Parama Ekadashi / Adikamasa Ekadashi - Glories of Parama Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Skandhapuranam describes the glories of Parama Ekadashi which occurs in the dark fortnight in the leap year.  Lord Krishna describes the splendor of Parma Ekadashi to King Yudhishtira.

The legend has that there was a pious Brahmin Sumedha and his chaste wife Pavithra lived in the city of Kampilya.  This couple had to face extreme poverty due to the sins committed by Sumedha in his previous life; his wife Pavithra was highly devoted to her husband in their worse living conditions too.  She relentlessly served her guests with her share of food and she would remain abstaining from consuming meal, due to this her body started to fade but her affection towards her husband remained firm.   Sumedha was dejected to see their pitiable living conditions, once he revealed his intention to leave the city in search for livelihood, but his dutiful wife Pavithra discouraged him with the consequences it.  One day great Sage Kaundinya arrived in Kampilya.   Sumedha and Pavithra offered their respectful obeisance to the Sage and received him with great honor.  Pavithra served the Sage with sumptuous meal she could offer with the alms her husband had brought home.  Pavithra explained the pitiable state of them and enquired the Sage for any austerities, or pilgrimage to get rid of their poverty.   Sage Kaundinya narrated the glories of fasting on Parama Ekadashi which could provide abundance of merit includes removal of sins and miseries.  It was observed by Lord Kubera/Lord of Wealth, King Harishchandra observed this Ekadashi and reunited with his family and regained his lost glories.  Sage Kaundinya advised Pavithra to observe the glorious Parama Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion that would fulfill their desires and eradicate all the miseries.  Whoever feed Vedic/scholarly Bhramins for five days/Pancharathrika would attain the heavenly abode, all the deities, forefathers and demons would be pleased with this pious deed, offering water to a thirsty Bhramin on all these five days would bring the pieties of offering the world as charity, whoever donate a vessel filled sesame seeds would reside in the heaven, whoever donates golden vessel filled with ghee would attain the abode of Lord Surya after a living a luxurious life on Earth, whoever observe strict austerities and abstain from sensual pleasures during these auspicious five days would attain the luxuries of celestial abode and remain in the Indraloka.  Pavithra and Sumedha sincerely observed the Parma Ekadashi and witnessed a celestial being; emissary of Lord Bhrama approached them and offered a beautiful home with all the luxuries and the entire village for their livelihood.  The couple lived happily and finally attained the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Krishna concluded whoever observes the Parama Ekadashi along with Pancharathrika would be freed from all the sins and attains the abode of Lord Vishnu.  The pieties include bathing in sacred river Ganga and Pushkar, offering cows as charity and performance various religious rites.  Bhramins are treated as superior among the Varnas likewise Cow among four legged creatures, Lord Indra among the celestials, in the same manner Parma Ekadashi along with the Pancharathrika is treated as highly meritorious that could eradicate all the sins.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Adikamasa Padmini Ekadashi / Glories of Padmini Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Skandhapuranam describes the glories of Padmini Ekadashi which occurs on shukla  Paksha in the leap year,  Lord Krishna describes the grandeur of Padmini Ekadashi to King Yudhishtira, that was earlier described by Lord Bhrama to Maharishi Narada, whoever observe this Ekadashi would attain abundance of meritorious rewards, it has the capabilities to destroys all the sins of the worshiper and provide liberty from the cycles of birth and death.

Lord Krishna narrates the method of observance of Padmini Ekadashi, the austerities begins on the previous day, the worshiper should consume meal once on Dashami day without adding chickpea, dal, spinach, honey or salt  etc.. food should not be consumed in metal bowl or from somebody’s home and the worshiper  should strictly avoid sensual pleasure.  On the day of Ekadashi worshiper should take bath in the holy river or pond during the early hours of dawn, reciting sacred hymns and smearing the paste of cow dung mixed with the mud and sesame seeds, Kushagrass, and Amlaki and undergo ablation with  the sacred prayer “ Oh! Mother Earth, you have been created by Lord Bhrama and purified by Sage Kashyapa and elevated by Lord Varaha, I shall offer humble obeisance to you and I shall earnestly pray to purify my body, mind and soul to worship supreme Lord Hari.” Homage to forefathers and reciting the sacred Gayathri hymns and veneration of Lord Vishnu are part of the austerities, strict observance of fast and keeping awake on the first part and second part and third part of the Ekadashi nights would provide the merit of  Agnisthoma Yagna, Vachapeya Yagna and Ashwamedha Yagna respectively.  Whoever keeps awake the whole part of the night of Ekadashi would obtain the merit of Rajasooya Yagna.  Whoever observes Padmini Ekadashi would receive the merit of holy dip in all sacred rivers, and it provides the pieties which is equivalent to the observance of all the Ekadashis in a year.  Sage Pulasthya described an interesting myth about the demon Ravana who was rescued from the prison of Karthaveerya by the Sage to Maharishi Narada.  Karthaveerya was born in the famous dynasty of Haihaya and he was the ruler of the city Mahishmathi.  He had thousand wives, he underwent severe austerities, performed Yagnas and Yagas, offered homage to forefathers etc..  unfortunately due to the curse of Sages he had no offspring for quite some time.  Finally, King Karthaveerya left his Kingdom, discarded all the luxuries and underwent severe austerities, soon his dearest wife Padmini , daughter of King Harishchandra who was born in the Ikshvaku clan also joined with her husband to wood.  The couple arrived in Mount Gandhamadhana and Karthaveerya underwent severe penance for ten thousand years meditating upon Lord Vishnu, year’s passes by Padmini could see the worsening health of her husband.  Padmini met the chaste woman Anasooya wife of Sage Athri, and described her pathetic state.  Ansooya narrated the glories of Padmini and Parama Ekadashi which falls on the leap year and advised to follow strict austerities on this propitious day which could provide virtuous offspring.  Padmini sincerely followed the advice of Anasooya, daughter of Kardhma Prajapathi and Lord Vishnu was pleased at the devotion of her and offered boon for a valorous child, eventually Padmini gave birth to the mighty Karthveerya, he remained unconquerable to the world even to demon Ravana.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Krithika Shukla Ekadashi / Glories of Haribodhini Ekadashi/Devoththani Ekadashi/ Prabodhini Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Skanda Puranam describes the glories of Hari Prabodhini Ekadashi.   Lord Brahma narrates the splendor of Prabodhini Ekadashi to Maharishi Narada,   whoever observes fast and worship Lord Sriman Narayana on this day would remain blessed and it eradicates all the sins committed and bestows the liberation from the cycles of birth and death.   Observance of fast on this day gives the merits of dip in the holy river Ganga and all the scared rivers.  The devoutness acquired through the fast and austerities on this day is more than that of 1000s of Ashwamedha Yagam and 100 Raja Suya Yagnas.

