Vaishakha Shukla Mohini Ekadashi / Glories of Mohini Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Surya Puranam describes the glory of 'Mohini Ekadashi' which falls on the waxing period of the moon in the month Vaishakh.  Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishitira about the glory of the Mohini Ekadashi that was earlier described by Sage Vashishta to Lord Rama and the merits observed by fasting and worship of Lord Hari on this auspicious day.

Lord Rama while living a most unpleasant life without Sita Devi in the forest met Sage Vashishta and enquired a means to overcome distress and miseries in his life.  Sage Vashishta was overwhelmed at the request of Lord Rama and replied that chanting holy names of Lord Hari that make one's life blissful.  Sage Vashishta explained the significance of  Mohini Ekadashi for the benefit of mankind.  Sage continued, worship of Lord Sri Hari on this day eradicates all the sins, miseries and 'Maya' (illusion) in one's life. 

The legend has that there was a city named 'Bhadravati' on the sacred river banks of Saraswati, ruled by the righteous King Dyuthimana of moon dynasty.   There was a wealthiest merchant Dhanapala lived in this city, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Hari.  He spent his wealth appropriately on building Dharmashalas (Guest House), Pond, Well, Garden, Schools, Charitable institutions, Construction of Temples and renovating the same, Construction of Roads and Market Places, Charity of food and clothing etc... He engaged himself in pious activities and spending money wisely for all types of charitable work.  He led a peaceful life engaged in worshipping Lord Hari.   He had five sons, they were: Samana, Dyutimana, Medhavi , Sukriti and Dhristabuddhi .   Dhrishtabuddhi was a wicked one engaged in all immoral activities.  He was extremely ill natured had illicit relationship with unchaste women, drinking and gambling, killing and torturing living entities, association of bad people etc.  He was leading a miserable life; he had no faith in rituals and prayers or any respect towards elders, forefathers, Gurus, guests or Brahmins.  Soon he proved himself to be the most disgraceful son to his pious father.  He abundantly spent his father's wealth on sinful deeds.   His father Dhanapal was terribly hurt at his depraved son and his activities, finally threw him out of the home.  Soon Dhrishtabuddhi turned out an object of hatred by everyone in the family. 

Dhristabuddhi continued his sinful deeds and living with morally wrong women; ultimately he had to sell his own valuable clothes and ornaments.  Shortly this also came to an end; he found no means to have any pleasures or food or daily requirements.  His close associates and friends were started abandoning him as he was pauper and worthless.  Dhrishtabuddhi out of hunger and fear of living isolated life, started to steal valuables and get caught many a times by the King's men, finally released by them hearing the piousness of his father.  He was running out of luck, once the King's men caught him for a major crime and produced before the King.  King ordered to banish Dhrishtabuddhi from his Kingdom. 

Dhrishtabuddhi continued his wretched life wandering through the woodlands.    One day he found the Hermitage of Sage Kaundinya, due to the pious deeds in his previous birth.  It was in the month of Vaishakh, Sage Kaundinya was returning after his bath in the holy river Ganga.  Dhrishtabuddhi happened to touch the drops of water falling from the wet clothes of Sage Kaundinya.  Immediately Dhrishtabuddhi relieved out of his ignorance, with folded hands he revealed his pathetic story and identity to the Sage Kaundinya.  He earnestly requested the Sage to instruct him the ways to get rid of sins committed in his life.  After listening to the disheartening stories of Dhrishtabuddhi, Sage Kaundinya advised him to observe 'Mohini Ekadashi' which falls on the waxing period of the moon in the month Vaishakh .  As per the advice of the Sage, Dhrishtabuddhi sincerely observed the Ekadashi and got relieved out of his sins, ultimately he attained the highest of merits in his life 'Salvation'.

Lord Krishna concluded, whoever observe 'Mohini Ekadashi' with utmost faith would attain the merits that could bring abundance of pieties includes  'Punya Theertha Snanam' ( dip in the holy waters).  It removes ignorance and illusion, provides knowledge and Eternal Bliss. 

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Chaithra Shukla Kamada Ekadashi !! Glories of Kamada Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Varaha Puranam describes the glory of Kamada Ekadashi. Lord Krishna narrates the significance of Kamada Ekadashi which occurs on the waxing period of moon to King Yudhishtira which was previously explained by Sage Vashishta to the King Dilipa who was the great grandfather of Lord Rama .

There was a city named Ratnapur/Bhogipur was ruled by the Gandharva King Pundarika. His kingdom was one of the favorite places of the celestial dancers and singers, Kinnaras.   There was lived a gorgeous celestial dancer couple Lalita and her handsome husband, a celestial singer Lalit. Their love for each other were so intense which made them could not bear the separation from each other not even for a second.   They were extremely happy together.  Once there was a grand entertainment program was organized by King Pundarika in his assembly, all the celestial dancers and singers were present except Lalita.   Lalit was not at all happy to be there on this grand occasion without his wife. The program started in a majestic style and went on with the brilliant performance of the celestial dancers and singers. In the meantime Lalit found his voice was cracking, it was of out of tune, miss-spelling the entire lyrics and distracting everyone’s attention.   Soon after, the whole program was ended up in a muddle.   There was a serpent king 'Karkotaka' amongst the audience watching Lalit.   Karkotaka approached the King Pundarika and informed that it was Lalit's irresponsible act caused for the failure of the grand program. The furious King Pundarika cursed Lalit to turn into a cannibal for his excessive lust towards his wife.

