afraid. After that, Lord Shri Krishna himself had to fight the war on the battlefield, and He fought with that demon for 100 years. But Lord Vishnu had to conquer him because of the Leela of that demon. In the end, he entered a cave named Hemavati, 38 km long, located in the Badrika ashram for rest. 

As soon as the Lord went to rest in that cave, a demon named Mur also followed him. Seeing Lord Vishnu sleeping, the devil planned to kill the Lord. 

But he could not succeed in it.

At the same time, a beautiful women appeared from the body of Lord Shri Hari in the form of Mohini. 

She started fighting by challenging the demon named the Mur. The demon was stunned, and he thought that after all, where did this women come from, but still he kept fighting with that women. The women got very angry, and she cut the weapon of that demon into pieces and destroyed his chariot. Due to all this, the demon got very angry and started fighting with that Lady.

That stunning women pushed that demon unconscious and severed his head from the body. Just as soon as he fell on the earth, the demon attained the world of death. Seeing the end of their king like this, all the remaining Asuras fled away.

After that, Lord Shri Hari Vishnu got up from his sleep, seeing that demon dead. He was shocked at who killed this terrible monster. Then that women pleaded with folded hands in front of Lord Shri Hari and said that Lord, this demon was ready to kill you. Then I, born from your body, killed this demon. Lord Shri Hari was pleased with him and said that you had killed this terrible monster. That is why I am pleased with you. You have got the demigods of the three peoples relieved from their sufferings; that’s why I will fulfill your every wish, whatever the boon you want to ask.

The supreme personality of Godhead said,You were born from my body on the day of Ekadashi; that’s why your name will be known as Utpanna Ekadashi in the future. Whoever observes a fast on this Ekadashi will be freed from all the sins of this world; saying this, Lord Shri Hari disappeared from there.

Then Lord Krishna told Arjuna that he was the son of Pandu. In this way, the fasting of Ekadashi is the best and most fruitful fast of the festival. By observing this Ekadashi fast, a person also attains salvation. All the creatures who observe Ekadashi, the best of all the fasts, will attain salvation in the end after enjoying worldly pleasures. That is why everyone should do this Ekadashi fast without worry. And on the day of Ekadashi, one should remember Krishna.

A very famous saint Tukaram Maharaj of Maharashtra, said that- A person who obeys and fast on Ekadashi, he indeed attains the abode of God. The person who does not like the tithi of this Ekadashi is a person who lives in hell.

Tukaram Maharaja says that the one who has collected a good amount of virtue from the previous birth, only that person observes the Ekadashi fast.

Utthana Ekadashi is also known as devutthani Ekadashi, prabodhani, haribodhani Ekadashi.

This Ekadashi is considered more significant and more sacred than other Ekadashi. According to Vishnu Purana, Lord sleeps in Kshirsagar for four months on Ashada Shukla Ekadashi. 

According to Vishnu Purana, all their sorrows go away on this day, those who worship and remember Lord Hari. In the Skanda Purana, Brahma dev and Narada muni have been described as the glory of Utthan or prabodhini Ekadashi’s dialogues. Once Brahma dev started telling Devarshi Narada, let me recite the sage about the Ekadashi, which gives virtuous bliss and salvation to all.

The Glories of Utthana Ekadashi

This Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month.The virtue obtained by observing this Ekadashi is many times more than the virtue obtained by performing a thousand Ashwamegh Yagya or a hundred Rajasuya Yagya. So after hearing this, Narada asked O Father, please tell me about the outcomes that can be achieved on this day by eating one time or doing complete fasting.

–Conversation between lord Brahma deva and Narada Muni

Brahma dev said- Eating fruits at one time on Ekadashi destroys the sins of a person of one birth. O son, by observing Utthana Ekadashi, a scarce virtue is attained in Tribhuvan. Like the mountain of Mandar, sins are also destroyed by the effect of this fast. The purity of this day can only be compared to Mount Sumeru.

Narada Muni has said, that Swami, please, how should this Ekadashi be done?” Tell us about this.

Lord Brahma said, O Dwijshrestha, after taking a bath in the morning, worship Lord Keshav, observe a fast so that O Lord Arvindaksha, I will not eat grains on Ekadashi. I will eat grains only on Dwadashi.

O Achyut, please protect me. Brahma Dev further said that one should observe fast for the whole day with love and devotion. One should awaken at night by chanting the name of Hari, listening to Kirtan and His sweet pastimes. One should give up the attitude of greed on Ekadashi. Whosoever virtuous observes such a fast, and he achieves his ultimate goal. Brahma Dev said whoever offers Kadamba flowers on this day to Lord Janardan. He never has to go to Yamaloka.

