Standard for Ekadasi Break-fasts
If you have observed a complete fast (without even water) you do not need to break it with grains. You can break it with caranamrita or fruit. But if you have observed Ekadasi by eating fruit, vegetables, etc., then it should be broken on the following day by taking grains at the times mentioned herein.
Maha-dvadasi is observed like Ekadasi.
Ekadasi
The essence is to eat simply, once or twice, so that one can spend as much time as possible hearing, chanting and remembering Sri Sri Radha-Krsna. Never eat meat, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, carrots, red lentils (masur dahl), green flat lentils, mushrooms or products thereof.
Restricted foods on Ekadasi:
Tomatoes, eggplants, cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, beets, bitter melon (karela), loki, parmal, toroi, kunli, drumsticks, bindi (ladies' fingers) and banana flowers
Peas, chickpeas and all types of beans, including products made from beans (e.g., papadams, tofu, tempeh)
All leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, salads, cabbages) and leafy herbs like parsley, coriander leaves, celery and curry leaves
Grains (e.g., millet, barley, farina, pasta, rice, corn) and all types of flour made from grains and beans (e.g., rice flour, chickpea flour, urad dahl flour)
Starches from corn or grains, and products made from or mixed with these starches like baking soda, baking powder, certain soft drinks with corn syrup, custard, certain yoghurts and puddings, certain varieties of cream and cottage cheese, certain sweets and candies, and tapioca balls
Oils made from grains (e.g., corn oil, mustard oil, sesame oil) and products fried in these oils (e.g., fried nuts, potato chips and other fried snack foods)
Honey, and sweets made with starches
Spices used on Ekadasi: black pepper, fresh ginger, pure salt and fresh turmeric, all taken from a new and clean package
Spices not used on Ekadasi: hing (asofetida), sesame seeds, cumin, fenugreek, mustard, tamarind, fennel, cardamom and nutmeg
Foods that can be taken all days of the year, including Ekadasi and Caturmasya:
All fruits (fresh and dried), all nuts and all oils made from nuts
Potatoes, pumpkin, cucumber, radish, squash, lemon, avocado, olives, coconut, buckwheat, all sugars
All pure milk products (except yoghurt during the 2nd month of Caturmasya and milk during the 3rd month)
For sannyasis, brahmacaris and vanaprasthas: shaving head and cutting nails is to be done on full moon days
Caturmasya
Restricted foods during the entire four months of Caturmasya:
Eggplants, tomatoes, loki, parmal, urad dahl and honey
Particular foods that are restricted during each of the four months:
First month: No leafy vegetables, such as spinach, salads of all types, cabbages of all types, kale, leafy herbs like coriander, mint, parsley, curry and powdered leafy herbs and teas
Second month: No yoghurt (if one requires it for health, it can be mixed with water)
Third month: No milk (if required, it can be mixed with a drop of lemon juice)
Fourth month: No mustard oil or sesame seeds
Purusottama Masa
Restricted foods during the month of Purusottama:
Eggplants, tomatoes, loki, parmal, urad dahl, honey, mustard oil or sesame seeds
No shaving for brahmacaris and sannyasis
List of Ekadshi
Monday, February 23, 2009
Haribodhihi Ekadasi
Lord Brahma said to Narada Muni, "Dear son, 0 best of the sages, I shall narrate to you the glories of Haribodhini Ekadasi, which eradicates all kinds of sins and bestows great merit, and ultimately liberation, upon the wise persons who surrender unto the Supreme Lord.
"0 best of the brdhmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the Ganges remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadasi does not come. This Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Kartika, is much more purifying than a bath in the ocean, at a place of pilgrimage, or in a lake. This sacred Ekadasi is more powerful in nullifying sin than one thousand Asvamedha sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices."
Narada Muni, the saint among the demigods, inquired, "0 father, please describe the relative merits of fasting completely on Ekadasi, eating supper [without grains or beans], or eating but once at midday [without grains or beans]."
Lord Brahma replied, "If a person eats once at midday on Ekadasi, the sins of his previous birth are erased, if he eats only supper, the sins acquired during his previous two births are removed, and if he fasts completely, the sins accumulated during his previous seven births are eradicated.
"0 son, whatever is only rarely achieved within the three worlds is obtained by him who strictly observes Haribodhini Ekadasi. A person whose sins equal Mount Sumeru in volume sees them all reduced to nothing if he simply fasts on Papaharini Ekadasi [another name for Haribodhini Ekadasi]. The sins a person has accumulated over a thousand previous births are burned to ashes if he not only fasts but also remains awake throughout Ekadasi night, just as a mountain of cotton can be burned to ashes if one lights a small fire in it.
"0 best of sages, Naradaji, a person who strictly observes this fast achieves the results I have mentioned. Even if one does a small amount of pious activity on this day, following the rules and regulations, one will earn merit equal to Mount Sumeru in volume; however, a person who does not follow the rules and regulations given in the scriptures may perform pious activity equal to Mount Sumeru in volume, but he will not earn even a small amount of merit. One who does not chant the Gayatri mantra three times a day, who disregards fast days, who does not believe in God, who criticizes the Vedic scriptures, who thinks the Vedas bring only ruination to one who follows their injunctions, who enjoy's another's wife, who is utterly foolish and wicked, who does not appreciate any service that has been rendered to him, or who cheats others-such a sinful person, 0 son, can never perform any religious activity effectively. Be he a brahmana or a sudra, whoever tries to enjoy another man's wife, particularly the wife of a twice-born person, is said to be no better than a dog-eater.'
"0 best of the sages, any brahmana who enjoys sex with a widow or a brahmana lady married to another man brings ruin to himself and his family. Any brahmana who enjoys illicit sex will have no children in his next life, and any past merit he may have earned is ruined. Indeed, if such a person displays any arrogance toward a twice-born brahmana or a spiritual master, he loses all his spiritual advancement immediately, as well as his wealth and children.
"These three kinds of men ruin their acquired merits: he whose character is immoral, he who has sex with the wife of a dog-eater, and he who appreciates the association of rogues. Whoever associates with sinful people and visits their homes without a spiritual purpose will go directly to the abode of Lord Yamaraja, the superintendent of death. And if someone eats in such a home, his acquired merit is destroyed, along with his fame, duration of life, children, and happiness.
"Any sinful rascal who insults a saintly person soon loses his religiosity, economic development, and sense gratification, and he at last burns in the fire of hell. Anyone who likes to offend saintly persons, or who does not interrupt someone who is insulting saintly persons, is considered no better than an ass. Such a wicked man sees his dynasty destroyed before his very eyes.
"A person whose character is unclean, who is a rogue or a swindler, or who always finds fault with others does not achieve a higher destination after death, even if he gives charity generously or performs other pious deeds. Therefore one should refrain from performing inauspicious acts and perform only pious ones, by which one will acquire merit and avoid suffering.
"However, the sins of one who, after due consideration, decides to fast on Haribodhini Ekadagi are erased from one hundred previous lives, and whoever fasts and remains awake overnight on this Ekadasi achieves unlimited merit and after death goes to the supreme abode of Lord Visnu, and ten thousand of his ancestors, relatives, and descendants also reach that abode. Even if one's forefathers were implicated in many sins and are suffering in hell, they still attain beautifully ornamented spiritual bodies and happily go to Visnu's abode.
"0 Narada, even one who has committed the heinous sin of killing a brahmana is freed of all stains on his character by fasting on Haribodhini Ekadasi and remaining awake that night. The merit that cannot be won by bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, performing a horse sacrifice, or giving cows, gold, or fertile land in charity can easily be achieved by fasting on this holy day and remaining awake throughout the night.
"Anyone who observes Haribodhini Ekadagi is celebrated as highly qualified and makes his dynasty famous. As death is certain, so losing one's wealth is also certain. Knowing this, 0 best of sages, one should observe a fast on this day so dear to Hari-Sri Haribodhini Ekadagi.