Lalit turned out a fierce looking man eater, with long arms, wide and big mouth which spews out fire, his eyes has the resemblance of sun and moon, his enormous nostrils had the resemblance of huge hollow, neck appears colossal Mountain and he had a gigantic body.  His wife Lalita felt deeply depressed at the heinous figure of her husband. They left the beautiful city and its comforts behind, started living as forest dwellers.   They wandered throughout the dense forest and found the hermitage of sage Shringi at the Vidhyachal Mountain.   Lalita paid obeisance to Sage Shringi and narrated her painful story.   She earnestly prayed to him to save her husband from the curse.   After listening to her pathetic story, Sage Shringi advised her to observe the Kamada Ekadashi which falls on the waxing period of moon and instructed her that would provide her merits, with the merits earned would help her husband to regain his original form.

Lalitha strictly observed the Kamada Ekadashi, engaged in worshipping and chanting the names of Lord Hari, fasting, keep awakening the whole night etc... as per the advises of the sage Shringi.   On the day of Dwadashi, she sincerely prayed to Lord to release her husband from the curse with the merits she had gained through observing the Kamada Ekadashi. Soon after her prayers were answered, she turned back and witnessed her handsome husband once again, their joy had no bounds, and they happily proceeded to celestial world and lived happily ever after.

Lord Krishna continued whoever listens or narrates the glories of Kamada Ekadashi and observes the same at one's own capacity would attain the merits. Whoever observes this Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion would attain the highest of merits, virtuous offspring and gets rid of all the sins including Brahma Hathya.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Chaithra Krishna Papamochani Ekadashi !! Glories of Papamochani Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

In Bavishyothara Purana Lord Krishna describes to King Yudhishtira about the glories of Papamochani Ekadashi falls on the wanning period of moon, on the day of Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ekadashi. King Yudhishtira earnestly prayed to Lord Krishna to explain the splendor of Papamochani Ekadashi, which was earlier described by Sage Lomaharshana to Emperor Mandata. 

During the regime of Lord Kubera - Lord of Wealth, there was a afforest Chithraratha which used to bear all array of flowers of alluring beauty and aroma in all the seasons. This was one of most favorite enthralling place of Lord Indra and His celestial dancers and singers and Kinnaras, a perfect place for amusement.  It was the dwelling place for several sages who perform sacrificial rite, there lived Sage Medhavi who was the son of Chyavana Rishi an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.  Sage Medhavi followed severe austerities to please Lord Shiva.   As per the instruction of Lord Indra, the celestial dancers and singers tried hard to put an obstacle to his austerity. Manju Ghosa, one of the celestial dancers built a cottage near the sage's hermitage and started to live there.  She distracted Sage Medhavi’s meditation by all means; she started to sing in a heavenly voice to capture the attention of the Sage. She continued her pastimes and came out of the cottage smearing sandal paste all over her gorgeous body and wearing alluring flower garlands around her neck and continued to play all tricks to capture the attention of the Sage.  Sage Medhavi, who was in the hermitage of Chvyana Rishi happened to come out and was overwhelmed at the stunning features of Manju Ghosa. He forgot the austerities and worship of Lord instantly and engaged in the lustful company of Manju Ghosa for several years.

Manju Ghosa realized that the Sage has lost his austerities and devotion to Lord completely and she had won over Sage Medhavi’ and his devotion to Lord.  She started to abandon him. One day she asked the permission to return heaven. Since then, Sage and Manju Ghosa lived together for fifty seven years, nine months and three days seemed a few moments to him. The attraction towards Manju Ghosa made him unaware of the time he had spent and the urge to be with her made him to beg her to stay with him. She spent few more years with him and engaged him in all depraved acts.  Once again, Manju Ghosa pleaded Sage’s permission to leave Earth. He asked her to wait at least for a day to finish his rituals. In return she advised sage Medhavi to reconsider the time he had already spent with her without following any austerities and devotion to Lord.  After listening to Manju Ghosa, Sage Medhavi was terribly shocked and ashamed, tears of guilt started to run down his cheeks, he realized her as destroyer of his spiritual life.  In a sudden rage, he cursed Manju Ghosa to become a witch.