Lord Brahma explains the method of worship and   observance of fast on this auspicious day to Maharishi Narada.   Consumption of midday food and supper without grains and beans eradicates the sins committed on the previous birth and two previous births respectively.   The complete fast on this day would take away all the sins committed on the previous seven births.  Whoever observes complete fast and keeps awake in the night reciting the glories of Lord Hari would obtain abundance of merits and their accumulated sins for the past 1000 years will be burned into ashes.  whoever does pious activities or follow austerities on this propitious day would earn the merit equivalent to the volume of Mount Sumeru, person who perform abundance of pious deeds but does not follow the rules and regulations prescribed in the sacred scriptures will not attain any merits, or Bhramin who does not follow the religious rites and perform Gayathri thrice a day or who does not follow austerities or fasting on the day of Ekadashi, an atheist who criticize the sacred scriptures, Vedas, and Vedic Bhramins, or who enjoys the illicit relationship or wife of a Bhramin, selfish and deceitful person, or person who does not believe in any religious rituals, a Bhramin or Shudra who enjoys the company of other man’s wife particularly from the superior clan would be treated as carnivores.  Bhramin who enjoys illicit relationship with a widow or married woman would bring ruin to his clan, Bhramin who enjoys illicit relationship will not have offspring in his next birth, person who misbehave to Bhramin or spiritual master would lose his knowledge and wisdom, wealth and his children as well.  An immoral person, person who has illicit relationship with a woman from inferior clan, association with wicked and sinful people will undergo the hellish torture in the abode of Lord Yama.  Whoever consumes meal from the above mentioned wicked and depraved people would destroy their religious fervor along with their wealth, fame, happiness and children.  People who misbehave to a saintly person would lose his spiritual knowledge, prosperity, happiness and end up in the abode of Lord Yama.  People who stands besides the morally wrong and wicked who insults the saintly person would be treated as equivalent as the culprit and he would witness his own destruction.  Therefore it is necessary to refrain from such malicious acts and follow the righteous deeds that provide merit and safest place in the celestial world.   Haribodhin Ekadashi would bring abundance of merits includes liberty from the cycles of birth and death, and thousands of ancestors of the worshipper would attain salvation.  All the sacred places in the three worlds will dwell in the house of worshipper   who sincerely follows austerities and fasting on this day would be renowned as true Yogi, he will be liberated from the cycles of birth and death, fasting on this propitious day provides merits superior than charities on the days of solar and lunar eclipse, merits include the performance of fire sacrifices, studies of entire Veda and sacred scriptures, visiting all the sacred places and dip in the holy rivers, etc… observance of  Haribodhini Ekadashi would bring merits superior to Yagna or Yaga, charity of elephants and horses, even Lord Indra venerate the worshipper who observe fast and sincere austerities on this auspicious day, it would destroy  all those sins committed in the thousands of birth.  Whoever venerates Tulsi/witness this sacred plant, plant it, water it, touches it, meditates upon her, eulogize her glories, offer obeisance to it, and take good care of this sacred plant would reside in the abode of Lord Hari.  Whoever worship Lord Hari with superior flowers like Kadamba, Bahula, Ashoka, Patali, etc..would be freed from miseries and attain the spiritual abode of Lord.  Worship of Lord Jagannatha with Kannera flowers would bring the merit of worship of Lord Keshava in all four Yugas, whoever worships Lord Krishna with Tulsi in the month of Krithika would attain the merit superior than offering ten millions cows as charity.  Whoever worship Lord Vishnu with the flowers of Champaka and Jasmine would be freed from rebirth, whoever worship Lord Vishnu with the flowers of Kethaki would be freed from the sins of ten million births.