"All places of pilgrimage in the three worlds at once come to reside in the house of a person who fasts on this Ekadagi Therefore, to please the Lord, who holds a disc in His hand, one should give up all engagements, surrender, and observe this Ekadasi fast. One who fasts on this Haribodhini day is acknowledged as a wise man, a true yogi, an ascetic, and one whose senses are truly under control. He alone enjoys this world properly, and he will certainly achieve liberation. This Ekadagi is very dear to Lord Visnu, and thus it is the very essence of religiosity. Even one observance of it bestows the topmost reward in all the three worlds. "0 Naradaji, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi will definitely not enter a womb again, and thus faithful devotees of the Supreme Godhead give up all varieties of religion and simply surrender to fasting on this Ekadasi. For that great soul who honors this Ekadasi by fasting and remaining awake throughout the night, the Supreme Lord, Sri Govinda, personally terminates the sinful reactions that soul has acquired by the actions of his mind, body, and words.
"0 son, for anyone who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, gives charity, chants the holy names of the Supreme Lord, undergoes austerities, and performs sacrifices for God on Haribodhini Ekadasi, the merit thus earned all becomes imperishable. A devotee who worships Lord Madhava on this day with first-class paraphernalia becomes free from the great sins of a hundred lifetimes. A person who observes this fast and worships Lord Visnu properly is freed from great danger.
"This Ekadasi fast pleases Lord Janardana so much that He takes the person who observes it back to His abode, and while going there the devotee illuminates the ten universal directions. Whoever desires beauty and happiness should try to honor Haribodhini Ekadasi, especially if it falls on Dvadasi. The sins of one's past hundred birthsthe sins committed during childhood, youth, and old age in all those lifetimes, whether those sins are dry or wet-are nullified by the Supreme Lord Govinda if one fasts on Haribodhini Ekadasi with devotion.
"Haribodhini Ekadasi is the best Ekadasi Nothing is unobtainable or rare in this world for one who fasts on this day, for it gives food grains, great wealth, and high merit, as well as eradication of all sin, the terrible obstacle to liberation. Fasting on this Ekadasi is a thousand times better than giving charity on the day of the solar or lunar eclipse. Again I say to you, 0 Naradaji, whatever merit is earned by one who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, gives charity, chants japa, recites Vedic mantras, performs sacrifices, and studies the Vedas is only one ten-millionth the merit earned by the person who fasts but once on Haribodhini Ekadasi. Whatever merit one has acquired in his life by some pious activities becomes completely fruitless if one does not observe the Ekadasi fast and worship Lord Visnu in the month of Kartika. Therefore, 0 Mirada, you should always worship the Supreme Lord, Janardana, and render service to Him. Thus you will attain the desired goal, the highest perfection.
"On Haribodhini Ekadasi, a devotee of the Lord should not eat in another's house or eat food cooked by a nondevotee. If he does so, he achieves only the merit of fasting on a full moon day. Philosophical discussion of scriptures in the month of Kartika pleases Sri Visnu more than if one gives elephants and horses in charity or performs a costly sacrifice. Whoever chants or hears descriptions of Lord Visnu's qualities and pastimes, even if but a half or even a fourth of a verse, attains the wonderful merit derived from giving away a hundred cows to a brahmana. 0 Narada, during the month of Kartika one should give up all kinds of ordinary duties and devote one's full time and energy, especially while fasting, to discussing the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Such glorification of Sri Hari on the day so dear to the Lord, Ekadasi, liberates a hundred previous generations. One who spends his time enjoying such discussions, especially in the month of Kartika, achieves the results of performing ten thousand fire sacrifices and burns all his sins to ashes.
"He who hears the wonderful narrations concerning Lord Visnu, particularly during the month of Kartika, automatically earns the same merit as that bestowed upon someone who donates a hundred cows in charity. 0 great sage, a person who chants the glories of Lord Hari on Ekadasi achieves the merit earned by donating seven islands."
Narada Muni asked his glorious father, "0 universal sire, 0 best of all demigods, please tell me how to observe this most sacred Ekadasi, What kind of merit does it bestow upon the faithful?"
Lord Brahma replied, "0 son, a person who wants to observe this Ekadasi should rise early on Ekadasi morning, during the brahmamuhurta hour [an hour and a half before sunrise until fifty minutes before sunrise]. He should then clean his teeth and bathe in a lake, river, pond, or well, or in his own home, as the situation warrants. After worshiping Lord Sri Kesava, he should listen carefully to the sacred descriptions of the Lord. He should pray to the Lord thus: '0 Lord Kesava, I shall fast on this day, which is so dear to You, and tomorrow I shall honor Your sacred prasddam. 0 lotus-eyed Lord, 0 infallible one, You are my only shelter. Kindly protect me.' "Having spoken this solemn prayer before the Lord with great love and devotion, one should fast cheerfully. 0 Mirada, whoever remains awake all night on this Ekadasi, singing beautiful songs glorifying the Lord, dancing in ecstasy, playing delightful instrumental music for His transcendental pleasure, and reciting the pastimes of Lord Krsna as recorded in bona fide Vedic literatures such a person will most assuredly reside far beyond the three worlds, in the eternal, spiritual realm of God.
"On Haribodhini Ekadasi one should worship Sri Krsna with camphor, fruits, and aromatic flowers, especially the yellow agaru flower. One should not absorb oneself in making money on this important day. In other words, greed should be exchanged for charity. This is the process for turning loss into unlimited merit. One should offer many kinds of fruits to the Lord and bathe Him with water from a conchshell. Each of these devotional practices, when performed on Haribodhini Ekadasi, is ten million times more beneficial than bathing in all the places of pilgrimage and giving all forms of charity.
"Even Lord Indra joins his palms and offers his obeisances to a devotee who worships Lord Janardana with first-class agastya flowers on this day. The Supreme Lord Hari is very pleased when He is decorated with nice agastya flowers. 0 Mirada, I give liberation to one who devotedly worships Lord Krsna on this Ekadasi in the month of Kartika with leaves of the bel tree. And for one who worships Lord Janardana with fresh tulasi leaves and fragrant flowers during this month, 0 son, I personally burn to ashes all the sins he has committed for ten thousand births.
"One who merely sees Tulasi Maharani, touches her, meditates on her, narrates her history, offers obeisances to her, prays to her for her grace, plants her, worships her, or waters her lives in the abode of Lord Hari eternally. 0 Narada, one who serves Tulasi-devi in these nine ways achieves happiness in the higher world for as many thousands of yugas as there are roots and subroots growing from a mature tulasi plant. When a full-grown tulasi plant produces seeds, many plants grow from those seeds and spread their branches, twigs, and flowers, and these flowers also produce numerous seeds. For as many thousands of kalpas as there are seeds produced in this way, the forefathers of one who serves tulasi in these nine ways will live in the abode of Lord Hari. "Those who worship Lord Kesava with kadamba flowers, which are very pleasing to Him, get His mercy and do not see the abode of Yamaraja, death personified. What is the use of worshiping someone else if all desires can be fulfilled by pleasing Lord Hari? For example, a devotee who offers Him bakula, asoka, and patali flowers is freed from misery and distress for as long as the sun and moon exist in this universe, and at last he achieves liberation. 0 best of the brdhmanas, an offering of kannera flowers to Lord Jagannatha brings as much mercy upon the devotee as that earned by worshiping Lord Kesava for four yugas. One who offers tulasi flowers [manjaris] to Sri Krsna during the month of Kartika receives more merit than can be obtained by donating ten million cows.' Even a devotional offering of newly grown sprouts of grass brings with it a hundred times the benefit obtained by ordinary ritualistic worship of the Supreme Lord.
