सशङ्खचक्रं सकिरीटकुण्डलं सपीतवस्त्रं सरसीरुहेक्षणम् ।
सहारवक्ष:स्थलशोभिकौस्तुभश्रियं नमामि विष्णुं शिरसा चतुर्भुजम् ॥
Mokshada Ekadashi occurs during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Margashirsha month (November-December).This highly auspicious day also coincides with Gita Jayanti, day when Bhagawan Krishna imparted eternal wisdom of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on battlefield of Kurukshetra. Devotees dedicate this day to worship Bhagawan Vishnu to attain spiritual freedom, clear ancestral karmic debts, and secure place in Vaikuntha.
Meaning and Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi
In Sanskrit, Mokshada means bestower of Moksha or ultimate liberation. Therefore, Mokshada Ekadashi translates to 11th day that grants freedom from endless cycle of birth and death.
Human life often suffers due to ignorance, attachment, and weight of past sins. Observing fast on Mokshada Ekadashi with pure heart acts as powerful spiritual remedy that dissolves lifelong karma. Scriptures mention that spiritual merit earned on this day can be transferred to deceased ancestors suffering in lower realms, granting them instant elevation to heavenly abodes. Passing through divine Vaikuntha Dwara (gateway to eternal abode) on this day symbolizes soul triumph over worldly bondages.
Legend associated with Mokshada Ekadashi
Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving saintly King Vaikhanasa who ruled prosperous city of Champaka. King Vaikhanasa was compassionate ruler who treated subjects like his own children and spent time in spiritual contemplation.
One night, King Vaikhanasa saw distressing dream where his deceased father was trapped in hellish realm called Naraka, suffering severe torment due to past bad karma. Troubled by vision, king called learned Brahmins, scholars, and royal priest next morning to find solution. Wise scholars advised king to seek guidance of enlightened Sage Parvata, who lived in nearby forest ashram.
King Vaikhanasa visited ashram of Sage Parvata and described painful dream of his father. Sage Parvata closed eyes and entered deep meditation to see past life of king father. Sage revealed that father had committed severe sin of neglecting his wife in previous birth, leading to his current suffering in Naraka. King humbly asked sage for spiritual remedy to rescue his father.
Sage Parvata instructed King Vaikhanasa to observe strict fast on Mokshada Ekadashi in Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month along with family members and offer spiritual merit to father. King returned to his palace and strictly observed Mokshada Ekadashi fast with complete devotion, following all sacred rites. Upon completing fast, king dedicated all spiritual virtue earned to his father. Immediately, father of king was released from hellish torment, received divine body, and ascended to Vaikuntha while showering heartfelt blessings on his devoted son.
Rituals to be performed on Mokshada Ekadashi
Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath using clean water without using soap, shampoo, or such cosmetic products.
Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, along with sacred book Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, should be placed respectfully.
Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu.
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or verses from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita continuously throughout day.
Listen to or read Mokshada Ekadashi Katha and Gita Jayanti discourse with family members in peaceful state of mind.
Offer your respects to parents and other elders, especially Guru, seeking their heartfelt blessings on this sacred morning.
Observe fast during entire day according to individual health capacity. Healthy individuals can observe strict fast without water or taking only water. Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is difficult due to health reasons. Rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains must be avoided strictly. Heavy spices, regular salt, garlic, onion, tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol must be strictly avoided.
Perform evening Aarti with devotion, visit Vishnu temple to pass through Vaikuntha Dwara if possible, offer special Naivedya, and maintain noble thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, falsehood, or harsh speech.
Break fast next day on Dwadashi tithi during scheduled Parana time. Fast should be broken after sunrise once Hari Vasara period concludes. Offer naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform short prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before eating regular food.
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