Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi: Erasing Big Sins through Divine Grace

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मङ्गलम् भगवान विष्णुः, मङ्गलम् गरुणध्वजः।
मङ्गलम् पुण्डरी काक्षः, मङ्गलाय तनो हरिः

Apara Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Jyeshtha month (May-June) according to Amanta calendar or Vaisakha month according to Purnimanta calendar. It is highly auspicious day observed by devotees of Bhagawan Vishnu across world. Worshiping Lord Trivikrama form of Bhagawan Vishnu on this sacred day bestows boundless merits, removes heavy sins, and grants immense fame, wealth, and spiritual growth.

Meaning and Significance of Apara Ekadashi

Understanding name itself reveals divine power of this day. In Sanskrit, Apara means unlimited, endless, or boundless. Therefore, Apara Ekadashi translates to 11th day that bestows infinite spiritual merit and merit beyond measure upon devotee.

Every human being inadvertently accumulates negative karma through false speech, criticism, deceit, or selfish actions. Observing fast on Apara Ekadashi with pure intention cleanses soul from even most severe past sins, including bearing false witness, greed, or disrespecting spiritual teachers. Scriptures state that spiritual benefit gained by observing this fast equals taking sacred bath in river Ganga during Kumbha Mela or performing charity at holy places like Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Legend associated with Apara Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving virtuous ruler named King Mahidhwaja. King Mahidhwaja was noble, pious, and generous ruler who cared deeply for his subjects. However, his younger brother Vajradhwaja was extremely jealous, cruel, and wicked in nature.

Vajradhwaja could not bear popularity and righteousness of his elder brother. In fit of envy, Vajradhwaja murdered King Mahidhwaja quietly in middle of night and buried his body under banyan tree in deep forest. Due to unnatural death and unresolved pain, spirit of King Mahidhwaja became restless Pret (ghost) and started living around that banyan tree, causing trouble to travelers passing through forest.

One day, great sage Dhaumya passed near banyan tree and saw restless spirit of king through his yogic vision. Sage felt deep compassion for suffering soul and used his divine powers to understand cause behind king tragic fate. Sage Dhaumya approached spirit, offered solace, and decided to rescue him from miserable existence.

To liberate king soul, Sage Dhaumya observed Apara Ekadashi fast himself with complete rituals and strict devotion. Sage then offered entire spiritual merit (Punya) gained from fast to spirit of King Mahidhwaja. By divine influence of this noble act, ghost body vanished immediately. King Mahidhwaja achieved beautiful celestial body, expressed gratitude to sage, and ascended to Vaikuntha aboard divine chariot.

Rituals to be performed on Apara Ekadashi

Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath in clean water.

Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, specifically Trivikrama form, 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 Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Apara Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful mind.

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 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.

Mohini Ekadashi: Overcoming Illusion and Material Attachment

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कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृते: स्वभावात्।
करोमि यद्यत्सकलं परस्मै नारायणायेति समर्पयामि॥

Mohini Ekadashi falls during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Vaisakha month (April-May). It is extremely sacred Ekadashi observed by devotees of Bhagawan Vishnu to overcome worldly illusions, desire, and attachments. Observing this auspicious day cuts through Maya (illusion), destroys past sins, and grants spiritual enlightenment.

Meaning and Significance of Mohini Ekadashi

Understanding name itself reveals purpose of this divine day. Name comes from Mohini, beautiful female avatar taken by Bhagawan Vishnu during Samudra Manthana (churning of ocean of milk). Word Moha refers to delusion, illusion, or attachment to material world. Therefore, Mohini Ekadashi translates to 11th day that helps devotee transcend material illusions and worldly bonds.

Human mind easily gets trapped in greed, ego, lust, and delusion created by material existence. Observing fast on Mohini Ekadashi helps devotee cultivate self-control, gain mental clarity, and break free from negative karmic cycles. Scriptures state that observing this fast bestows virtues equivalent to giving away thousands of cows in charity or visiting holy pilgrimage places.

Legend associated with Mohini Ekadashi

Scriptures describe famous story told by Sage Vasistha to King Rama and also narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira. Story involves righteous King Dyutiman who ruled prosperous city called Bhadravati along banks of river Saraswati. King had son named Dhrishtabuddhi who was opposite of his father. Dhrishtabuddhi indulged in sinful activities, lost all his wealth, spent money on immoral habits, and disrespected elders.

Exasperated by his continuous misconduct, King Dyutiman disowned Dhrishtabuddhi and threw him out of palace. Left with no money or support, Dhrishtabuddhi wandered in forest, suffering from extreme hunger, cold, and misery. One day, while wandering hopelessly, he reached ashram of Sage Kaundinya near river Ganga.