"One who worships Lord Visnu with the leaves of the samika tree is freed from the clutches of Yamaraja, the lord of death. One who worships Visnu during the rainy season with campaka or jasmine flowers never returns to the planet earth again. One who worships the Lord with but a single kumbhi flower achieves the boon of donating a pala of gold [two hundred grams]. If a devotee offers a single yellow flower of the ketaki, or wood-apple, tree to Lord Visnu, who rides on Garuda, he is freed from the sins of ten million births. Furthermore, one who offers Lord Jagannatha flowers and also a hundred leaves anointed with red and yellow sandalwood paste will certainly come to reside in Svetadvipa, far beyond the coverings of this material creation.
"0 greatest of brdhmanas, Sri Mirada, after thus worshiping Lord Kesava, the bestower of all material and spiritual happiness, on Haribodhini Ekadasi, one should rise early the next day, bathe in a river, chant japa of Krsna's holy names, and render loving devotional service to the Lord at home to the best of one's ability. To break the fast, the devotee should first offer some prasadam to brdhmanas and only then, with their permission, eat some grains. Thereafter, to please the Supreme Lord, the devotee should worship his spiritual master, the purest of the Lord's devotees, and offer him sumptuous food, nice cloth, gold, and cows, according to the devotee's means. This will certainly please the Supreme Lord, the holder of the disc.
"Next the devotee should donate a cow to a brdhmana, and if the devotee has neglected some rules and regulations of spiritual life, he should confess them before brdhmana devotees of the Lord. Then the devotee should offer them some daksina [money]. 0 king, those who have eaten supper on Ekadasi should feed a brahmana the next day. That is very pleasing to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
"0 son, if a man has fasted without asking the permission of his priest, or if a woman has fasted without asking her husband's permission, he or she should donate a bull to a brahmana Honey and yogurt are also proper gifts for a brahmana Someone who has eaten only fruits on Ekadasi should donate fruits the next day. One who has fasted from oil should give ghee in charity, one who has fasted from ghee should donate milk, one who has fasted from grains should donate rice, one who has slept on the floor should donate a bedstead with a quilt, one who has eaten on a leaf plate should donate a pot of ghee, one who has remained silent should donate a bell, and one who has fasted from sesame should give gold in charity and feed a brahmana couple with sumptuous food. A man who wants to prevent baldness should donate a mirror to a brahmana one who has second-hand shoes should donate shoes, and one who has fasted from salt should donate some sugar to a brahmana During this month everyone should regularly offer a ghee lamp to Lord Visnu or to Srimati Tulasi-devi in a temple.
"An Ekadasi fast is complete when one offers a qualified brdhmana a gold or copper pot filled with ghee and ghee wicks, along with eight waterpots containing some gold and covered by cloths. One who cannot afford these gifts should at least offer a brahmana some sweet words. One who does so will surely attain the full benefit of fasting on Ekadasi.
"After offering his obeisances and begging permission, the devotee should eat his meal. On this Ekadasi Caturmasya ends, so whatever one gave up during Caturmasya should now be donated to brdhmanas. One who follows this process of Caturmasya receives unlimited merit, 0 king of kings, and goes to the abode of Lord Vasudeva after death. 0 king, anyone who observes the complete Caturmasya without a break attains eternal happiness and does not receive another birth. But if someone breaks the fast, he becomes either a blind man or a leper.
"Thus I have narrated to you the complete process for observing Haribodhini Ekadasi. Someone who reads or hears about this Ekadasi achieves the merit earned by donating cows to a qualified brahmana."
List of Ekadshi
"0 best of the brdhmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the Ganges remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadasi does not come. This Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Kartika, is much more purifying than a bath in the ocean, at a place of pilgrimage, or in a lake. This sacred Ekadasi is more powerful in nullifying sin than one thousand Asvamedha sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices."
Narada Muni, the saint among the demigods, inquired, "0 father, please describe the relative merits of fasting completely on Ekadasi, eating supper [without grains or beans], or eating but once at midday [without grains or beans]."
Lord Brahma replied, "If a person eats once at midday on Ekadasi, the sins of his previous birth are erased, if he eats only supper, the sins acquired during his previous two births are removed, and if he fasts completely, the sins accumulated during his previous seven births are eradicated.
"0 son, whatever is only rarely achieved within the three worlds is obtained by him who strictly observes Haribodhini Ekadasi. A person whose sins equal Mount Sumeru in volume sees them all reduced to nothing if he simply fasts on Papaharini Ekadasi [another name for Haribodhini Ekadasi]. The sins a person has accumulated over a thousand previous births are burned to ashes if he not only fasts but also remains awake throughout Ekadasi night, just as a mountain of cotton can be burned to ashes if one lights a small fire in it.
"0 best of sages, Naradaji, a person who strictly observes this fast achieves the results I have mentioned. Even if one does a small amount of pious activity on this day, following the rules and regulations, one will earn merit equal to Mount Sumeru in volume; however, a person who does not follow the rules and regulations given in the scriptures may perform pious activity equal to Mount Sumeru in volume, but he will not earn even a small amount of merit. One who does not chant the Gayatri mantra three times a day, who disregards fast days, who does not believe in God, who criticizes the Vedic scriptures, who thinks the Vedas bring only ruination to one who follows their injunctions, who enjoy's another's wife, who is utterly foolish and wicked, who does not appreciate any service that has been rendered to him, or who cheats others-such a sinful person, 0 son, can never perform any religious activity effectively. Be he a brahmana or a sudra, whoever tries to enjoy another man's wife, particularly the wife of a twice-born person, is said to be no better than a dog-eater.'
"0 best of the sages, any brahmana who enjoys sex with a widow or a brahmana lady married to another man brings ruin to himself and his family. Any brahmana who enjoys illicit sex will have no children in his next life, and any past merit he may have earned is ruined. Indeed, if such a person displays any arrogance toward a twice-born brahmana or a spiritual master, he loses all his spiritual advancement immediately, as well as his wealth and children.
"These three kinds of men ruin their acquired merits: he whose character is immoral, he who has sex with the wife of a dog-eater, and he who appreciates the association of rogues. Whoever associates with sinful people and visits their homes without a spiritual purpose will go directly to the abode of Lord Yamaraja, the superintendent of death. And if someone eats in such a home, his acquired merit is destroyed, along with his fame, duration of life, children, and happiness.
"Any sinful rascal who insults a saintly person soon loses his religiosity, economic development, and sense gratification, and he at last burns in the fire of hell. Anyone who likes to offend saintly persons, or who does not interrupt someone who is insulting saintly persons, is considered no better than an ass. Such a wicked man sees his dynasty destroyed before his very eyes.
"A person whose character is unclean, who is a rogue or a swindler, or who always finds fault with others does not achieve a higher destination after death, even if he gives charity generously or performs other pious deeds. Therefore one should refrain from performing inauspicious acts and perform only pious ones, by which one will acquire merit and avoid suffering.
"However, the sins of one who, after due consideration, decides to fast on Haribodhini Ekadagi are erased from one hundred previous lives, and whoever fasts and remains awake overnight on this Ekadasi achieves unlimited merit and after death goes to the supreme abode of Lord Visnu, and ten thousand of his ancestors, relatives, and descendants also reach that abode. Even if one's forefathers were implicated in many sins and are suffering in hell, they still attain beautifully ornamented spiritual bodies and happily go to Visnu's abode.
"0 Narada, even one who has committed the heinous sin of killing a brahmana is freed of all stains on his character by fasting on Haribodhini Ekadasi and remaining awake that night. The merit that cannot be won by bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, performing a horse sacrifice, or giving cows, gold, or fertile land in charity can easily be achieved by fasting on this holy day and remaining awake throughout the night.
"Anyone who observes Haribodhini Ekadagi is celebrated as highly qualified and makes his dynasty famous. As death is certain, so losing one's wealth is also certain. Knowing this, 0 best of sages, one should observe a fast on this day so dear to Hari-Sri Haribodhini Ekadagi.