 O Narada Muni, one should do Hari Jagran on the night of Ekadashi and the day of Dwadashi, worship Lord Hari and complete the fast by feeding Brahmins. According to one’s ability, by worshipping the spiritual master, he should be given worthy Dakshina. This pleases Lord Hari. Thus Brahma explained the importance of Utthan Ekadashi to Devarshi Narada.

In Brahma Vaivarta Purana, it is said that whoever observes a fast on the day of Ekadashi. He becomes free from all sinful activities and progresses in spiritual life.

The Main Motive of Fasting

The basic principle is not to be hungry on that day, but to reduce the needs of our body and use our mind, intellect and senses to remember him more and invest more time in the service of the Lord and have to strengthen our loyalty and love for Supreme Lord Krishna even more.

Therefore, let us all also observe this most auspicious Ekadashi fast and most dear to Lord Krishna and listen to the divine pastimes of the Lord in the company of devotees.

Chant Hari Naam and do Naam Sankirtana to increase the Love of Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.

Hare Krishna!

Utthana Ekadashi Mahotsava ki Jai!

The importance of Kartik month is broadly mentioned in Skanda Purana. In terms of fasting and austerity, this month is considered most auspicious, pre-eminent and rare. According to Padam Purana, on keeping fast on Ekadashi, which falls on this bright day, people get saintly, and all his desire come true.

Significance Of Rama Ekadashi

Rama Ekadashi has great importance. Even Brahma Vaivarta Purana’s description of Rama Ekadashi has been discussed between Supreme Lord Shri Krishna and Yudhisthira Maharaj.

Yudhisthira’s Query Regarding Rama Ekadashi

Once Yudhisthira asked Lord Krishna, Hey Janardhan, which Ekadashi falls on Krishna paksha of Kartik month and the importance of this Ekadashi? Kindly elaborate.

Krishna’s Reply On Yudhistira’s Query

Hey Rajan, Ekadashi, which falls on Krishna paksha of Kartik month, is known as Rama Ekadashi. It is considered as most sacred and fortunate Ekadashi. On keeping fast on this Ekadashi, a person can get rid of all the sins of this material world. So one can attain a spiritual world at the end of his life. Now I will describe to you one story. By saying this, Lord Krishna started telling Rama Ekadashi Katha.

Rama Ekadashi Katha

Many years ago, a great and mighty king named Muchakunda ruled in this world. He was a friend of Indra dev, Varun dev, Yamraj etc. Along with it, he was a great devotee of Supreme Lord Krishna. As he followed Vedic principles, his kingdom was spilling with happiness and prosperity. The people belonging to his empire were happy and satisfied. King Muchakunda had a beautiful daughter named Chandrabhaga. When she grew up, king Mukuchanda’s daughter got married to the son of Chandrasena named Shobhan. They were happily leading their married life. Suddenly a mishap happened.

Misfortune Took Place

Once Chandrabhaga came to her father’s house. Then, after some days, Shobhan came to his in-law’s house on the auspicious day of Ekadashi.

But the problem was on his arrival, Chandrabhaga was worried because she knew that her husband was physically very weak and unable to bear the austerity of a day-long fast. He will not be able to handle the complete fast of Ekadashi as he is physically unwell.

Chandrabhaga conversation with her husband, Shobhana 

Chandrabhaga said to her husband, my father is very stern regarding Ekadashi fast. A day before Ekadashi on Dashami tithi, my father informs people of the complete state that no one will have food on the day of Ekadashi. But by perceiving your condition, I am worried about how you will be able to keep this Ekadashi fast. At the same time, the same announcement was repeated by the king’s men.

Shobhana’s Reply: Hearing this, Shobhana said To His Wife. Hey Priye! Please tell me, how can I save my life and astonish your father?

Chandrabhaga’s reply: Hey, swami! In my father’s house, not only humans, even all the living beings in our place keep Ekadashi fast. On this day, no food is provided even to elephants, horses, or other animals of our kingdom. In this condition, how can you stay here without keeping fast? So if you want to save your life, you have to go from here immediately. Now with complete determination, you decide what you want to do.

Shobhan’s Resolution: Prince Shobhan heard Chandrabhaga with total concentration. In the end, he said I would surely keep fast on this auspicious Ekadashi. Whatever is in my fate, Thus will indeed happen. In this way, Sobhan kept Ekadashi fast the next day. But due to illness, he was unable to bear hunger and thirst. Anyhow he spent the whole day. Devotees of lord stayed awake full night and, with complete devotion and enthusiasm, chanted lord’s name and did kirtan. But that night was very tough for him to pass. His health condition was deteriorating every second.