Manju Ghosa turned into an ugly looking witch. She begged to pardon her and relieve her from the curse. She pleaded him that she had spent long and beautiful fifty seven years with him; she deserved to be forgiven. The merciful Sage Medhavi, instructed Manju Ghosa to observe Papamochani Ekadashi with utmost devotion that would help her to regain her real form as celestial dancer. He left to his father Chyavana's hermitage.  Rishi Chyavana was jubilant at his son's return after several years. Sage Medhavi regretted for his sinful deeds and begged for forgiveness. Chyavana Rishi instructed his son to follow Papamochani Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion to get rid of all the sins he had committed. Sage Medhavi observed Papamochani Ekadashi and got relieved from all his sins committed and once again he turned out dutiful, similarly Manju Ghosa observed Papamochani Ekadashi faithfully and got back her form as a celestial dancer and returned to heaven.

Sage Lomaharshana concluded whoever reads or listens to the glories of Papamochani Ekadashi would attain the merit of one thousand 'Go Dhanam' and relieved from all sins including sin of  Brahmahathya, sin out of killing an embryo, illicit relationship with women and consumption of intoxicated drinks etc...Thus ends the glories of Papamochani Ekadashi described in Bhavishyothara Purana.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Vaishaka Krishna Varuthini Ekadashi / Glories of Varuthini Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bavishyothara Puranam describes the glory of Varuthini Ekadashi which falls on the wanning period of moon.  Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishtira about the austerities should be followed on the day of Varuthini Ekadashi. 

Lord Krishna narrates to King Yudhishtira, that the observer should strictly follow the austerities from the previous day of Ekadashi by consuming meal once and abstaining from all the sensual pleasures.  Moreover, the food consumed should be self-cooked in earthen pots, and consumption of meat, chickpeas, honey, spinach, Dal, betel leaf and nuts, should be strictly avoided.  On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi, the observer should not indulge in gambling, sleeping, tattletale or engage in any of the sinful deeds.  The observer should fast on this day, worship Lord Hari and chanting His glories with utmost faith and devotion and keep awake in the night. On the day after Varuthini Ekadashi (Dwadashi) after ablutions and worship of Lord Hari with Bhog,  Dwadashi Parana should be performed within the specified time.

Lord Krishna continued, King Mandata and Dhunthumara were the strict followers of Ekadashi, which brought them the highest of the piety, freed them from the cycles of birth and death.   Observing the Varuthini Ekadashi brings the remarkable piousness known as 'Salvation'.  It also provides good fortune, perpetual happiness and eradicates all the sins committed.   One can achieve the merit that is equivalent to observing austerities for ten thousand years by observing a Varuthini Ekadashi.  The piousness includes, donating 40 kilos of gold during the time of solar eclipse in the righteous land Kurukshetra.

 

Lord Krishna narrates the types of charities,  donating an elephant is superior than donating a horse, donating a land is superior than donating an elephant, donating  sesame seeds are greater than  donating a piece of land, donating gold is greater than donating the sesame seeds, donating food grains is greater than donating gold and donating food grains earns the highest merit in the charities  which is equivalent to donating cows, by this act one can satisfy deities, forefathers and all the living entities,  last but not the least giving knowledge about sacred texts and scriptures to others is one of the most rewarding and highest among all the charities. 

Lord Krishna explains some of the heinous acts that mount up the sins are giving away a girl child in exchange of money out of greed or for livelihood is the highest among the sins, the sinner of the above act will be born as cat in his/her next birth and the latter remains in the hell until the total annihilation to the Universe takes place.  The parents who perform the marriage of a young maiden as per the prescribed rules and rituals would attain the piety which is difficult to count or describe not even by Chitra Gupa, who is the chief in the ministry of Abode of Lord Yama.   Lord Krishna concluded that by following Varuthini Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion, one could attain all the devoutness and whoever reads or listens to the glories of Varuthini Ekadashi would attain the merit of donating one thousand cow and the worshiper would be freed from all the sins, it brings good fortune and attain the Abode of Lord Sri Hari. 

 ||Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Phalguna Shukla Amlaki Ekadshi !! Glories of Amlaki Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

In Brahmanda Puranam Sage Vashishta narrates to King Mandata about the glories of Amlaki Ekadashi.  King Mandata earnestly enquired Sage Vasishta to explain the means to attain the highest of pieties in one's life.  Sage Vashishta replied that whoever observes Amlaki Ekadashi with utmost devotion and faith in Lord Hari would be rewarded with the highest of merits known as ‘Salvation’ and enormous wealth, faithful observation of this Ekadashi would bring the devoutness of hundreds of cows given as alms to Brahmin/ Go Dhanam and it eradicates all the sins of the worshipper.

There was a city named Vaidiska ruled by King Chaitraratha.  He was a righteous ruler and wisely ruled his kingdom, all the people in his kingdom were lived a happy and prosperous life.  The people were highly intellectuals and enriched with enormous prowess.  The people in his Kingdom were virtuous; all the four Varnas performed their 'Dharma' truthfully and they were followed all the rituals prescribed in Sastras in a perfect manner.