"All places of pilgrimage in the three worlds at once come to reside in the house of a person who fasts on this Ekadagi Therefore, to please the Lord, who holds a disc in His hand, one should give up all engagements, surrender, and observe this Ekadasi fast. One who fasts on this Haribodhini day is acknowledged as a wise man, a true yogi, an ascetic, and one whose senses are truly under control. He alone enjoys this world properly, and he will certainly achieve liberation. This Ekadagi is very dear to Lord Visnu, and thus it is the very essence of religiosity. Even one observance of it bestows the topmost reward in all the three worlds. "0 Naradaji, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi will definitely not enter a womb again, and thus faithful devotees of the Supreme Godhead give up all varieties of religion and simply surrender to fasting on this Ekadasi. For that great soul who honors this Ekadasi by fasting and remaining awake throughout the night, the Supreme Lord, Sri Govinda, personally terminates the sinful reactions that soul has acquired by the actions of his mind, body, and words.
"0 son, for anyone who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, gives charity, chants the holy names of the Supreme Lord, undergoes austerities, and performs sacrifices for God on Haribodhini Ekadasi, the merit thus earned all becomes imperishable. A devotee who worships Lord Madhava on this day with first-class paraphernalia becomes free from the great sins of a hundred lifetimes. A person who observes this fast and worships Lord Visnu properly is freed from great danger.
"This Ekadasi fast pleases Lord Janardana so much that He takes the person who observes it back to His abode, and while going there the devotee illuminates the ten universal directions. Whoever desires beauty and happiness should try to honor Haribodhini Ekadasi, especially if it falls on Dvadasi. The sins of one's past hundred birthsthe sins committed during childhood, youth, and old age in all those lifetimes, whether those sins are dry or wet-are nullified by the Supreme Lord Govinda if one fasts on Haribodhini Ekadasi with devotion.
"Haribodhini Ekadasi is the best Ekadasi Nothing is unobtainable or rare in this world for one who fasts on this day, for it gives food grains, great wealth, and high merit, as well as eradication of all sin, the terrible obstacle to liberation. Fasting on this Ekadasi is a thousand times better than giving charity on the day of the solar or lunar eclipse. Again I say to you, 0 Naradaji, whatever merit is earned by one who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, gives charity, chants japa, recites Vedic mantras, performs sacrifices, and studies the Vedas is only one ten-millionth the merit earned by the person who fasts but once on Haribodhini Ekadasi. Whatever merit one has acquired in his life by some pious activities becomes completely fruitless if one does not observe the Ekadasi fast and worship Lord Visnu in the month of Kartika. Therefore, 0 Mirada, you should always worship the Supreme Lord, Janardana, and render service to Him. Thus you will attain the desired goal, the highest perfection.
"On Haribodhini Ekadasi, a devotee of the Lord should not eat in another's house or eat food cooked by a nondevotee. If he does so, he achieves only the merit of fasting on a full moon day. Philosophical discussion of scriptures in the month of Kartika pleases Sri Visnu more than if one gives elephants and horses in charity or performs a costly sacrifice. Whoever chants or hears descriptions of Lord Visnu's qualities and pastimes, even if but a half or even a fourth of a verse, attains the wonderful merit derived from giving away a hundred cows to a brahmana. 0 Narada, during the month of Kartika one should give up all kinds of ordinary duties and devote one's full time and energy, especially while fasting, to discussing the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Such glorification of Sri Hari on the day so dear to the Lord, Ekadasi, liberates a hundred previous generations. One who spends his time enjoying such discussions, especially in the month of Kartika, achieves the results of performing ten thousand fire sacrifices and burns all his sins to ashes.
"He who hears the wonderful narrations concerning Lord Visnu, particularly during the month of Kartika, automatically earns the same merit as that bestowed upon someone who donates a hundred cows in charity. 0 great sage, a person who chants the glories of Lord Hari on Ekadasi achieves the merit earned by donating seven islands."
Narada Muni asked his glorious father, "0 universal sire, 0 best of all demigods, please tell me how to observe this most sacred Ekadasi, What kind of merit does it bestow upon the faithful?"
Lord Brahma replied, "0 son, a person who wants to observe this Ekadasi should rise early on Ekadasi morning, during the brahmamuhurta hour [an hour and a half before sunrise until fifty minutes before sunrise]. He should then clean his teeth and bathe in a lake, river, pond, or well, or in his own home, as the situation warrants. After worshiping Lord Sri Kesava, he should listen carefully to the sacred descriptions of the Lord. He should pray to the Lord thus: '0 Lord Kesava, I shall fast on this day, which is so dear to You, and tomorrow I shall honor Your sacred prasddam. 0 lotus-eyed Lord, 0 infallible one, You are my only shelter. Kindly protect me.' "Having spoken this solemn prayer before the Lord with great love and devotion, one should fast cheerfully. 0 Mirada, whoever remains awake all night on this Ekadasi, singing beautiful songs glorifying the Lord, dancing in ecstasy, playing delightful instrumental music for His transcendental pleasure, and reciting the pastimes of Lord Krsna as recorded in bona fide Vedic literatures such a person will most assuredly reside far beyond the three worlds, in the eternal, spiritual realm of God.
"On Haribodhini Ekadasi one should worship Sri Krsna with camphor, fruits, and aromatic flowers, especially the yellow agaru flower. One should not absorb oneself in making money on this important day. In other words, greed should be exchanged for charity. This is the process for turning loss into unlimited merit. One should offer many kinds of fruits to the Lord and bathe Him with water from a conchshell. Each of these devotional practices, when performed on Haribodhini Ekadasi, is ten million times more beneficial than bathing in all the places of pilgrimage and giving all forms of charity.
"Even Lord Indra joins his palms and offers his obeisances to a devotee who worships Lord Janardana with first-class agastya flowers on this day. The Supreme Lord Hari is very pleased when He is decorated with nice agastya flowers. 0 Mirada, I give liberation to one who devotedly worships Lord Krsna on this Ekadasi in the month of Kartika with leaves of the bel tree. And for one who worships Lord Janardana with fresh tulasi leaves and fragrant flowers during this month, 0 son, I personally burn to ashes all the sins he has committed for ten thousand births.
"One who merely sees Tulasi Maharani, touches her, meditates on her, narrates her history, offers obeisances to her, prays to her for her grace, plants her, worships her, or waters her lives in the abode of Lord Hari eternally. 0 Narada, one who serves Tulasi-devi in these nine ways achieves happiness in the higher world for as many thousands of yugas as there are roots and subroots growing from a mature tulasi plant. When a full-grown tulasi plant produces seeds, many plants grow from those seeds and spread their branches, twigs, and flowers, and these flowers also produce numerous seeds. For as many thousands of kalpas as there are seeds produced in this way, the forefathers of one who serves tulasi in these nine ways will live in the abode of Lord Hari. "Those who worship Lord Kesava with kadamba flowers, which are very pleasing to Him, get His mercy and do not see the abode of Yamaraja, death personified. What is the use of worshiping someone else if all desires can be fulfilled by pleasing Lord Hari? For example, a devotee who offers Him bakula, asoka, and patali flowers is freed from misery and distress for as long as the sun and moon exist in this universe, and at last he achieves liberation. 0 best of the brdhmanas, an offering of kannera flowers to Lord Jagannatha brings as much mercy upon the devotee as that earned by worshiping Lord Kesava for four yugas. One who offers tulasi flowers [manjaris] to Sri Krsna during the month of Kartika receives more merit than can be obtained by donating ten million cows.' Even a devotional offering of newly grown sprouts of grass brings with it a hundred times the benefit obtained by ordinary ritualistic worship of the Supreme Lord.
"One who worships Lord Visnu with the leaves of the samika tree is freed from the clutches of Yamaraja, the lord of death. One who worships Visnu during the rainy season with campaka or jasmine flowers never returns to the planet earth again. One who worships the Lord with but a single kumbhi flower achieves the boon of donating a pala of gold [two hundred grams]. If a devotee offers a single yellow flower of the ketaki, or wood-apple, tree to Lord Visnu, who rides on Garuda, he is freed from the sins of ten million births. Furthermore, one who offers Lord Jagannatha flowers and also a hundred leaves anointed with red and yellow sandalwood paste will certainly come to reside in Svetadvipa, far beyond the coverings of this material creation.