Whoever reads or listens to the glory of Haribodhini Ekadshi/Papaharini Ekadashi would achieve the merit of hundred cows donated to a Brahman.  Whoever recite or listens to the glories of Lord Vishnu in the month of Krithika would obtain the merit of performance of 1000 fire sacrifices, offering seven islands as charity and it would burn the sins committed in their life.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Karthika Krishna Rama Ekadashi / Glories of Rama Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glories of  Rama Ekadashi or Krishna Paksha Ekadashi.    Lord Krishna narrates the grandeur of Rama Ekadashi  to King Yudhishtira .

King  Muchukundha was a righteous ruler and  a zealous devotee of Lord Sri Hari .  He was great ruler who always speaks the truth and follows righteousness, therefore Lord Indra,  Lord Yama, Lord Varuna and King Vibhishana were his close associates.  His Kingdom and it people were blessed with perpetual peace and prosperity.  King Muchukundha had a daughter Chandrabhaga named after the sacred river was married to Shobhana, Son of King Chandrasena.  There was a custom prevailed in the Kingdom of Muchukundha  that  the King's men will inform the public about the forthcoming Ekadashi by beating  drums and the people in his kingdom should compulsorily follow the austerities of the same.   King Shobana with his wife Chandrabaga visited his father- In- law's kingdom during the period of Ekadashi.   King Shobana was surprised to listen to the sounds of doldrums; he enquired his wife about the importance of it.   She explained the practice introduced by her father for reminding the people of his Kingdom to observe the austerities of Ekadashi.    She explained that not only the people of their Kingdom but also the birds and animals were not served with grains or water on the day of Eakadashi as it was dedicated to the remembrance of Lord Sri Hari.   King Shobana was in a dilemma after listening to the thoughtful words of Chandrabhaga.  Unfortunately King Shobana was not in good health to observe the austerities of Ekadashi, but he does not want to disgrace the customs introduced by his father-In-law for several years.   Finally, he decided to observe the Ekadashi fast that resulted in a disastrous death of him.   King Muchukunda sorrowfully performed the funeral rites of his son-in-law, soon his only daughter widower Chandrabaga moved with her father.

The devoutness King Shobana had attained through the observance of Ekadashi made him to take birth in a royal family and became the King of Mandarachala Mountain that was the city of celestials flourished with rich natural resources. His kingdom was decorated with precious ornament, gold and gems that have the close resemblance of Vishwakarma's creation.  King of Mandarachala had all the luxuries in life and he was served by celestial dancers and singers all around him.

One day a brahmin Somasharma, who was a member of King Muchukunda's court happened to meet the King of Mandarachala on his way to a pilgrim place.  He immediately realized that the King was none other than the son-in-law of King Muchukunda in his previous birth.  The Brahmin hurriedly approached the King with lot of anxiety.   The King of Mandarachala rose from his seat and paid obeisance to the Brahmin.   He enquired the well being of the Brahmin, King Muchukunda, his chaste wife Chandrabhaga and the subjects of the Kingdom.  The Brahmin earnestly replied to all the queries of the King.  The King of Mandarachala described about how he had attained this heavenly kingdom to rule as a merit of fasting on a Rama Ekadashi day.   He solemnly continued that the Celestial Kingdom may not survive for long because he had observed the Rama Ekadashi without any faith or devotion.   He genuinely wanted to correct his past mistakes and appealed to the Brahmin to inform the whole experiences to his chaste wife Chandrabaga.  The Brahmin returned to Chandrabhaga and informed her about King Shobana and his celestial Kingdom which is brittle at any moment.  Chandrabhaga requested the Brahmin to guide her to reunite with her husband and to make his Kingdom stable with all the intrinsic worth she had acquired by observance of Ekadashi fasts in all her life.  On the way to Mount Mandarachala they visited Sage Vamadeva’s hermitage and Chandrabhaga explained her painful stories to him.   Sage Vamadeva sprinkled holy water on Chandrabhaga followed with specific rites, shortly Chandrabhaga transformed into a beautiful young woman decked in various precious ornaments,  raised to the celestial Kingdom of King of Mandarachala, eventually, Chandrabhaga  reunited with her husband with the blessings of Sage Vamadeva and their Kindgom flourished with abundance of natural resources until deluge.

Lord Krishna continued, whoever observes Rama Ekadashi or listens to the glories of it with utmost faith and dedication would be free from all the sins committed, even the sin of Bhramahathya, and ultimately attain liberation from the cycles of birth and death.  

|| Jai Sriman Narayana || 

Ashwin Shukla Papankusha Ekadashi / Glories of Papankusha Ekadshi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the grandeur of Papankusha Ekadashi/ Ashwin Shukla Paksha Ekadashi.   Lord Krishna explains the devoutness of observing Papankusha Ekadashi to King Yudhishtira, fasting on the day of Ekadashi and feeding righteous Brahmin on the day of Dwadashi is a part of serving Lord Maha Vishnu.   Worship of Lord Vishnu/Padmanabha and following the austerities of Papankusha Ekadashi would eradicate the sins committed in this life, all the desires would be fulfilled, ultimately attain the abode of Lord Vishnu.   Humble obeisance to Lord Vishnu on this propitious day would bring the merit of severe austerities and penance, reciting the sacred verses of Lord Vishnu provides the merit of dip in the holy rivers.  Whoever donate gold, sesame seeds, umbrella, water, land, cow, food grains or pair of shoes, on this auspicious day would never undergo the hellish torture in the abode of Lord Yama.