King Chaitraratha was a strict follower of Ekadashi.  It was an Amlaki Ekadashi day; he went to the river banks and performed ablutions and arrived in a temple of Lord Vishnu situated on the river banks.  There he was found an Amla Tree in the temple premise.  The King was aware that the Amla tree is the dwelling place of Lord Vishnu.   He fervently placed a pitcher full of water beneath the Amla tree along with all the offerings in the form of precious jewels, umbrella, sandals, clothes and offered prayers to Lord Parasurama.   King Chaitraratha and his men continued to worship Lord without any intake and chanting the glorious verses of Lord Hari.  In the night King and his men were awake and engaged in chanting the name of Lord.   While the worship of Lord Hari was in progress, there arrived a hunter and he was very tired of hunger.  The loud voices of chanting and singing, praising the glories of Lord made him curious and witnessed the entire rituals meticulously.  Thus, the fortunate hunter spent the Ekadashi day engaged in the worship of Lord Hari along with King Chaitraratha and his men.  As usual on the day of Dwadashi, the King and his men were returned to the palace after Parana and morning prayers.  Likewise, the hunter also returned home and had his meal.  After several years, the hunter died and took birth as a prince due to the merits he had achieved by observing Amlaki Ekadashi.  He was born as the son of a righteous King Vidurath who was the ruler of the City Jayanthi and the child was named Vasurath, year’s passes by Vasurath grown into a charming young adult with enormous prowess and he has the endurance of Mother Earth.  In due course of time Vasurath was crowned as the King of Jayanthi.    King Vasurath was very wise and courageous; compassionate ruler, well versed in Veda, he had performed several Yagnas and Yagas and he was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu.

One day, King Vasurath went for an hunting expedition with his men.  In the middle of the woodlands   he gone off track and trapped in the forest.  Soon he realized that he is in the middle of a deep forest with no one to help him.  He was tired of hunger and eventually drifted to sleep.  While he was asleep, a few outcaste men arrived there with their deadly weapons.  They with all their mounted rage started to infuriate the King and aimed several weapons on him.  Surprisingly, even a single weapon couldn't harm his body.  The men continued their heinous act, suddenly a beautiful woman transcended from the body of the King Vasurath.  She was fuming with rage, her eyes were red like fire balls and she was holding a dice in her hand.  She started to fight with the men and killed them effortlessly.  At this moment King opened his eyes and saw the dead bodies of the outcast men were all around him.  He sincerely offered his prayers to Lord for saving him from the danger.  He could listen to a mysterious voice replied that he was saved by Lord Keshava who is the sole protector of all souls.   Eventually King Vasurath returned to his palace and ruled the city wisely for many years.  During his regime the entire city was prosperous with rich natural resources and people were lived happily.

Sage Vasishta concluded, whoever fast and worships Lord Hari on this day of Amlaki Ekadashi would attain the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana and it would eradicate the sins of the listener.  Thus ends the glories of Amlaki Ekadashi described in Bhramanda Purana.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Phalguna Krishna Vijaya Ekadashi !! Glories of Vijaya Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishtira about the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi which falls on the Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalgun.

Lord Krishna speaks ' Oh King Yudhishtira - I am delighted to explain to you about the abundance of merits acquire by observing the Vijaya Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion.  One who worships Lord Hari on this auspicious day would bring success in their entire endeavor in present life and in future births.   It also removes all the sins of the worshipper '.

Once, Maharishi Narada requested his father - Lord Brahma about the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi.  Lord Brahma replied to his Manasa Putra that whoever worships Lord Vishnu and fasts on this auspicious day of Vijaya Ekadashi ensures success all through their life.  Moreover, the sins committed in their life will vanish like cotton balls in the fire.  It provides the worshipper to attain Victory in their venture as its name indicates.

                                                                                                               

Lord Rama was exiled for fourteen years from his Kingdom Ayodhya.  He arrived at Panchavadi with his Brother Lakshman and His wife Sita Devi.  They lived in Panchavadi like any other ordinary human beings.  During this period, the Demon King Ravana abducted Sita Devi.  At this, Lord Rama was traumatized and he was felt powerless.  Lord Rama resumed his journey with his younger brother Lakshman, on his way he killed Kabandha, met Jadayu - The Pakshi Rajan (The King of the Birds -Eagle).  Jadayu was on the edge of his death explained all the truth about how Sita Devi was mercilessly abducted by the demon king Ravana.  Immediately after Jadayu took last breath and he got salvation at the Lotus feet of Lord Rama.  Later, Lord Rama had friendship with the Monkey King Sugriva.  Lord Rama constructed an army of Monkeys with the help of Sugriva.   The army consists of powerful warriors like Hanuman, Angadha, Nalan, Neelan and Jambavan and many more.  Lord Rama chosen Hanuman as a messenger to proceed to Lanka with His Anguleeyam (Ring) and he was entrusted with the job of safely hand it over to Sita Devi.  Hanuman had to face lot of hindrances on his way to Lanka, like Mainakam - The Mountain, Surasa - Nagamatha, Simhika - The demon, Lankini- who was the protector of Kingdom Lanka.  Finally, Hanuman located Sita Devi in Ashoka Vatika surrounded by the ogres.  Hanuman described Sita Devi about the incidents happened in the life of Lord Rama in the absence of her and the friendship He had made with the Monkey King Sugriva.  Sita Devi realized Hanuman as the faithful servant of Lord Rama and handed her 'Choodamani' (an ornament which is used for decorating hair) to give to Lord Rama.  Hanuman as a truthful messenger illustrated what had happened in Lanka to Lord Rama.