"0 greatest of brdhmanas, Sri Mirada, after thus worshiping Lord Kesava, the bestower of all material and spiritual happiness, on Haribodhini Ekadasi, one should rise early the next day, bathe in a river, chant japa of Krsna's holy names, and render loving devotional service to the Lord at home to the best of one's ability. To break the fast, the devotee should first offer some prasadam to brdhmanas and only then, with their permission, eat some grains. Thereafter, to please the Supreme Lord, the devotee should worship his spiritual master, the purest of the Lord's devotees, and offer him sumptuous food, nice cloth, gold, and cows, according to the devotee's means. This will certainly please the Supreme Lord, the holder of the disc.
"Next the devotee should donate a cow to a brdhmana, and if the devotee has neglected some rules and regulations of spiritual life, he should confess them before brdhmana devotees of the Lord. Then the devotee should offer them some daksina [money]. 0 king, those who have eaten supper on Ekadasi should feed a brahmana the next day. That is very pleasing to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
"0 son, if a man has fasted without asking the permission of his priest, or if a woman has fasted without asking her husband's permission, he or she should donate a bull to a brahmana Honey and yogurt are also proper gifts for a brahmana Someone who has eaten only fruits on Ekadasi should donate fruits the next day. One who has fasted from oil should give ghee in charity, one who has fasted from ghee should donate milk, one who has fasted from grains should donate rice, one who has slept on the floor should donate a bedstead with a quilt, one who has eaten on a leaf plate should donate a pot of ghee, one who has remained silent should donate a bell, and one who has fasted from sesame should give gold in charity and feed a brahmana couple with sumptuous food. A man who wants to prevent baldness should donate a mirror to a brahmana one who has second-hand shoes should donate shoes, and one who has fasted from salt should donate some sugar to a brahmana During this month everyone should regularly offer a ghee lamp to Lord Visnu or to Srimati Tulasi-devi in a temple.
"An Ekadasi fast is complete when one offers a qualified brdhmana a gold or copper pot filled with ghee and ghee wicks, along with eight waterpots containing some gold and covered by cloths. One who cannot afford these gifts should at least offer a brahmana some sweet words. One who does so will surely attain the full benefit of fasting on Ekadasi.
"After offering his obeisances and begging permission, the devotee should eat his meal. On this Ekadasi Caturmasya ends, so whatever one gave up during Caturmasya should now be donated to brdhmanas. One who follows this process of Caturmasya receives unlimited merit, 0 king of kings, and goes to the abode of Lord Vasudeva after death. 0 king, anyone who observes the complete Caturmasya without a break attains eternal happiness and does not receive another birth. But if someone breaks the fast, he becomes either a blind man or a leper.
"Thus I have narrated to you the complete process for observing Haribodhini Ekadasi. Someone who reads or hears about this Ekadasi achieves the merit earned by donating cows to a qualified brahmana."
List of Ekadshi
Rama Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Janardana, 0 protector of all beings, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika [October-November]? Please impart this sacred knowledge to me."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 lion among kings, please listen: The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Kartika is called Rama Ekadasi. It is most auspicious, for it at once eradicates the greatest sins and awards passage to the spiritual abode. I shall narrate its history and glories to you.
"There once lived a famous king named Mucukunda, who was friendly with Lord Indra, the king of heaven, as well as with Yamaraja, Varuna, and Vibhisana, the demon Ravana's pious brother. Mucukunda always spoke the truth and constantly rendered devotional service to Me. Because he ruled according to religious principles, there were no disturbances in his kingdom.
"Mucukunda's daughter was named Candrabhaga, after a sacred river, and the king' gave her in marriage to Sobhana, the son of Candrasena. One day, Sobhana visited his father-in-law's palace on the auspicious Ekadasi day. This visit made Sobhana's wife, Candrabhaga, quite anxious, for she knew that her husband was physically very weak and unable to bear the austerity of a day-long fast. She said to him, 'My father is very strict about following Ekadasi On Dasami, the day before Ekadasi he strikes a large kettledrum and announces, "Nobody should eat on Ekadasi, the day of Lord Hari!"'
"When Sobhana heard the sound of the kettledrum, he said to his wife, '0 beautiful one, what am I to do now? Please tell me how I can save my life and obey your father's strictures at the same time!'
"Candrabhaga replied, 'My dear husband, in my father's house nobodynot even the elephants and horses, what to speak of human beings-eats on Ekadasi. Indeed, none of the animals are given their ration of grains, leaves, or straw-or even water!-on Ekadasi, the day of Lord Hari. So how can you escape fasting? My beloved, if you must eat something, then you should leave here at once. Now, with firm conviction decide what to do.'
"Prince Sobhana replied, 'I have decided to fast on the sacred Ekadasi. day. Whatever my fate is, it will surely come to pass.'
"Deciding thus, Sobhana attempted to fast on that Ekadasi, but he became unbearably disturbed with excessive hunger and thirst. Eventually the sun set in the west, and the arrival of the auspicious night made all the Vaisnavas very happy. O Yudhisthira, all the devotees enjoyed worshiping Lord Hari and remaining awake through the night, but to Prince Sobhana that night became absolutely unbearable. Indeed, when the sun rose on Dvadasi, Sobhana was dead.
"King Mucukunda observed his son-in-law's funeral, ordering a large stack of wood assembled for the fire, but he instructed his daughter Candrabhaga not to join her husband on the funeral pyre. Thus Candrabhaga, after performing all the purificatory processes honoring her deceased husband, continued to live in her father's house."
Lord Krsna continued, "0 best of the kings, even though Sobhana died because of observing Rama Ekadasi. the merit he accrued enabled him, after death, to become the ruler of a kingdom high on the peak of Mandaracala Mountain. This kingdom was like a city of the demigods: very lustrous, with unlimited jewels set in the walls of its buildings. The pillars were made of rubies, and gold inlaid with diamonds shone everywhere. As King Sobhana sat upon a throne beneath a pure white canopy, servants fanned him with yak-tail whisks. A stunning crown rested upon his head, beautiful earrings adorned his ears, a necklace graced his throat, and bejeweled armlets and bracelets encircled his arms. He was served by Gandharvas [heaven's best singers] and Apsaras [celestial dancers]. Verily, he resembled a second Indra.
"One day, a brahmana named Somasarma, who lived in Mucukunda's kingdom, happened upon Sobhana's kingdom while traveling to various places of pilgrimage. The brahmana saw Sobhana in all his resplendent glory and thought he might be the son-in-law of his own king, Mucukunda. When Sobhana saw the brahmana approaching, he immediately rose from his throne and welcomed him. After Sobhana had paid his respectful obeisances, he asked the brahmana about his wellbeing and about the health and welfare of his (Sobhana's) father-in-law, his wife, and all the residents of the city.
"Somasarma replied, '0 king, all the subjects are well in your father-inlaw's kingdom, and Candrabhaga and your other family members are also quite well. Peace and prosperity reign throughout the land. But, 0 king, I am astonished to find you here! Please tell me about yourself. Nobody has ever seen such a beautiful city as this! Kindly tell me how you obtained it.'
"King Sobhana said, 'Because I observed Ram& Ekadasi, I was given this splendid city to rule. But for all its grandeur, it is only temporary. I beg you to do something to correct this deficiency. You see, this is only an ephemeral city. How may I make its beauties and glories permanent? Kindly instruct me.'
"The brahmana asked, 'Why is this kingdom unstable, and how will it become stable? Please fully explain this to me, and I shall try to help you.'
"Sobhana answered, 'Because I fasted on Ekadasi without any faith, this kingdom is impermanent. Now hear how it can become permanent. Please return to Candrabhaga, the beautiful daughter of King Mucukunda, and tell her what you have seen and understood about this place and about me. Surely, if you tell her this, my city will soon become permanent.'