There was a hunter named Krodhana lived in the city of Vindhyachal, he engaged in all the wicked deeds like theft, killing animals, torturing others etc.. He continued this malicious act till the end of his death.   At the final moments, Lord Yama sent his representatives down to the Earth with the command of bringing him to hell.    Krodhana was miserable with the fear of death; he approached Sage Angira – one of the Saptharishis.  The Sage advised Krodhana to observe fast on the day of Papankusha Ekadashi which would fall on the very next day and worship Lord Vishnu.   Krodhana faithfully observed Papankusha Ekadashi and followed the austerities advised by Sage Angira.  Finally, he attained Salvation at the Feet of Lord Sriman Narayana.

Lord Krishna narrates; the merits obtained by fasting on this day would provide the devoutness of more than hundred horse sacrifices and Rajasuya Yagnam respectively, these sacrifices and Yagnas could provide not even 1/16 of one Papankusha Ekadashi Vrata, there is no austerities superior than fasting on this propitious day, no other austerity is superior than this Ekadashi Vratha which could please Lord Padmanabha in the three worlds and there is no merit available in the three worlds that can be obtained superior to this Ekadashi Vratha, it removes all the sins of the worshipper, it provides abundance of merits including good health, wealth, chaste and beautiful woman as companion, ultimately liberation from the cycles of birth and death, mere chanting of Lord Vishnu's name itself would provide the merit of holy dip in the sacred rivers  Ganga, Gaya, Pushkara theertham and the pieties’ of visiting the holy land Kurushetra.   Thus, the devout act would provide salvation to the departed souls of ten generations from the paternal and maternal sides.

Lord Krishna concluded that whoever perform sacrifices and whoever determined to build temple pond and Garden, shelter places etc..  would remain blessed and whoever observes the pious deeds would be blessed with long life, wealth, birth in superior clan and would be freed from all illnesses, ultimately whoever observe Papankusha Ekadashi would undeniably reach the Lotus Feet of Lord Sriman Narayana.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Ashwin Krishna Indira Ekadashi /Glories of Indira Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahmavaivartha Puranam describes the glories of Indira Ekadashi which falls on the waning period of moon.  Lord Krishna narrates the grandeur, pieties and rules of observance of Indira Ekadashi to King Yudhishtira.  Fasting on this propitious day provides abundance of merits, it washes off the sins of the worshipper and it provides safe heaven to the ancestors, and whoever listens to the glories of this Ekadashi would attain the merits of Ashwamedha Yaga.

The legend has that there was a King  Indrasena of Mahishmathipuri lived in Sathya Yuga, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.   Indrasena was a great warrior and a righteous leader, he ruled his Kingdom wisely.   His Kingdom flourished with rich natural resources; thereby people lived a happy and prosperous life.  King Indrasena lived an extremely happy and peaceful life with his children and grandchildren. Once, Maharishi Narada appeared before King Indrasena after witnessing his sincere devotion to Lord Narayana.  King Indrasena welcomed Maharishi Narada with utmost reverence and paid respectful obeisance to him.  Maharishi Narada enquired the King about the living conditions of the people, performance of sacrifices and religious principles etc..  King Indrasena earnestly replied at the enquiries of Maharishi Narada who was greatly pleased at the humbleness and sincerity of the King.  Indrasena earnestly enquired Maharishi Narada about his purpose of the visit.  Maharishi Narada narrated about his recent visit to the Abode of Lord Yama while he was transcending from Bhrama Loka, where  Maharishi Narada was received by Lord Yama with utmost reverence.  While, they were in the assembly of Lord Yama thoroughly occupied in a dialogue, Maharishi Narada could witness King Indrasena’s father.  Even though Indrasena’s father was a pious and righteous ruler, he had committed a serious sin, he was forgotten his vow when he was alive.  As a result, he had to live in the Abode of Lord Yama after his death.  Maharishi Narada informed King Indrasena about the incident and his purpose of visit was mainly due to the request of Indrasena’s father.  Maharishi Narada instructed King Indrasena to observe Indira Ekadashi to save his departed father’s soul from the clutches of Lord Yama.   King Indrasena was in extreme grief requested Maharishi Narada to enlighten him with the prescribed rules of observance of Indira Ekadashi which falls on the waning period of moon.  Maharishi Narada narrated the procedures of observance of Indira Ekadashi.  On the previous day of Indira Ekadashi the worshipper should   perform homage to ancestors, consume meals only once and should not indulge in any sensual pleasures or comforts.  On the Eakadashi day, the worshipper should take bath early morning before sunrise, engage in chanting the holy names of Lord Hari, performance of sacred bath to Salagrama, observance of complete fast, feed the Brahmin and provide them with the alms, offering should be made to cows  etc.. are the procedures of observance of Indira Ekadashi.  As a part of austerities, Lord Hrishikesha is worshiped and offerings are made in the form of Bhog, flowers, ghee lamp, sandal paste, incense sticks, performance of fire sacrifice, homage to ancestors etc.  The worshiper should remain awake in the night chanting and listening to the glories of Lord.  On the next day after worship of Lord Hari, the worshiper should break his/her fast with the members of the family.  Maharishi Narada instructed King Indrasena with the prescribed rules of observance of Indira Ekadashi and blessed the King that the faithful observance of Indira Ekadashi would make his father’s soul free from the clutches of Lord Yama. 