Lord Rama with the help of Monkey King Sugriva and his huge army arrived at the shores of Lanka.  He found that it was difficult to cross the vast ocean, the depth and the deadly animals in the deep ocean made them further helpless.  Lakshman consoled his brother with the information of Sage Bagadhalbya who is a great scholar could help them to find a way out.  Sage Bagadhalbya was a wise an intellectual scholar who lived four miles away in an island.  As soon as they entered the hermitage of Sage Bagadhalbya, the Sage could visualize that Lord Rama is the personification of Lord  Narayana.  He received them with utmost reverence.  Lord Rama described the Sage about his purpose to cross the deep ocean and reach the Kingdom of Ravana. 

Sage Bagadhalbya explains to Lord Rama about the glorious worship of Lord Vishnu on the auspicious day of Vijaya Ekadashi and the methods of worship as a resolution for the whole issue.  Sage continued to explain the process of worship of Lord Vishnu, on the previous day of Ekadashi a pitcher made of silver or gol dor copper or mud should be kept filled with water and decorated with mango leaves on the top and covered with a lid.  The pitcher should beplaced on the top of rice grains.   After ablations, the pitcher should be decorated with sandal paste and flowers.  On the top of the lid of the Pitcher a small idol of Lord Vishnu should be placed and offerings of fruits should be made to Lord.  The whole day should be spent in chanting the names and glories of Lord Vishnu, follow fasting and abstaining from sleep and keep awake in the night. On the Ekadashi day, after abulations and worship of Lord Vishnu by offering fruits, incents, flowers, ghee lamp, Bhog, abstain from sleep and worship of Lord Vishnu should be carried out faithfully.  On the Dwadashi day, after abulations the pitcher along with all the offerings made to Lord is taken to the river side.  After prayers the offerings in the form of Fruits & Bhog along with the idol of Lord Vishnu and the pitcher should be donated to a righteous Brahmin.  Sage Bagadhalbya explained to Lord Rama that by observing Vijaya Ekadashi would yield him and his warriors to attain success in all their endeavors. Lord Rama observed the Vijaya Ekadashi as instructed by Sage Bagadhalbya with utmost faith and devotion.  Consequently he conquered the vast Kingdom of Lanka and killed Ravana and his demon army. 

Lord Krishna continued, whoever listens or reads the glories of Vijaya Ekadashi would attains the merit of Ashwamedha Yagam and whoever observes  would get rid of all the sins committed and attain the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Magha Shukla Jaya Ekadashi !! Glories of Jaya Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bavishyothara Puranam narrates the glories of Jaya Ekadashi,  Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishtira about the significance of Ekadashi Vrata which occurs on the waxing period of moon. 

The demigods were lived happily in the heaven ruled by Lord Indra.  Once, Lord Indra arranged a dance performance of celestial dancers and singers in order to amuse the members in his assembly.  The  event was organized in a beautiful woods of Nandana, packed with various fresh alluring flowers,  there were fifty million celestial dancers/Gandharvas/Apsaras were engaged in performance of dance led by Pushpadhantha, there were no words to describe their enthralling beauty. There was Chithrasena, celestial singer of Lord Indra was present with his family, wife Malini and son Malayavan.   There was an Apsara named Pushpavati who was stunningly beautiful, her attractive face had the resemblance to moon, her long arms, her thin waist and beautifully decorated jewels all over her body and her marvelous garments were mounted her mesmerizing beauty.  Malayavan was fallen at her captivating beauty, ultimately  both of them could not take their eyes off from each other.  The grand performance continued for some time.   Her entrancing beauty made Malayavan deeply moved for her and both stood motionless. The pair troubled the entire program of the celestial dancers.  Lord Indra could sense the situation and got disturbed by the act of Pushpavati and Malayavan.  The enchanted pairs were in a world of their own.  Lord Indra felt it was a great insult to him and cursed the pairs to be born as Ghosts in the Earth. 