"Thus the brahmana returned to his city and related the entire episode to Candrabhaga, who was both surprised and overjoyed to hear this news. She said, '0 brahmana, is this a dream you have seen, or is it actually a fact?'
"Somasarma replied, '0 princess, I have indeed seen your late husband face to face in that wonderful kingdom, which resembles one of the demigods' realms. But he says that his entire kingdom is unstable and could vanish into thin air at any moment. Therefore he hopes you can find a way to make it permanent.'
"Candrabhaga said, 'O sage among the brdhmanas, please take me to my husband at once, for I greatly desire to see him again! Surely I shall make his kingdom permanent with the merit I have acquired by fasting on every Ekadasi throughout my life. Please reunite us once again. It is said that one who reunites separated people obtains very great merit.'
"The brahmana Somasarma then led Candrabhaga to Sobhana's effulgent kingdom. Before reaching it, however, they stopped at the foot of Mount Mandaracala, at the sacred asrama of Vamadeva. Upon hearing their story, Vamadeva chanted hymns from the Vedas and sprinkled holy water on Candrabhaga. By the influence of that great risi's rites, the merit she had accrued by fasting for so many Ekadasis made her body transcendental. Ecstatic, her eyes beaming in wonder, Candrabhaga continued her journey.
"When Sobhana saw his wife approaching him high on Mandaracala Mountain, he was overwhelmed with joy and called out to her in great happiness. After she arrived, he seated her on his left, and she said to him, '0 dearest one, please listen as I tell you something that will benefit you greatly. Since I was eight years old I have fasted regularly and faithfully on every Ekadasi. If I transfer to you all the merit I have thus accumulated, your kingdom will surely become permanent, and its prosperity will grow and grow until the coming of the great inundation!"'
Lord Krsna continued, "0 Yudhisthira, in this way Candrabhaga, who was beautifully decorated with the finest ornaments and had an exquisite transcendental body, at last enjoyed peace and happiness with her husband. By the potency of Rama Ekadasi, Sobhana found his kingdom on the peaks of Mandaracala Hill able to fulfill all his desires and bestow upon him everlasting happiness, like that achieved from the Kama-dhenu cow.
"0 greatest of kings, I have thus narrated to you the glories of Rama Ekadasi. "Anyone who observes sacred Ekadasi during both the light and the dark fortnight of each month is undoubtedly freed from the reactions to the sin of killing a brahmanas One should not differentiate between the Ekadasis of the light and the dark part of the month. As we have seen, both can award pleasure in this world and liberate even the most sinful and fallen souls. Just as black cows and white cows give milk of equal quality, the Ekadasis of the dark fortnight and the light fortnight award the same high degree of merit and eventually liberate one from the cycle of birth and death. Anyone who simply hears the glories of this sacred day, Rama Ekadasi, is freed from all kinds of sin and attains the supreme abode of Lord Visnu."
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 lion among kings, please listen: The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Kartika is called Rama Ekadasi. It is most auspicious, for it at once eradicates the greatest sins and awards passage to the spiritual abode. I shall narrate its history and glories to you.
"There once lived a famous king named Mucukunda, who was friendly with Lord Indra, the king of heaven, as well as with Yamaraja, Varuna, and Vibhisana, the demon Ravana's pious brother. Mucukunda always spoke the truth and constantly rendered devotional service to Me. Because he ruled according to religious principles, there were no disturbances in his kingdom.
"Mucukunda's daughter was named Candrabhaga, after a sacred river, and the king' gave her in marriage to Sobhana, the son of Candrasena. One day, Sobhana visited his father-in-law's palace on the auspicious Ekadasi day. This visit made Sobhana's wife, Candrabhaga, quite anxious, for she knew that her husband was physically very weak and unable to bear the austerity of a day-long fast. She said to him, 'My father is very strict about following Ekadasi On Dasami, the day before Ekadasi he strikes a large kettledrum and announces, "Nobody should eat on Ekadasi, the day of Lord Hari!"'
"When Sobhana heard the sound of the kettledrum, he said to his wife, '0 beautiful one, what am I to do now? Please tell me how I can save my life and obey your father's strictures at the same time!'
"Candrabhaga replied, 'My dear husband, in my father's house nobodynot even the elephants and horses, what to speak of human beings-eats on Ekadasi. Indeed, none of the animals are given their ration of grains, leaves, or straw-or even water!-on Ekadasi, the day of Lord Hari. So how can you escape fasting? My beloved, if you must eat something, then you should leave here at once. Now, with firm conviction decide what to do.'
"Prince Sobhana replied, 'I have decided to fast on the sacred Ekadasi. day. Whatever my fate is, it will surely come to pass.'
"Deciding thus, Sobhana attempted to fast on that Ekadasi, but he became unbearably disturbed with excessive hunger and thirst. Eventually the sun set in the west, and the arrival of the auspicious night made all the Vaisnavas very happy. O Yudhisthira, all the devotees enjoyed worshiping Lord Hari and remaining awake through the night, but to Prince Sobhana that night became absolutely unbearable. Indeed, when the sun rose on Dvadasi, Sobhana was dead.
"King Mucukunda observed his son-in-law's funeral, ordering a large stack of wood assembled for the fire, but he instructed his daughter Candrabhaga not to join her husband on the funeral pyre. Thus Candrabhaga, after performing all the purificatory processes honoring her deceased husband, continued to live in her father's house."
Lord Krsna continued, "0 best of the kings, even though Sobhana died because of observing Rama Ekadasi. the merit he accrued enabled him, after death, to become the ruler of a kingdom high on the peak of Mandaracala Mountain. This kingdom was like a city of the demigods: very lustrous, with unlimited jewels set in the walls of its buildings. The pillars were made of rubies, and gold inlaid with diamonds shone everywhere. As King Sobhana sat upon a throne beneath a pure white canopy, servants fanned him with yak-tail whisks. A stunning crown rested upon his head, beautiful earrings adorned his ears, a necklace graced his throat, and bejeweled armlets and bracelets encircled his arms. He was served by Gandharvas [heaven's best singers] and Apsaras [celestial dancers]. Verily, he resembled a second Indra.
"One day, a brahmana named Somasarma, who lived in Mucukunda's kingdom, happened upon Sobhana's kingdom while traveling to various places of pilgrimage. The brahmana saw Sobhana in all his resplendent glory and thought he might be the son-in-law of his own king, Mucukunda. When Sobhana saw the brahmana approaching, he immediately rose from his throne and welcomed him. After Sobhana had paid his respectful obeisances, he asked the brahmana about his wellbeing and about the health and welfare of his (Sobhana's) father-in-law, his wife, and all the residents of the city.
"Somasarma replied, '0 king, all the subjects are well in your father-inlaw's kingdom, and Candrabhaga and your other family members are also quite well. Peace and prosperity reign throughout the land. But, 0 king, I am astonished to find you here! Please tell me about yourself. Nobody has ever seen such a beautiful city as this! Kindly tell me how you obtained it.'
"King Sobhana said, 'Because I observed Ram& Ekadasi, I was given this splendid city to rule. But for all its grandeur, it is only temporary. I beg you to do something to correct this deficiency. You see, this is only an ephemeral city. How may I make its beauties and glories permanent? Kindly instruct me.'
"The brahmana asked, 'Why is this kingdom unstable, and how will it become stable? Please fully explain this to me, and I shall try to help you.'
"Sobhana answered, 'Because I fasted on Ekadasi without any faith, this kingdom is impermanent. Now hear how it can become permanent. Please return to Candrabhaga, the beautiful daughter of King Mucukunda, and tell her what you have seen and understood about this place and about me. Surely, if you tell her this, my city will soon become permanent.'