King Indrasena sincerely observed the Indira Ekadashi and attained abundance of pieties.  Thus, the pieties earned freed his father from the Abode of Lord Yama, King Indrasena could witness his father ascend on the celestial vehicle of Lord Vishnu.  King Indrasena ruled Mahishmatipuri for several years without any impediments,  at the time of Vanaprastha, he left the Kingdom under the care of legal heir to the throne and continued his spiritual journey, eventually attained the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Krishna concluded, whoever listens to the glories of Indira Ekadashi would be released from the sins committed and attain the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana.  Moreover, the pieties of observance of Indira Ekadashi are capable to eradicate the sins committed and provide salvation to ancestors.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bhadrapadha Shukla Parivarthini Ekadashi / Glories of Parsva Ekadashi /Parivarthini Ekadashi /Vamana Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glories of Parsva/Parivarthini/Vamana Ekadashi which occurs on the waxing period of moon. Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishtira about the significance of  Parsva Ekadashi.  King Yudhishtira requests Lord Krishna to shed light on the austerities should be followed on this day and the pieties by observing Parsva Ekadashi.  Lord Krishna narrates, the pieties earned by observing the Parsva Ekadashi will eradicate all the sins committed in one’s life and it also provides ‘Salvation’ to the worshipper.  Listening to the glories of Parsva Ekadashi would makes one sins burn into ashes, faithful observance of Parsva Ekadashi bring the devoutness of Vachapeya Yagna and one thousand horse sacrifice.  Worship of Lord Vishnu and his fifth incarnation as Vamana on this day provides liberation from the cycles of birth and death.   The significance of Parsva Ekadashi is that Lord Vishnu during his cosmic sleep turns from left to right on this day, thus the Ekadashi came to known as ‘Parsva’ Ekadashi.   King Yudhishtira praying to Lord Krishna,  to clarify his doubts regarding the cosmic sleep of Lord Vishnu, observance of Chathurmasya Vratha and the purpose of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Vamana .  The compassionate Lord Krishna elaborates the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu to King Yudhishtira.

The legend has that there was a great King Mahabali in Treta Yuga, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.  Though he was born in the lineage of demons he was leading a righteous life.  He engaged in performing sacrifices, he respected and honored the Brahmins with abundance of alms.  Mahabali had an argument with Lord Indra, which ended in a fierce battle between them; Mahabali defeated Lord Indra in the battle and conquered the three worlds.  All the deities and Rishis along with Sage Bhrihaspathi approached Lord Sriman Narayana, eulogized him and revealed their vulnerable situation.  Lord Vishnu took incarnation as a Dwarf (Vamana), born to Sage Kashyapa and Adithi after severe austerities of Payovratha, immediately  after birth the child assumed the form of a dwarf, the deities assembled to perform the sacred thread ceremony of the child.   Vamana set out to accomplish the purpose of his incarnation; he approached Mahabali in the sacrificial arena. At the sight of a Brahmachari the most pleased Mahabali offered him wealth, land, gold, gems as alms.  But, Vamana graciously refused the above and requested for the three strides of land with his tiny feet as alms.  King Mahabali and his wife Vindyavali proceeded to perform charity to the Brahmachari as requested by him.  To everyone’s amazement, Vamana started to grow bigger in size which was indescribable.  He covered the entire Earth with one foot, and Bhuvarloka with his thigh, Swargaloka with his waist, Maharloka with his stomach, Janaloka with his chest, Thapoloka with his neck and Sathyaloka with his head and face, in this way the celestial world also covered with his second stride.   All the deities eulogized the glories of Lord Vishnu and showered flowers on him, when Vamana asked for the land where to set his third footstep, Mahabali respectfully offered his head with folded hands.  The most compassionate Lord Vamana blessed Mahabali and advised him to rule the netherland/Pathalaloka with his clan. Lord Vamana was pleased at the devotion of King Mahabali and promised his eternal presence in Pathalaloka. Later, King Virochana son of King Mahabali installed the deity ‘Vamana’ in his kingdom on the day of Parsva Ekadashi to worship. 

