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Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
February 29, 2024
Yogis and sages are people who lead lives attuned to divinity by turning away from materialistic pursuits. Ordinary people who wish to become more spiritual in their day-to-day lives often follow certain spiritual practices like fasting and meditation. Ekadashi Vrat/fast is one of them.
Ekadashi consists of two words – Eka (1) and Dasha (10). Ekadashi is the process of diverting the 10 senses and the mind away from worldly objects and toward God. It implies control of our 10 senses and 1 mind. No vicious thoughts like lust, anger avarice, etc. should be present in our mind. Ekadashi is a penance that is done to realize and please God.
The Story of Ekadashi
During the Satyuga, there was a demon called Muran. He harassed human beings and even the gods in heaven. So the gods left heaven and sought the help of Vishnu and asked him to protect them. Vishnu left on his vehicle, Garuda, and engaged the demon in battle. The two fought continuously for 1000 years. As Muran had immense strength and power, Vishnu found it hard to defeat him. After a while, he felt exhausted and decided to rest awhile. Vishnu took shelter in a cave in the Himalayas and took a nap to recoup his strength. Vishnu, along with all his ten senses and mind, took rest.
Muran also reached the cave in hot pursuit of Vishnu. On seeing him sleeping inside the cave, Muran raised his sword to kill him. Suddenly, a very beautiful and luminous woman emerged from Vishnu’s body, carrying a sword.
Muran was smitten by her and asked her to marry him. She replied that she would marry only the person who could defeat her in battle. Muran agreed. They began fighting, but the divine lady finally killed him.
Hearing the commotion, Vishnu woke up. Pleased by the divine maiden’s valor, Vishnu gave her the name Ekadashi. This happened on the 11th day of the waxing moon. Vishnu also told her to ask for a boon. Ekadashi replied that as she had evolved from Vishnu’s Ekadashi Indriyas (11 senses of the body), she would be known as Ekadashi. She wanted people to observe Ekadashi Vrat and control their Ekadash Indriyas (senses) on this day. They should also avoid consuming grains like rice, wheat, beans, etc.
Vishnu agreed and since then, Hindus observe Ekadashi Vrat by fasting on the 11th day of bright half of the moon and dark half of the moon. Vishnu also said that those who observed the Ekadashi Vrat would receive his choicest blessings! This story is found in the Padma Purana.
Significance of the Story
When the senses and mind turn away from materialistic things, it generates spiritual power. Enjoying sensory objects makes us stupid, powerless, and wicked.
Great Rishis and sages like Vasishtha and Vishwamitra were also householders, yet they had complete control of themselves and directed all the senses and mind towards God. By controlling the senses and mind, they acquired immense spiritual power.
Power of Ekadashi
Ekadashi day has positive effects on the human body and brain, so fasting on this day is more effective than on other days.
Ekadashi fast is equal to bathing in the holy river Ganga and donating cows crores of times. It is regarded as a Maha-vrat (greatest of all fasts). According to the Vedic calendar, each vrat has a specific deity. Ekadashi Vrat is associated with Vishnu.
List of Vrats and Main Deities
∙ Ekadashi Vrat – Vishnu
∙ Jaya Parvati Vrat – Shiva
∙ Saturday fast – Hanuman
∙ Navratri – Durga
The 3 Methods of Observing Ekadashi
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Nirjala Ekadashi: Not eating or drinking anything for the entire day.
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Sajala Ekadashi: Drinking only water and juice.
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Farali Ekadashi: Consuming only fruits and milk.
Here are some food items that can be eaten on Ekadashi
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Badam Ke Ladoo
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Custard Apple Juice
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Mango Kheer
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Farali Idli
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Mixed Fruits
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Farali Mohanthal
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Aloo Samba Ki Roti
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Dudhi Ka Halwa
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Farali biscuit
Benefits of Ekadashi Fasting
∙ It purifies the mind, body, and soul.
∙ Fasting detoxifies the body and the digestive system.
∙ It reduces the chances of getting cancer.
∙ The body feels light and energetic.
What is Saphala Ekadashi?
Hindus celebrate Saphala Ekadashi on the Ekadashi day in Krishna Paksha of Pausha month (Dec-Jan). Listening to the story of this, Ekadashi supposedly has the power to remove all sorrows. Krishna advised Yudhishthira to observe the Ekadashi fast to get rid of all his sorrows.
The Saphala Ekadashi’s significance is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana. It says that people who observe a fast on this day can see their misfortune turning into good fortune. This fast is believed to have the power to turn one’s dreams into reality and help one recover all that was lost, be it wealth, affection, honor, or health.
Fasting on Saphala Ekadashi can open doors to abundance, success, and prosperity. During this fast, one should consume only Sattvik food and donate to Brahmins and the needy. This fast can cleanse sins and bestow Moksha.
Observing the Saphala Ekadashi vrat is equivalent to the virtue gained through meditation for 1000s of years. Krishna told Yudhishthira that nothing pleases him more than a devotee observing this vrat.
Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story)
King Mahishmati, who ruled Champavati, had four sons. The eldest was Lumpaka, a sinful man who took delight in disrespecting Brahmins, Vaishnavas, and demigods. So, his father exiled him. Lumpaka, who was forced to live in the forest, would sneak into the kingdom at night to steal things, including food. But as he was a prince, the citizens would release him. Lumpaka used to eat raw meats and fruits to survive.
In the forest, there was a much-revered banyan tree. Lumpaka dwelt under this tree for a while. It was the Ekadashi of the waning moon in Paush month. Because of fatigue, he lost consciousness on the day before Ekadashi. He regained consciousness at midday on the day of Ekadashi.
As he felt very weak, Lumpaka could not hunt any animals that day. He managed to find some fruits, but instead of eating them, he offered them to Vishnu, seeking his mercy. He stayed awake during the entire Ekadashi night, thereby observing Saphala Ekadashi unintentionally, through fasting and vigil.
Vishnu accepted Lumpaka’s worship and blessed him with the recovery of his kingdom. The next morning, a divine horse appeared before Lumpaka. A voice from the sky said, “Oh Prince, due to the mercy of Lord Madhusudana and the influence of Saphala Ekadashi, you will regain your kingdom. Return to your father now and enjoy your rule.”
So, Lumpaka returned to his father and began to rule the kingdom. Later, he got married to a beautiful lady and had good sons.
Pooja Vidhi For Saphala Ekadashi
∙ On Saphala Ekadashi day, arise early.
∙ Take a vow of fasting after wearing clean attire and offering water to the Sun.
∙ Offer yellow flowers and objects to Vishnu and worship him with incense, lamps, fruits, coconut, amla, betel nut, pomegranate, and Panchamrit.
∙ Recite Aarti, Chalisa, Mantra, and Vishnu Sahasranama. Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times.
∙ Donate to the needy, according to your capability.
∙ Remain awake all night, singing bhajans, kirtans, or hymns praising Vishnu.
∙ Break the fast on Dwadashi Day. Offer food and donations to Brahmins and the poor before you eat.
Saphala Ekadashi Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
∙ Wear clean clothes.
∙ Offer donations and food to Brahmins.
∙ Light a ghee diya.
∙ Offer only yellow flowers.
∙ Offer special prayers to Vishnu before breaking the fast.
Don’ts:
∙ Avoid eating non-vegetarian food or food containing onions or garlic.
∙ Avoid alcohol or any other intoxicants.
∙ Sleep on the floor instead of the bed.
∙ Avoid plucking flowers, branches, or leaves on this day.
∙ Do not harm animals or speak harshly of others.