"Thus the brahmana returned to his city and related the entire episode to Candrabhaga, who was both surprised and overjoyed to hear this news. She said, '0 brahmana, is this a dream you have seen, or is it actually a fact?'
"Somasarma replied, '0 princess, I have indeed seen your late husband face to face in that wonderful kingdom, which resembles one of the demigods' realms. But he says that his entire kingdom is unstable and could vanish into thin air at any moment. Therefore he hopes you can find a way to make it permanent.'
"Candrabhaga said, 'O sage among the brdhmanas, please take me to my husband at once, for I greatly desire to see him again! Surely I shall make his kingdom permanent with the merit I have acquired by fasting on every Ekadasi throughout my life. Please reunite us once again. It is said that one who reunites separated people obtains very great merit.'
"The brahmana Somasarma then led Candrabhaga to Sobhana's effulgent kingdom. Before reaching it, however, they stopped at the foot of Mount Mandaracala, at the sacred asrama of Vamadeva. Upon hearing their story, Vamadeva chanted hymns from the Vedas and sprinkled holy water on Candrabhaga. By the influence of that great risi's rites, the merit she had accrued by fasting for so many Ekadasis made her body transcendental. Ecstatic, her eyes beaming in wonder, Candrabhaga continued her journey.
"When Sobhana saw his wife approaching him high on Mandaracala Mountain, he was overwhelmed with joy and called out to her in great happiness. After she arrived, he seated her on his left, and she said to him, '0 dearest one, please listen as I tell you something that will benefit you greatly. Since I was eight years old I have fasted regularly and faithfully on every Ekadasi. If I transfer to you all the merit I have thus accumulated, your kingdom will surely become permanent, and its prosperity will grow and grow until the coming of the great inundation!"'
Lord Krsna continued, "0 Yudhisthira, in this way Candrabhaga, who was beautifully decorated with the finest ornaments and had an exquisite transcendental body, at last enjoyed peace and happiness with her husband. By the potency of Rama Ekadasi, Sobhana found his kingdom on the peaks of Mandaracala Hill able to fulfill all his desires and bestow upon him everlasting happiness, like that achieved from the Kama-dhenu cow.
"0 greatest of kings, I have thus narrated to you the glories of Rama Ekadasi. "Anyone who observes sacred Ekadasi during both the light and the dark fortnight of each month is undoubtedly freed from the reactions to the sin of killing a brahmanas One should not differentiate between the Ekadasis of the light and the dark part of the month. As we have seen, both can award pleasure in this world and liberate even the most sinful and fallen souls. Just as black cows and white cows give milk of equal quality, the Ekadasis of the dark fortnight and the light fortnight award the same high degree of merit and eventually liberate one from the cycle of birth and death. Anyone who simply hears the glories of this sacred day, Rama Ekadasi, is freed from all kinds of sin and attains the supreme abode of Lord Visnu."
List of Ekadshi
Papankusa Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Madhusudana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Asvina [September-October] ? Please be merciful and tell this to me."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, please listen as I explain the glories of this Ekadasi - Papankusa Ekadasi-which removes all sins. On this day one should worship the Deity of Padmanabha, the lotusnaveled Lord, according to the rules and regulations. By doing so, one achieves whatever heavenly pleasures he wants in this world and at last attains liberation. Simply by offering one's humble obeisances unto Lord Visnu, the rider of Garuda, once can achieve the same merit as is won by performing great penances for a long time with completely controlled senses. Although a person might have committed unlimited sins, he can still escape hell just by paying his obeisances to Lord Hari, who removes all sins.
"The merits gained by going on pilgrimage to tirthas of this earthly planet can also be achieved simply by chanting the holy names of Lord Visnu. ' Whoever chants these sacred names-such as Rama, Visnu, Janardana, or Krsna-especially on Ekadasi, never sees Yamaraja's abode. Nor does one who fasts on Papankusa Ekadasi, which is so dear to Me, see that abode.
"Both the Vaisnava who criticizes Lord Siva and the Saivite who criticizes Me certainly go to hell. The merit obtained by performing one thousand horse sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices is not equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a person obtains by fasting on Ekadasi. There is no higher merit one can achieve than that attained by fasting on Ekadasi. Indeed, nothing in all the three worlds is as pleasing or as able to purify one of sin as Ekadasi, the day of the lotus-naveled Lord, Padmanabha.
"O king, until a person observes a fast on the day of Lord Padmanabha named Papankusa Ekadasi, he remains sinful, and the reactions of his past sinful deeds never leave him. There is no merit in all the three worlds that can match the merit one attains by observing a fast on this Ekadasi. Whoever observes it faithfully never has to see death personified, Lord Yamaraja. One who desires liberation, heaven, good health, beautiful women, wealth, and food grains should simply fast on this Ekadasi. 0 King, neither the Ganges, Gaya, Kam, nor Puskara, nor even the holy site of Kuruksetra, can grant as much merit as Papankusa Ekadasi.
"0 Yudhisthira, protector of the earth, after observing Ekadasi during the daytime, the devotee should remain awake through the night, for by doing so he easily attains to the abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Visnu. Ten generations of ancestors on his mother's side, ten generations on his father's side, and ten generations on his wife's side are all liberated by a single observance of a fast on this Ekadasi. All these ancestors attain their original, four-armed, transcendental forms. Wearing yellow garments and beautiful garlands, they ride to the spiritual world on the back of Garuda, the enemy of the snakes. This is the benediction My devotee earns simply by observing one Papankusa Ekadasi properly.
"0 best of kings, whether one is a child, a youth, or an old person, fasting on Papankusa Ekadasi frees him of sins and makes him immune to suffering a hellish rebirth. Whoever observes a fast on this Ekadasi becomes free of all his sins and returns to the abode of Lord Hari. Whoever donates gold, sesame seeds, fertile land, cows, grain, drinking water, an umbrella, or a pair of shoes on this most holy day will never have to visit the abode of Yamaraja, who always punishes sinners. But if a resident of earth fails to perform spiritual deeds, especially the observance of a fast on holy days such as Ekadasi, his breathing is said to be no better than the puffing-of a blacksmith's bellows.
"0 best of kings, especially on Papankusa Ekadasi, even the poor should first bathe and then give some charity and perform other auspicious activities according to their ability. "Whoever performs sacrifices or builds public ponds, resting places, gardens, or houses does not suffer the punishments of Yamaraja. Indeed, one should understand that a person must have performed such pious activities as these in his past life if he is long-lived, wealthy, of high birth, or free from all diseases. But a person who observes Papankusa Ekadasi goes to the abode of the Supreme Lord."
Lord Krsna concluded, "Thus, 0 saintly Yudhisthira, I have narrated to you the glories of Papankusa Ekadasi. Please question me further if you wish to hear more about Ekadasi."
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, please listen as I explain the glories of this Ekadasi - Papankusa Ekadasi-which removes all sins. On this day one should worship the Deity of Padmanabha, the lotusnaveled Lord, according to the rules and regulations. By doing so, one achieves whatever heavenly pleasures he wants in this world and at last attains liberation. Simply by offering one's humble obeisances unto Lord Visnu, the rider of Garuda, once can achieve the same merit as is won by performing great penances for a long time with completely controlled senses. Although a person might have committed unlimited sins, he can still escape hell just by paying his obeisances to Lord Hari, who removes all sins.
"The merits gained by going on pilgrimage to tirthas of this earthly planet can also be achieved simply by chanting the holy names of Lord Visnu. ' Whoever chants these sacred names-such as Rama, Visnu, Janardana, or Krsna-especially on Ekadasi, never sees Yamaraja's abode. Nor does one who fasts on Papankusa Ekadasi, which is so dear to Me, see that abode.
"Both the Vaisnava who criticizes Lord Siva and the Saivite who criticizes Me certainly go to hell. The merit obtained by performing one thousand horse sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices is not equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a person obtains by fasting on Ekadasi. There is no higher merit one can achieve than that attained by fasting on Ekadasi. Indeed, nothing in all the three worlds is as pleasing or as able to purify one of sin as Ekadasi, the day of the lotus-naveled Lord, Padmanabha.