Lord Krishna concluded worship of Lord Vamana and observance of strict fast on this day would provide abundance of merit includes thousands of Ashwamedha Yaga, offering curd rice and silver to a deserving Brahmin would freed from the material bondage, the worshipper will attain all the happiness and ultimately liberation from the cycles of birth and death.  Whoever listens to the glories of Parsva Ekadashi would attain the celestial world and shine like a moon.

 || Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bhadrapadh Krishna Aja Ekadashi / Glories of Annada Ekadashi /Aja Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glories of Annada Ekadashi which occurs during the waning period of the moon.  Lord Krishna describes the grandeur of Annada Ekadashi at the request of King Yudhishtira.  Like any other Ekadashis,  Annada Ekadashi   is also capable to remove all the sins committed in one’s life.  Whoever worships Lord Hrishikesha who is the master of senses on this day would be freed from sins.  

The legend has that there was a prominent King Harischandra who lost his Kingdom as a result of failure in a gambling; consequently his ill-fate resulted in trading his wife and son.  Though he had to face worst of all, he strictly followed his righteousness.  He worked in a crematorium, day and night taking care of dead bodies for several years.  King Harischandra encountered all the troubles during this period and lamented at his fate.  One day Sage Gautama appeared before King Harischandra, seeing him the King offered his respectful obeisance to sage and stood before him with folded hands.  Further, Harischandra explained his pathetic story to Sage Gautama.  Sage Guatama narrated the significance of Annada Ekadashi to King Harischandra.  He instructed Harischandra to faithfully observe Annada Ekadashi, by fasting on this day and stay awake in the night.  As per the instruction of the Sage Guatama, the King observed the auspicious Annada Ekadashi and liberated from all his sins,   the piety accumulated by observing Annada Ekadashi made him to regain all his glories and powers, his Kingdom, his wife and son.  He ruled his Kingdom wisely for several years, at end King Harischandra left to the abode of Lord along with his relatives and subjects of his Kingdom; he followed the spiritual ways of his forefathers and attained salvation.

Lord Krishna concluded, whoever observes this Ekadashi would be relieved from all their sins and attain spiritual well-being, Annada Ekadashi is capable to remove heap of sufferings in no time.  Whoever listens or reads the glories of Annada Ekadashi would be blessed with the devoutness of Ashwamedha Yaga /horse sacrifice.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Shravana Shukla Pavithra Ekadashi /Glories of Pavithropana Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bhavishyothara Puranam describes the glories of Pavithropana Ekadashi which falls on the waxing period of moon, Lord Krishna narrates the significance of Pavithropana Ekadashi which is capable to eradicate the sins committed in one’s life,   listening to the glories of Pavithropana Ekadashi would bring abundance of pieties includes Vachapeya Yagna to King Yudhishtira. 

                                                                                        

The legend has that in the beginning of Dwapara Yuga there lived King Mahajith who was ruled the Kingdom of  Mahishmathipuri. King Mahajith had no offspring for quite some time; therefore it caused distress in the family, he was a righteous ruler and treated his subjects like his children, he wisely ruled the Kingdom for the welfare and happiness of its people, he accumulated his wealth in honorable ways, he respected Bhramins and provided them with abundance of alms, he strictly followed the rules and regulations in all war fields, he had lot of reverence to deities and Bhramins, he strictly punished the people who does not follow the law, he worshipped all the deities and lived a righteous life.

One day King Mahajith called upon an assembly of elderly scholars and Bhramins, seeking their opinion about the cause for lack of offspring and the austerities he had to follow to obtain a virtuous child.  The elderly scholars discussed the issue in the assembly and decided to seek further opinion from the great sages lived in the Kingdom.  Eventually the scholars set out to woods; they visited the hermitages of sages on their way.  Finally, they have arrived at the hermitage of illustrious Sage Lomasa, who is a Thrikala Gnanai/aware of past, present and future, when Lord Bhrama finishes one Kalpa , Sage Lomasa’s one hair from the body would fall out, hence he was known as Lomasa.   The elderly scholars and Bhramins reverentially greeted Sage Lomasa and narrated the distressing state of King Mahajith and fervently waited for the advice of the Sage.  After listening to the disheartening stories of King Mahajith, Sage Lomasa immersed in meditation, as he was a Thrikala Gnanai Sage Lomasa could trace out the cause for the distress immediately. King Mahajith was a merchant in his previous life; he had to travel to various places, once  it was a midday of Dwadashi, the merchant arrived at the outskirt of a village, he was tired of hunger and thirst, he could witness a beautiful lake, there he saw a cow and new born calf drinking water from the lake.  The merchant was too tired and thirsty, he drove off the cow and calf from the lake and quenched his thirst, in this way he had committed a severe sin which caused distress in his present life.  But the pieties he had earned in the previous life made him to become the ruler of glorious Mahishmathipuri.  Sage Lomasa explained the cause for the distress in the life of King Mahajith and an appropriate solution to bring happiness in his life.  Sage Lomasa instructed the Bhramins and scholars about the splendor of Pavithropana/Puthrada Ekadashi, and advised to observe this Ekadashi faithfully and give away the merits to King Mahajith, that would bring fortune to have a virtuous offspring.  The elderly scholars and Bhramins became happy at the proposition of Sage Lomasa and returned to the City.   Shortly they informed the advice of Sage Lomasa to King Mahajith, eventually the Pavithropana Ekadashi day has arrived, King Mahajith and the scholars and Bhramins sincerely observed the Ekadashi and dutifully gave away the pieties to their King.  In due course of time, the queen gave birth to a beautiful son, in this way King Mahajith relieved out the sorrow.