Dhrishtabuddhi fell at feet of Sage Kaundinya, crying bitterly and begging for way to redeem himself from heavy burden of sins. Seeing his genuine repentance, compassionate Sage Kaundinya advised him to observe Mohini Ekadashi fast in Shukla Paksha of Vaisakha month. Sage assured him that devotion to Lord Vishnu on this day would cleanse all his past wrongdoings.

Dhrishtabuddhi strictly observed Mohini Ekadashi fast following all guidelines with deep devotion. By divine grace of Bhagawan Vishnu, all his sins were burned away instantly. He regained moral clarity, achieved purity of mind, and eventually ascended to divine realm of Vaikuntha aboard celestial chariot.

Another divine event linked with this day is origin of Mohini avatar during Samudra Manthana. When Amrita emerged, demons grabbed pot to consume it. To protect Devas and universe, Bhagawan Vishnu assumed form of Mohini, enchanting female figure. Mohini distracted demons with her beauty and cleverly distributed Amrita to Devas, ensuring preservation of Dharma.

Rituals to be performed on Mohini Ekadashi

Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath in clean water.

Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, especially in Mohini avatar form, should be established.

Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu.

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Mohini Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful state of mind.

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 and maintain noble thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, greed, 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.

PS: Article re-formatted into blocks and change of Header Image

Varuthini Ekadashi: Sacred Shield of Protection and Healing

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शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं
विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम् ।
लक्ष्मीकान्तं कमलनयनं योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यं
वन्दे विष्णुं भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम् ॥

Varuthini Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Vaisakha month (April-May) according to Amanta calendar or Chaitra month according to Purnimanta calendar. It is very sacred Ekadashi observed by devotees of Bhagawan Vishnu to protect themselves from all kinds of harm, sickness, and misery. Observing this auspicious day brings immense fortune, physical well being, and spiritual upliftment.

Meaning and Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi

Understanding name itself reveals purpose of this divine day. In Sanskrit, Varuthini means protected, armored, or guarded. Therefore, Varuthini Ekadashi translates to 11th day that provides divine shield and protection to devotee.

Life presents many difficulties, physical sufferings, and unexpected hardships. Observing fast on Varuthini Ekadashi acts like strong spiritual armor that shields devotee from evil energies, physical illness, and bad luck. Scriptures state that merit gained from observing this fast equals giving away massive amounts of gold in charity or performing intense penance for thousands of years. It brings good fortune, grants healthy body, and ensures peaceful mind.

Legend associated with Varuthini Ekadashi

Scriptures describe famous story told by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving noble King named Mandhata. King Mandhata ruled his kingdom with great justice, wisdom, and righteousness. He was kind ruler and devoted vast amount of time to charity, spiritual activities, and devotion to Bhagawan Vishnu.

One day, while King Mandhata was meditating deeply in dense forest, wild black bear approached him quietly. Bear attacked king and began chewing his foot. Despite intense pain and danger to his life, King Mandhata did not break his meditation or lose his mental composure. He did not pick up weapons to attack bear or call his royal guards for help.

Instead, King Mandhata prayed sincerely to Bhagawan Vishnu in his heart, seeking protection from Lord Hari. Bhagawan Vishnu, who always responds to genuine prayers of devotees, appeared immediately on his mount Garuda. Lord Hari released his divine Sudarshana Chakra, which killed bear and saved king.

However, king foot was severely damaged due to bear attack, leaving him in deep pain and grief. Lord Vishnu smiled gently and instructed King Mandhata to observe Varuthini Ekadashi fast in sacred town of Mathura. Lord explained that his present suffering was result of past karma, and observing Varuthini Ekadashi fast with complete faith would heal his body completely.

King Mandhata travelled to Mathura and strictly observed Varuthini Ekadashi fast following all rituals. By divine grace of Madhusudana (Bhagawan Vishnu), king got cured of his physical injury, regained his handsome appearance, and restored his strength. He ruled his kingdom righteously for many years and eventually attained Vaikuntha.

Rituals to be performed on Varuthini Ekadashi

  • Wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath.
  • Clean puja area and place idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, specifically Madhusudana form.
  • Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan.
  • Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya throughout day.
  • Listen to or read Varuthini Ekadashi Katha with family members.
  • Observe fast during entire day according to individual capability.
    • Strict fast without water (Nirjala) or taking only water is ideal for healthy individuals.
    • Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is not possible due to health.
    • Avoid rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains strictly.
    • Avoid heavy spices, regular salt (use sendha namak if required), garlic, and onion.
    • Avoid tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol completely.
  • Perform evening Aarti and maintain spiritual thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, or harsh words.
  • Break fast on Dwadashi day during Parana time.
    • Fast should be broken next day after sunrise during Dwadashi Tithi.
    • Ensure Parana is done after completion of Hari Vasara period.
    • Offer Naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform small prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before regular food.

PS: Article re-formatted into blocks and Changed the Header Image