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 ||