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 ||

Jyeshta Shukla Nirjala Ekadashi / Glories of Nirjala Ekadashi /Bhimaseni Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyeshta. Maharishi Veda Vyasa narrates the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi to the King Bhima.

King Bhima requests Maharishi Veda Vyasa to illustrate the method of observance of Nirjala Ekadashi. Bhima who sincerely desired to lead a righteous way of life reveals his inability to fast on this auspicious day. He continued to disclose his helplessness on this situation, while His Brother and righteous King Yudhishtira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, His mother – Kunti Devi and Draupadi all are strict followers of Ekadashi and observe fast on the auspicious day of Ekadashi.  And they also advise Bhima to follow the same.

He requests Maharishi Veda Vyasa to explain whether the charity and the worship of Lord Hari alone could bring any piousness on this day.  Bhima wholeheartedly declared his willingness to do any kind of charity according to his capacity and worship Lord Keshava as prescribed rules. Maharishi explained that refrain from consuming grains on this auspicious day only could save from hellish torture.  Bhima continued to expose his failure in observing fast. After hearing this Maharishi Veda Vyasa continued, during the era of Kali it is difficult to strictly follow any of the Vedic principles and Sacred Scriptures. Therefore, one can pursue only the essence of the sacred scriptures without much difficulty. Maharishi Veda Vyasa advised Bhima the sublime facts which could bring abundance of pieties that derived out of observing fasting on the day of Ekadashi on the waning and the waxing period of the moon.

Bhimas anguish was multiplied after listening to the strict instructions of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, who explained the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi which falls on the month of Jyeshta, and observance of Nirjala Ekadashi which is equivalent to the observance of all the Ekadashis in a year. On this day of Nirjala Ekadashi, one should refrain from the consumption of food as well as water; Consumption of water on this day is equal to consumption of intoxicated drinks, Strict fast and abstain from drinking water on this day brings abundance of merits which includes all the piousness obtains by observance of all the twenty four Ekadashis in a year.  On the day of Dwadashi Parana, the worshiper should serve food to a Brahmin and give gold and water as alms.

Maharishi Veda Vyasa concluded that whoever observes Nirjala Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion, abstaining from all pleasures, fasting and engage in the worship of Lord Vishnu by listening and chanting the glories of Lord Sriman Narayana would certainly attain the highest of the piousness, get relieved out of the sins and attains the piousness of observance of all the Ekadashis in a year.  Even though, Kali era had all the negative effects on the life of human being such as lack of moral values, disbelief in Vedic and spiritual principles etc.. By observing Nirjala Ekadashi one could attains the Abode of Lord Vishnu.  It brings the pieties of performance of charities, visit of sacred places; it removes all the sins, killing Brahman, consumption of intoxicated drinks, disrespect towards preceptor etc…ultimately the worshipper attain the abode of Lord Vishnu.  Whoever listens or recite the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi would be liberated from the world of Samsara.

 || Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Jyeshta Krishna Apara Ekadashi / Glories of Apara Ekadashi !!

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Brahmanda Puranam describes the glory of Apara Ekadashi which falls on the wanning period of moon.  Lord Krishna explains the glory to King Yudhishtira and the piety of worshiping Lord Trivikrama on the day of Apara Ekadashi.

Lord Krishna narrates the sinful activities such as : Brahma Hatya, Killing of cow, Killing an embryo from mother’s womb,  criticize and hurt others by words or action,  illicit relationship with women,  stand as false witness out of greed, spreading lies, improper utilization of Veda and insulting the sacred scriptures, misuse of one’s profession such as Doctors and Astrologers, run away from the responsibilities out of fear and lack of courageousness,  insulting Preceptor/ Acharyas after receiving invaluable knowledge from them, wicked acts, warrior ran out of battlefield with fear, etc.. The above are dreadful sins can be get released by observing Apara Ekadashi.  

Lord Krishna continued, all the above said sins would be eradicated by observing Apara Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion.  The piousness accumulates by observing this Ekadashi includes the holy dip in the sacred rivers Pushkar thrice in a day in the month Karthika, holy dip in Ganga and offering homage to ancestors in the month Magh and worship of Lord Vishwanantha during Mahashivarathri in Varanasi, offering homage to ancestors in Gaya/ Prayag, holy dip in river Gautami and worship of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Badrinath.  It provides the merits of observance of Shivaratri at the sacrosanct place Kashi and performance of ritual bath to Lord Vishnu at Gaya.  It also brings the merits equivalent to dip in the holy rivers at Kurukshetra – The Land of righteousness during solar eclipse and performance of charity of cow, elephants and gold in abundance.   Fasting on this day and worship of Lord Hari brings the piousness equivalent to giving away Elephant, cow, Gold, and Land as charity.   The observance of Apara Ekadashi brings the devoutness equal to witnessing the grand festival Kumbhamela in Kedarnath. 

Whoever worships Lord Trivikrama on this day and whoever listens or read the glory of Apara Ekadashi would attain abundance of virtues and it eradicates all their sins committed thereby attain the Abode of Lord Vishnu.

 || Jai Sriman Narayana ||