Malayavan and Pushpavati turned into spirits due to the curse of Lord Indra and lived a miserable life in the Mountains of Himalayas.  After receiving the bodies of spirits, they did not feel any attraction towards each other, they lost senses and smell, instead they regretted for the sins committed.  They lamented at their foolishness, living in the icy cold region of Himalayas, wandering aimlessly in the harsh cold,   they sat under a Banyan tree and felt miserable of their heinous act.  Sooner they lost their hunger and thirst, spent the whole day repenting on their fate.  Coincidently, the day they were remained awake without food was Jaya Ekadashi. In the night it was freezing cold they were in a wretched state and could not sleep in the whole night.  In this way they had observed 'Jaya Ekadashi' on the waxing period of the moon.  The pieties they have accumulated by observing Jaya Ekadashi made them to   regain their original form as celestial dancers Pushpavati and Malayavan once again.  They regained those attractive physical features, decked in precious ornaments and jewels, soon the celestials appeared before them and sang praising them.   They happily returned to Heaven/ Amaravati,  and paid obeisance to Lord Indra and the deities.  Lord Indra was astonished to see the celestial dancers Pushpavati and Malayavan and enquired about the meritorious deed they have performed to regain their original form. Malayavan described the incident, due to the mercy of Lord Krishna and merits of Jaya Ekadashi they have got relieved from their sins.   Lord Indra concluded whoever observes Jaya Ekadashi and worships Lord Vishnu with utmost faith and devotion which is highly rewarding act, would remain in the Lotus feet of Lord.  The celestial couple Pushpavati and Malayavan lived happily ever after.

Lord Krishna describes the merits achievable by fasting on the day of Jaya Ekadashi to King Yudhishtira. Whoever worships Lord Vishnu on this day with utmost faith and devotion, follows the rituals of Ekadashi austerities would get rid of all the sins and lives in the Abode of Lord Vishnu forever.  Moreover, the devotees shall possess all the virtues which would promote charity, conduct visit to holy places and performing sacrifices etc... Finally, whoever happens to read the glories of Jaya Ekadashi would attain the merits of performing Yagna. 

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Magha Krishna Sat-tila Ekadashi !! Glories of Sat-tila Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bavishyothara Purana describes the glory of Sat-tila Ekadashi which falls on the waning period of the moon.  The most anguish Sage Dalbhya enquired Sage Pulastya about the fate of the people who were engaged in the sinful activities of Brahmahathya, illicit relationships and and people who have no control over their senses/lust,love,anger, pride, jealousy etc...  In order to save the sinners from the hellish torture Sage Pulastya advises to worship Lord Hari with pure mind and heart during the day of Ekadasshi which is only way to get relieved from the sinful deeds and their punishments.

Sage Pulastya explains to Sage Dalbhya about the method of worship of Lord Hari on the day of Sat-tila Eakadashi,  worship of Lord Hari on this auspicious day with his consort Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, giving alms to Vedic Brahmins, donating cloths, Sandals, Umbrella, a steel pitcher of water, giving away cows and sesame seeds also brings abundance of merits.The very name 'Sat – Tila Ekadashi ' was derived from the usage of til  for bathing, smearing paste, offering  til in the sacrificial fire, donating the same, offering  til to forefathers and consumption of the same on this day of Ekadashi is capable to destroy all the sins.

Maharishi Narada spoke to Supreme Lord Krishna “ Oh! Yadhava, Oh! Bhakthavalsala/ most desirable to devotees,  kindly accept my humble obeisance to you.  Kindly narrate the devout act of Sat-tila Ekadashi.”

Lord Krishna replied “ Oh! Illustrious Sage Narada, I shall narrate to you the legend of Sat-tila Ekadashi, listen to me carefully.”

Lord Krishna continued “There was a Brahmin woman lived a life abstaining from all sensual pleasures.  She was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.  Living a life of severe chastity for long years made her weak.  Though she was engaged in all charity works, she forgot to provide any food grains to the demigods and ascetics.  She was engaged in all the good deeds other than serving food to the hungry.    One day Lord Vishnu took the form of a mendicant and appeared before her asking for alms in order to test her devotion.    When the Brahmin woman was asked for the identity of mendicant, he just ignored to answer her.  It made the Brahmin woman angry and irritated, so she put a handful of clay as alms.   The mendicant left the spot immediately. When she returned home, she was panic struck to find that all her wealth had disappeared.   She prayed to Lord Vishnu, ' I have lived a life of utmost chastity and devotion, Lord why did you put me in this misery?'.   Instantly, she could hear a divine voice ' The wives of the demigods will visit your place and explain the glory of Sat- Tila Ekadashi'.  As per the instructions of the wives of demigods, the Brahmin woman observed Sat-tila Ekadashi and once again she regained all her wealth and beauty”. 

Thus Lord Krishna narrated the significance of Sat-tila Ekadashi and rules and regulations for observance to Maharishi Narada.   Whoever fast and worships Lord Vishnu with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi on this day attains  Prosperity and  one who donates Til (Sesame seeds) on this day of Ekadashi would remove all the sins committed, they would attain spiritual, mental, physical, social and intellectual well being all through their life.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Pausha shukla Puthrada Ekadashi !! Glories of Puthrada Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bavishothara Puranam describes the glory of Putrada  Shukla Ekadashi which falls on the waxing period of the moon.  Lord Krishna explains the glories of the Putrada Ekadashi to King Yudhishtira.