Consequence Of Fasting on Shobhan’s Life:

At the end of Dwadashi early morning, Shobhan’s soul left his body. The whole kingdom got immersed in grief. King Muchakunda made all arrangements for the last rites of prince Shobhan. He gave mukhagni to his son in law. The king denied his daughter to go along with her husband at the funeral. After her husband’s demise, Chandrabhaga started to live in her father’s house. Even though Shobhana died due to Ekadashi fasting, but after his death, he went abode and became ruler of a kingdom high on the peak of Mandrachal mountain. His kingdom was dazzling like demigods. The walls of his building were made of diamonds and jewels. The king sat upon a throne wearing a gold crown. Gandharva and Apsaras were serving him. By observing his generosity, it was resembling as second Indra.

One day a strange thing happened, a brahmin who lives in Muchakunda’s kingdom named Soma Sharma. While travelling to various places of the yatra, they reached Shobhan’s kingdom. When brahmin saw Shobhan and his prosperity, he was highly shocked. He knew that it was not other than Shobhana, the Chandrabhaga’s husband.

Shobhana’s Response: When Shobhana saw the brahmin there, he immediately rose and greeted him. Later on, he enquired about king Mukuchand and Chandrabhaga’s well-being to Som Sharma.

Som Sharma’s reply: Hey Rajan, everything is well in your father-in-law’s kingdom. Chandrabhabha and your other family members are also quite well. Throughout the kingdom, there is happiness and prosperity. But by finding you here, I am pretty astonished. Kindly tell me how you reached here?

Brahmins Query 

On hearing this, Shobhana started to tell the whole story in detail to him. Shobhana said because I followed the Ramaa Ekadasi fasting, I was given this splendid city to rule over. But this entire kingdom is temporary. So I request you to tell me how I can make this permanent.

Som Sharma’s Inquiry

On hearing, this Som Sharma asked why this place is temporary? If you can explain it in detail, then I will surely help you.

Shobhan replied: Hey Brahmin Dev, I followed Rama Ekadashi but without faith. As a result of this, the kingdom which I got is temporary. You see, this is only a transient city, a place of this material world. How may I make its beauties and glories permanent? Kindly reveal this to me by your instructions.

On hearing Sobhanas word Som Sharma’s immediately reached king Muchakunda’s palace. But, on hearing the Brahmins word, Chandrabhaga was unable to believe her fate. So she said, “hey, brahmin dev, Is it true, or is this a dream?”

Bahrain’s reply :O Princess, I have seen your late husband face to face whose opulence is similar to Indra’s heaven. He only asked me to give you this message. Though that kingdom is full of pleasure and wealth, his kingdom is unstable. It can be destroyed anytime. Therefore you find a way to make it permanent.

Chandrabhaga’s Request

Chandrabhaagaa said, O brahmin, please take me to that place. I am highly eager to see him again. All the blessings that I have acquired by fasting on every Ekadasi throughout my life, I will give to him. And as a result, I shall make his kingdom permanent. So please reunite us at once again.

Som Sharma’s Reaction: Later on, the brahmin, Som Sharma, then led Chandrabhaga to Shobhan’s kingdom.

Before reaching there, they stayed at the Mount Mandaracala, at the sacred ashrama of Vamadeva.

Vamadeva’s Response

On hearing Chandrabhaga’s story, Vamadeva chanted mantras from the Vedas and sprinkled holy water on her. Thus, due to the saint’s power, Chandrabhagha’s beauty and body became extremely beautiful.

Meeting Of Chandrabhaga And Shobhana: When Chandrabhagaa reached the kingdom of Shobhan, she was delighted. On seeing his wife Changrabhabhaga, Shobhana was overwhelmed and made his wife sit next to him.

Chandrabhaga Reply To Her Husband “Hey loving husband, now I am going to tell you one secret. Listen carefully. I kept Ekadashi fast with full devotion from the age of 8 yrs. So if I give you all the blessings of my Ekadashi fasting, your kingdom will surely become permanent. It will always be filled with happiness and prosperity until the coming of the great havoc!’.

Chandrabhagas’s Deed For Her Husband

On hearing Chandrabhaga’s statement, king Shobhana became highly cheerful. In this way, Chandrabhaga transferred all her merits of Ekadashi fasting to her husband. As a result, they stayed together, ruled over that kingdom and spent their life with joy and satisfaction for a long time.