Lord Krishna concluded, whoever observes the Pavithra Ekadashi would attain happiness in their present life, the pieties earned by fasting on this day would destroy all the sins committed, ultimately it provides salvation to the worshipper.  Whoever listens to the glories of Pavithra Ekadashi would obtain the perpetual blessings of Lord Hari and the childless couple would attain virtuous offspring.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Shravana Krishna Kamika Ekadashi / Glories of Kamika Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glories of Kamika Ekadashi which occurs on the waning period of moon. Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishtira about the piousness one could attain by observing the Kamika Ekadashi. It was earlier discussed between Maharishi Narada and Lord Brahma; about the austerities should be followed on this auspicious day and which deity should be worshipped on the day of Kamika Ekadashi.  Lord krishna continued to explain about the pieties includes the eradication of all kinds of sins and fasting on this day brings abundance of merit equivalent to horse sacrifice

Lord Brahma narrates the piousness obtainable by observing fast and worship of Lord Vishnu on this day.  Whoever listens to the glories of Lord Sriman Narayana and observe Kamika Ekadashi would obtain the piety of performance of Vachapeya Yagna.  Moreover, it also provides the merits of holy dip in sacred rivers like Kashi, Naimisharanya and Pushkar.  It also provide the merit of worship of Lord Kedarnath, bathing in Kurukshethra on the day of solar eclipse, offering land as charity to the deserving person, bathing in sacred river Gandaki, bathing in Godavari on the day of Pournami, donating cow and calf on this day would bring abundance of pieties and it also bring the merit of study of all the sacred scriptures. Observing Kamika Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion would wash off all the sins committed in one’s life and it would remove the fear of death.

Worship of Lord Krishna with Tulsi leaves would be freed from all sins, mere glance on the sacred Tulsi leaves purifies the mind and body, worship of Tulsi brings good health, bathing on the water contains Tulsi leaves removes the fear of death, whoever plants Tulsi and offer Tulsi leaves at the lotus feet of Sriman Narayana would attain liberation.  Whoever worships Lord Hari by offering Tulsi with ghee lamp on this auspicious day would attain innumerable pieties including the abode of Lord Krishna, the pieties obtained would be difficult to count even for Chitragupta.   The ancestors would be highly pleased with the act of lightening Ghee lamp and offering Tulsi to Lord Krishna on this day.  Whoever lighten the sesame oil lamp before Lord Krishna would be freed from sins and reside in the abode of Lord Surya, observance of Kamika Ekadashi faithfully would eradicate the sins of Brahmahathya, and killing an embryo or chaste woman.  Whoever observes Kamika Ekadashi and listens or reads the glories would certainly attains the Abode of Lord Vishnu.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Ashada Shukla Harisayana Ekadashi/Devasayani /Padma Ekadashi !! Glories of Harisayana Ekadashi

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Bhavishyottara Puranam describes the glories of Hari Sayana Ekadashi/Deva Sayani or Padma Ekadashi.     Lord Krishna narrates to King Yudhishtira about the glories of Deva Sayana Ekadashi which falls on the waxing period of moon which was earlier described by Lord Brahma to his Manasaputra Maharishi Narada.  Lord Brahma explains the prescribed rules and regulations of the worship of Supreme Lord Sriman Narayana on this propitious day, basically everyone should observe the Deva Sayani Ekadashi in order to get purified and it has the capabilities to eradicates the sins committed in one’s life and fulfills the desires of the worshiper.

The legend has that during Satya Yuga there was an Emperor Mandata from Soorya Dynasty ruled the entire world.   He was a righteous ruler, his kingdom and its people were happy.  His Kingdom flourished with the uprightness of the people and did not face any natural disaster or calamities like famine, drought, flood etc..  He ruled his Kingdom wisely for several years.  Year’s passes by, Emperor Mandata’s kingdom started to face shortage of rain and people find the scarcity of food.  As a result, the performance of sacrifices, reciting Veda and other sacred scriptures are also reduced drastically.  People started to lose interest in righteousness and worried about the present situation of drought and famine.  The scholars approached Emperor Mandata and advised the importance to worship of Lord Sriman Narayana as a solution for the pathetic conditions prevailing in their Kingdom.  The Emperor gracefully accepted the advice of the scholars and decided to visit Sages for more precise opinion.  Emperor Mandata left to forest with his army of men, there he paid visit to Sages and their hermitages, discussed with them about the present crisis and engaged in pious activities. 

One day Emperor Mandata met Sage Angira – Manasa Putra of Lord Brahma whose effulgence made Emperor Mandata prostrates before him, stood before him folding palms together and prayed.    Sage Angira was pleased at the humbleness of Emperor Mandata and blessed him.   The most compassionate Sage Angira enquired the Emperor about the reason for his visit and the well-being of the people in his Kingdom.  Emperor Mandata replied with deep dissatisfaction and anguish that his Kingdom is facing severe drought and thereby people are facing lot of miseries.  Emperor revealed his inability to find any cause for the reason and requested Sage Angira to advice a solution which could bring back the peace and happiness in the life of the people in his Kingdom.  He earnestly requested Sage Angira for an appropriate means to alleviate the sufferings of his subjects.