 The legend has that there was a king named Sukethamana ruled the city Badravati.  The King Sukethamana and his wife Saivya had no offspring for a long time, this very reason made their life totally distressed.  The King Sukethamana was righteous and he was sincerely occupied in all religious activities.  The offerings made by the King to his forefathers were found unsatisfactory because of lack of offspring.  King Suktethumana realized that the practice of performance of homage to forefathers without any offspring would be difficult in future; it brought great anguish among the ancestors and the King as well.  The king found no happiness and peace in the association of friends and the ministers of his assembly.  The King recognized the truth that life without offspring is miserable.  Children are the blessings in the family; virtuous children born to parents only with the blessing of Lord Vishnu with several pious deeds.  Strong faith and devotion to Lord could alone bring virtuous offspring followed by wealth and knowledge.  The depressed king Sukethamana left on his horse back to the forest.

King Sukethamana arrived in a dense forest of wild animals.    The forest was full of herbs  and huge trees , like  Peepal, Neem, Banyan, Date, Tamarind, Palm, Shala, Maulasiri, Saptaparna, Thilaka, Thamala, Sarala, Hingota, Arjuna, Lavera, Baheda, Salki, Patala, Kateechu, Palasa, etc.. He was stranded through the wild forest for many hours and became tired of thirst and hunger.  He was tormented by the thoughts of the sufferings he was going through his life.  Finally, he arrived at a place where he found a beautiful lake similar to Manasarovar.  He could see the lake full of Lotus, Swans, Chakora and Chakravaha Birds gracefully floating on the crystal water.  On the bank of the lake, there were a few Sages chanting Vedic hymns.  King Sukethamana got down from his horse and prostrated before the Sages assembled over there.  The most pleased Sages revealed that they are Vishwadevas son of Vasu who came to have ablations.

The King explained his distressing story of life to the Sages assembled.  The sages began to narrate the importance of Putrada Ekadashi which could bring virtuous offspring to the King.  They advised the King to observe the Ekadashi with severe austerity and pray to Lord Vishnu for progeny.  As advised by the Vishwadevas, King Sukethamana underwent severe austerity with utmost faith and devotion to the Lord on the day of Putrada Ekadashi.  On the next day of Dwadashi, the king completed fast/Parana by paying obeisance to the Vishwadevas.  The Sages blessed King Sukethamana and he returned to his palace. In due course of time, King Sukethamana's wife Saivya got pregnant with a child and gave birth to a beautiful son.  King Sukethamana ruled his kingdom for several years with the blessings of his forefathers.

Lord Krishna explained, fasting on the Putrada Ekadashi brings abundance of merits to the observers such as liberation from all the sins.    Moreover, whoever observes this Ekadashi would attain the epitome of Knowledge and fame.  Lord Krishna concluded whoever listens to the glories of Putrada Ekadashi would attain the merits of Ashwamedha Yagam and whoever observes fast and undergo austerities on this auspicious day would be blessed with virtuous offspring. 

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Pausha Krishna Saphala Ekadashi !! Glories of Saphala Ekadshi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Lord Krishna narrates the glories and significance of fasting on the day of Saphala Ekadashi to Yudhishtira.  Adi Shesha is superior among the Nagas known as King of serpents, Ganga is superior among the rivers as river of life, Garuda among the birds as King of Birds, Ashwamedha Yaga is superior among all the Yagas, Brahmin is the superior among the Varnas and Lord Narayana is superior among the deities likewise fasting on an Ekadashi day is believed as superior among any other days.  The   prominent Kings who were born in the Bharata Varsha were strict observers of Ekadashi.  As a part of observance of Saphala Ekadashi, the devotee worships Lord Narayana with fresh fruits, flowers, incense, betel leaf and nuts, Ghee Lamp.  The devotee should observe strict fast and compulsorily avoid consumption of any grains and keep awake all night. 

The legend has that there was a city called Champavathi, which was ruled by a righteous King Mahishmatha.  He had four sons and the eldest among them was Lumpaka.  He was wicked and engaged in all sinful deeds and illicit relationships, ultimately gambling made him to lose all his wealth.  King Mahishmata had to exile his son Lumpaka from his Kingdom Champavathi.   Though he was exiled from the Kingdom, during the day he wandered in the forest and hunted animals and during night hours, he entered the city and looted the wealth of the people and the people of the Champavathi were extremely dreadful of his acts.  It was his fate which made him run away from all the luxuries and pleasures and deserted him as a forest-dweller engaged in all sinful activities.  Lumpaka chose the Banyan tree as his shelter place. This is one of the auspicious trees; Lord Vishnu resides in it.  In due course of time, Saphala Ekadashi has arrived, during the night hours due to severe cold and battered clothes he had to keep awake in the whole night.  The severe cold almost killed him and dropped him into an unconscious state and when the midday of Saphala Ekadashi has arrived, he managed to rise from the ground stumbling and limping, entered into the woods.   He was tired of hunger and thirst; he could not kill even a single animal on that day.  He collected fruits which were available within his reach and returned to his shelter under the Banyan tree, by that time it was the hours of dusk.  He kept the fruits on the ground and started weeping like a lunatic.  He wept bitterly and prayed to Lord Madhusudhana and offered the fruit.  The Supreme Lord accepted the fruits offered by him and Lumpaka has regained his Kingdom once again.