Lord Krishna’s Statement Regarding Potency of Rama Ekadashi

After revealing the potency of Rama Ekadashi, Lord Krishna addressed Yudhistira, “hey Rajan, every person should keep fast on Ekadashi, which falls on every month on Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. The person should keep fast with complete devotion and sincerity. A person should not differentiate both the Ekadashi. Just as black and white cows give equally good quality milk, similarly, the Ekadasis of the Krishna paksha and Shukla paksha award the same merit and lift one in spiritual life. It liberates one from the repeated cycle of birth and death.

Anyone who hears or reads Rama Ekadashi’s narration gets freed from all kinds of sinful reactions and attains the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu at the end of life.

So every person should follow Ekadashi, which is most auspicious and awards fast progress in spiritual life.

On the day of Ekadashi, along with fasting, one should chant this maha-mantra as much as possible.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Ram Hare Ram

Ram Ram Hare Hare

So every person should follow this auspicious Rama Ekadashi of Kartik month and move ahead on the righteous path.

Fast Opening Time: 22 October 2022 6:26 am – 10:12 am (New Delhi)

According to Vedic scriptures, fasting on the Ekadashi day makes Lord Hari happy and bless his devotees. The Ekadashi day occurs twice a month. One is a dark lunar fortnight, and the other one is a darker fortnight.

According to the Almanac, every 11th date is suitable for Ekadashi fasting. Therefore, fasting on an Ekadashi day holds great importance.

Especially the person who is willing to take a fast on an Ekadashi day must follow some essential rules and rituals from a day before the fasting day itself to continue the fast from the early morning before sunrise of the Ekadashi day. This is because this one day of fasting is believed to provide lifelong happiness and salvation.

The importance of Papankusha Ekadashi is mentioned in the dialogues of Lord Krishna and the great king ‘Yudhishtira’ in Brahma Vaivarta Purana.

THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN LORD KRISHNA AND YUDHISHTIRA

The great king Yudhishtar asks- hey! Janardan, what is the name of the Ekadashi occurring in the Ashwin month of the darker fortnight?

Lord Krishna says, – hey! Yudhishthira, the Ekadashi day that destroys all the sins, is known as Papankusha Ekadashi. This day is called Papankusha because it eliminates the elephant-faced corruption by the control of virtue of this fast.

Hey! King this day, a Human must worship Lord lawfully. This Ekadashi provides desired fruits to humans and helps them achieve high planets. However, the fruit achieved by many austerities is achieved only by offering obeisances to the Lord Garuda flag.

Hari named hymns to provide you with all the pilgrimage virtue’s fruit. So the person who takes the shelter of Lord Hari does not have to go through all the pain that is equivalent to death.

 The fruit that a person achieves from shastra Vajpayee and horse sacrifice is not even equal to the 16th part of the Ekadashi fast. 

Unless the person takes a fast of Lord Padmanabha’s Ekadashi day, all the sins reside in his body.

Hey! King the Ekadashi day helps provide high planets, salvation, health, etc.

Hey! Yudhishthira, this fast rescue up to the 10th generation of mother’s side and 10th generation of father’s side. He wearing a divine body, having a four-armed form, wearing a pitamber and carrying a garland in his hand, climbs Garuda and goes to Vishnuloka. Whoever takes the fast of Ashwin month’s free side of this Papankusha Ekadashi day, he at the end of his life goes to the abode of Lord and gets liberation from all the sins.

RULES THAT ARE NEEDED TO FOLLOW

In Ekadashi fast, you are not supposed to eat grains anything, and one should adopt and follow celibacy. This fast does not end with the Ekadashi day ritual, but on the next day (12th day), one must finish and complete the fast by donating food and honorarium to Brahmans early in the morning.

A SMALL NARRATIVE TO CONVEY THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS DAY

Once there was a fowler named Mahakrura Krodhan who used to live in the Vindhya Mountains.

He spent all his life committing sins, and at the last moments of his life, Yamraj approved to bring him to his court. However, all the messengers informed him of this thing before the decided time, and he got scared to death and went to Angira sage’s hermitage and started pleading so that he would not have to go to Yamaraj’s court.

Then Angira Sage suggested he worship Lord Vishnu on the lunar day of Ashwin month’s darker fortnight. The worship of Ekadashi day and fasting on this day liberated him from all the sins, and he went to Vishnu Lok.

So, we should all have fast on this sins destroyer Ekadashi day. So that along with the quenching of sins, we can chant more Hare Krishna maha-mantra, read, hear the glories of the Lord, and concentrate on the lotus feet of Krishna from the very bottom of our hearts. The ultimate goal of life is to get the devotional service of Lord Sri Krishna.  

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

·      Breakfast time – 6:17 am – 07:28 am (New Delhi)