Sage Angira explained the Varnashrama Dharma elaborately to the Emperor and informed that performing austerities according to the Varnashrama Dharma yield results and acceptable.  Sathya Yuga is one of the most rewarding era,  Bhramins are considered as superior and most respectable Varna, who are allowed to performed Vedic rituals and severe austerities.   Worship of Lord against the prescribed rules and regulations, engage in performing austerities against one’s own Varnashrama Dharma should be discarded and these could cause misfortune to the Kingdom.  Sage Angira enlightened Emperor Mandata with the main causes for the severe drought in his Kingdom and instructed him to get rid of the Varnas which were performing austerities against their Varnashrama .    Emperor Mandata was in utter dismay to take away the life of people who are innocent and engaged in performing austerities without knowing the adverse effect, hence he requested the Sage to instruct an easy solution without causing threat to the life of his subjects.  Sage Angira described the glories of Devasayani Ekadashi which occurs during the waxing period of the moon and instructed Emperor Mandata to observe Devasayani Ekadashi along with the people of his Kingdom, that could bring all the piousness and it’s capable to bring enough rain fall in his Kingdom.  Sage Angira also informed that observance of Devasayani Ekadashi would bring back all the Good luck, happiness and prosperity in their lives.  Emperor Mandata satisfied after listening to the promising words of Sage Angira, once again he paid obeisance to Sage and returned to his palace.   As instructed by the Sage, Emperor Mandata and the entire people in his Kingdom observed Ekadashi faithfully and Prayed to Lord Hrishikesha.  As per everyone’s wish his Kingdom obtained enough rainfall with the blessings of Lord Hrishikesha.  Thus the Kingdom of Mandata got rid of severe drought and famine, and all the people in His Kingdom lived happily. 

Lord Krishna continued, listening and reading the glories of Devasayani Ekadashi would eradicate all the sins committed in one’s life, consequently it would bring happiness and peace, ultimately liberation from the cycles of birth and death. 

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Ashada Krishna Yogini Ekadashi / Glories of Yogini Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glory of Yogini Ekadashi which occurs on the waning period of the moon, Lord Krishna narrates to King Yudhishtira about the glories of  Yogini Ekadashi   which is capable to destroy all the  sins committed in one’s life and capable to liberate from the material bondage and elevate to spiritual world.

The legend has that there was a magnificent city named Alakapuri, which was ruled by Lord Kubera - an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.  He had a very sincere gardener Hemamali who attentively gathers flowers from the Lake Manasarovar and provide to Lord Kubera for the daily worship of Lord Shiva.  Hemamali had a beautiful wife Visalakshy, both were highly devoted to each other.  As usual, one day Hemamali while returning after gathering flowers from the Lake Manasarovar, instead of visiting the palace he went home.  There he found his beautiful wife, got attracted towards her made him stop thinking about everything.  The beautiful time he had spent with his wife made him to forget his duty to visit the palace.  As a result, Lord Kubera’s worship of Lord Shiva on the day got delayed consequently could not complete his daily rituals.  Lord Kubera was extremely disappointed at the irresponsible act of Hemamali and sent a messenger to find out the reason for his absence. 

The messenger brought the news that Hemamali was having pleasurable time with his wife Vishalakshi.  Lord Kubera ordered his men to produce Hemamali before the assembly.  Hemamali appeared before the assembly with great anguish, trembling feet and ashamed of his lustful act.  In a fury Lord Kubera cursed him for his immoral act that caused obstacle for the daily worship of Lord Shiva.  He cursed Hemamali to afflict leprosy; this would cause him to remain separated from his dearest wife forever. 

Being cursed by Lord Kubera, Hemamali discarded from Alakapuri and moved to Earth.  Hemamali’s life has become miserable with the physical and mental distress; he wandered aimlessly through the dense forest, with all sorts of mental agonies, physical pains, lack of sleep doubled with hunger and thirst Hemamali arrived at Mount Himalaya.  Fortunately, he met with the Sage Markandeya.   Hemamali kept fair distance from the Sage and repeatedly paid obeisance to him.  The most compassionate Sage Markandeya called for him and enquired the reason for his dreadful condition.  Hemamali explained the reason for the curse of Lord Kubera and his pitiable state of living.  After listening to Hemamali, Sage Markandeya advised him to observe the auspicious and the most rewarding Yogini Ekadashi.   Hemamali’s joy has no bounds.  As instructed by the great Sage Markandeya, Hemamali observed  Yogini Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion.  The piety he has achieved by the observance of  Yogini Ekadashi made him to regain his original form.  Once again, Hemamali reunited with his wife and lived happily ever after.

Lord Krishna concluded, the devoutness attained by observing Yogini Ekadashi would be equal to the piety of feeding eighty eight thousands of Brahmins.  Whoever observes Yogini Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion would eradicates all their sins and provide highest of the merit known as ‘Salvation’.

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

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 ||