On the very next day of Ekadashi, Lumpaka was surprised to see a horse standing in front of him and a mysterious voice instructed him to move towards his Kingdom.  His family and his people were looking forward to receive him with all the honors.  As the merit he has acquired from the observance of Saphala Ekadashi, he regained his Kingdom and transformed into a handsome prince once again.  He had become the true devotee of Lord Hari, with the grace of Supreme Lord, Lumpaka ruled the Kingdom wisely for many years.  He had a beautiful wife and a virtuous son.  At his old age, King Lumpaka entrusted the Kingdom and all its wealth to his son and turned himself into a forest-dweller like his own father.  He spent the rest of his life in the service of the Supreme Lord by controlling mind and senses and ultimately attained the Supreme Abode of Lord Hari.

Lord Krishna concluded, whoever observes the Saphala Ekadashi with utmost devotion and faith would be liberated from the cycles of birth and death and whoever listens to the glories of  Ekadashi  would achieve the merits of Rajasuya Yagna and will attain salvation/Moksha.  Thus ends the glories of Pausha Krishna  Saphala Ekadashi from Bhavishyothara Purana.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Margashirsha Shukla Mokshadha Ekadashi !! Glories of Mokshadha Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bhramanda Purana describes the glories of Mokshada Ekadashi the day which Lord Krishna narrated Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in the battle field of Kurushekthra/Jyothishtheertha.  Therefore donating the sacred text of Bhagavad Gita on this propitious day of Ekadashi would bring lots of merit.

Lord Krishna narrates the glories of Mokshada Ekadashi to Yudhishtira “ Oh! Yudhishtira, whoever undertakes fasting and strict austerities on this propitious day would be relieved from all the sins and attain liberation from the cycles of birth and death.  Worship of Lord Damodhara with fresh alluring flowers of Tulsi, earthen lamp and offerings are important part of the austerities.  Whoever listens to the glories of Mokshada Ekadashi would attain the pieties of Ashwamedha Yagna and their ancestors will attain heavenly abode.   Oh! Son of Pandu, whoever undergo austerities and engage in the sincere worship of Lord Damodhara on this day would attain merit equivalent to Chinthamani/ a precious gem which provide all the auspiciousness. It eradicates all the sins of worshipper and provides liberation to his ancestors”

The legend has that there was a beautiful city named Champaka was ruled by King Vaikhasana who was a righteous ruler.  The Bhramins in his Kingdom were profound in four Vedas.   King Vaikhasana had a dream in that he witnessed his ancestors and father was suffering from hellish torture in the abode of Lord Yama.    King Vaikhasana was deeply distressed by the dreadful dream, eventually he called out for a council of learned scholars to discuss about it.  He expressed his anguish and loss of interest in material world, royal life and wealth; he was tormented with extreme grief and agony.  The learned scholars advised King Vaikhasana to meet Sage Parvatha who is aware of past, present and future of all the living beings, he resides in the peaks.  Soon King Vaikhasana preceded his journey to woods, he located the hermitage of Sage Parvatha and found numerous Vedic Bhramins reciting sacred hymns of four Vedas.  The resplendent Sage Parvatha who has the radiance of Lord Bhrama/Sage Vyasa was seated in the middle of the Vedic Bhramins.   King Vaikhasana offered humble salutation and prostrated before Sage Parvatha, was enquired about the welfare of his subject/Praja, ministers, treasury, armed forces, associates, Bhramins and Yagna proceedings in his Kingdom and the requirements of his people.  Before King Vaikhasana could speak further, Sage Parvatha immersed in meditation and realized the grief of the King, he narrated the reason for the hellish torture of his father due to his morally wrong act against his wife during her menstruation period, and she was forcibly taken for sensual pleasure.  King Vaikhasana requested Sage Parvatha for any immediate resolution to protect his father from the hellish torture.  Sage Parvatha advised King Vaikhasana to observe Mokshada Ekadashi with utmost devotion and dedication that could bring abundance of pieties that would help his father to get freed from the tortures in the hell.  King Vaikhasana returned to his palace and anxiously waited for the propitious day.  On that day of Mokshada Ekadashi, King and his family faithfully observed the austerities and worshiped Lord Damodhara, all the merits earned that was earned from the fasting was sincerely offered to his deceased father, he could witness his father was accompanied by the celestials to the heavenly abode of Lord, while moving to the higher planets his father blessed King Vaikhasana.  Thus ends the glories of Margashirsha Shukla Mokshada Ekadashi from Bhramanda Purana.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||