"O king, until a person observes a fast on the day of Lord Padmanabha named Papankusa Ekadasi, he remains sinful, and the reactions of his past sinful deeds never leave him. There is no merit in all the three worlds that can match the merit one attains by observing a fast on this Ekadasi. Whoever observes it faithfully never has to see death personified, Lord Yamaraja. One who desires liberation, heaven, good health, beautiful women, wealth, and food grains should simply fast on this Ekadasi. 0 King, neither the Ganges, Gaya, Kam, nor Puskara, nor even the holy site of Kuruksetra, can grant as much merit as Papankusa Ekadasi.
"0 Yudhisthira, protector of the earth, after observing Ekadasi during the daytime, the devotee should remain awake through the night, for by doing so he easily attains to the abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Visnu. Ten generations of ancestors on his mother's side, ten generations on his father's side, and ten generations on his wife's side are all liberated by a single observance of a fast on this Ekadasi. All these ancestors attain their original, four-armed, transcendental forms. Wearing yellow garments and beautiful garlands, they ride to the spiritual world on the back of Garuda, the enemy of the snakes. This is the benediction My devotee earns simply by observing one Papankusa Ekadasi properly.
"0 best of kings, whether one is a child, a youth, or an old person, fasting on Papankusa Ekadasi frees him of sins and makes him immune to suffering a hellish rebirth. Whoever observes a fast on this Ekadasi becomes free of all his sins and returns to the abode of Lord Hari. Whoever donates gold, sesame seeds, fertile land, cows, grain, drinking water, an umbrella, or a pair of shoes on this most holy day will never have to visit the abode of Yamaraja, who always punishes sinners. But if a resident of earth fails to perform spiritual deeds, especially the observance of a fast on holy days such as Ekadasi, his breathing is said to be no better than the puffing-of a blacksmith's bellows.
"0 best of kings, especially on Papankusa Ekadasi, even the poor should first bathe and then give some charity and perform other auspicious activities according to their ability. "Whoever performs sacrifices or builds public ponds, resting places, gardens, or houses does not suffer the punishments of Yamaraja. Indeed, one should understand that a person must have performed such pious activities as these in his past life if he is long-lived, wealthy, of high birth, or free from all diseases. But a person who observes Papankusa Ekadasi goes to the abode of the Supreme Lord."
Lord Krsna concluded, "Thus, 0 saintly Yudhisthira, I have narrated to you the glories of Papankusa Ekadasi. Please question me further if you wish to hear more about Ekadasi."
List of Ekadshi
Indira Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Madhusudana, 0 killer of the Madhu demon, what is the name of the Ekadasi. that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Asvina [September-October]? Please describe its glories to me."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "This holy day is called Indira Ekadasi. If a person fasts on this day, all his sins are eradicated and his forefathers who have fallen into hell are liberated. 0 best of kings, one who simply hears about this Ekadasi. achieves the great merit earned by performing a horse sacrifice.
"In the Satya-yuga there lived a king named Indrasena, who was so powerful that he destroyed all his enemies. His kingdom was called Mahismati-puri. The glorious and highly religious King Indrasena took good care of his subjects, and therefore he was rich in gold, grains, sons, and grandsons. He was greatly devoted to Sri Visnu as well. He especially enjoyed chanting My name, calling out 'Govinda! Govinda!' In this way King Indrasena systematically dedicated himself to pure spiritual life and spent much time meditating on the Absolute Truth.
"One day, as King Indrasena happily and peacefully presided over his assembly, the perfect orator, Narada Muni, was seen descending from the sky. The king offered Devarsi Narada, the saint among the demigods, great respect by greeting him with joined palms, inviting him into the palace, offering him a comfortable seat, washing his feet, and speaking sweet words of welcome. Then Narada Muni said to Maharaja Indrasena, '0 king, are the seven limbs of your kingdom prospering?' Is your mind absorbed in thinking of how you can properly perform your occupational duty? Are you becoming more and more devoted to the Supreme Lord, Sri Visnu?'
"The king replied, 'By your kind grace, 0 greatest of sages, everything is quite well. Today, just by your presence all the sacrifices in my kingdom are successful! Please show me mercy and explain the reason for your visit here.'
"Sri Narada, the sage among the demigods, then said, '0 lion among kings, listen to my astonishing words. When I descended from Brahmaloka to Yamaloka, Lord Yamaraja praised me very graciously and offered me an excellent seat. As I glorified his truthfulness and wonderful service to the Supreme Lord, I noticed your father in Yamaraja's assembly. Though he had been very religious, because he broke an Ekadasi fast prematurely, he had to go to Yamaloka. Your father gave me a message for you. He said, "In Mahismati lives a king named Indrasena. Please tell him about my situation here-that because of my past sinful deeds I have somehow been forced to reside in Yamaraja's kingdom. Please give him this message from me: '0 son, kindly observe Indira Ekadasi and give much in charity so I can go upward to heaven.'"
"Narada continued, 'Just to deliver this message, 0 king, have I come to you. You should help your father by observing the fast of Indira Ekadasi. By the merit you gain, your father will go to heaven.'
"King Indrasena asked, '0 great Naradaji, please be merciful and tell me specifically how to observe a fast on Indira Ekadasi, and also tell me during what month and on what day it occurs.'
"Narada Muni replied, '0 king, please listen as I describe to you the full process of observing Indira Ekadasi. This Ekadasi. occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Asvina. On Dasami, the day before Ekadasi. rise early in the morning, bathe, and then do some service for God with full faith. At noon, bathe again in running water and then offer oblations to your forefathers with faith and devotion. Be sure not to eat more than once on this day, and at night sleep on the floor.
"'When you awaken on Ekadasi morning, cleanse your mouth and teeth thoroughly and then with deep devotion for the Lord take this sacred vow: "Today I shall fast completely and give up all kinds of sense enjoyment. 0 lotus-eyed Supreme Personality of Godhead, 0 infallible one, please give me shelter at Your lotus feet." At noon, stand before Sri Salagrama-sila and worship Him faithfully, following all the rules and regulations; then offer oblations to your forefathers. Next, feed qualified brahmanas and offer them some charity according to your means. Now take the food you offered to your forefathers, smell it, and then offer it to a cow. Next, worship Lord Hrsikesa with incense and flowers, and finally, remain awake all night near the Deity of Sri Kesava.
"'Early in the morning of the next day, Dvadasi, worship Sri Hari with great devotion and invite brahmanas to a sumptuous feast. Then feed your relatives, and finally take your meal in silence. 0 king, if you strictly observe a fast on Indira Ekadasi in this way, with controlled senses, your father will surely be elevated to the abode of Lord Visnu.' After saying this, Devarsi Narada immediately disappeared.
"King Indrasena followed the great saint's instructions perfectly, observing the fast in the association of his relatives and servants. As he broke his fast on Dvadasi, flowers fell from the sky. The merit Indrasena earned by observing this fast released his father from the kingdom of Yamaraja and caused him to attain a completely spiritual body. Indeed, Indrasena saw him rising to the abode of Lord Hari on the back of Garuda. Indrasena himself was able to rule his kingdom without any obstacles, and in time he handed over the kingdom to his son and also went to Vaikuntha.
"0 Yudhisthira, these are the glories of Indira Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Asvina Whoever hears or reads this narration certainly enjoys life in this world, is freed of all his past sins, and at death returns home, back to Godhead, where he lives eternally."
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "This holy day is called Indira Ekadasi. If a person fasts on this day, all his sins are eradicated and his forefathers who have fallen into hell are liberated. 0 best of kings, one who simply hears about this Ekadasi. achieves the great merit earned by performing a horse sacrifice.
"In the Satya-yuga there lived a king named Indrasena, who was so powerful that he destroyed all his enemies. His kingdom was called Mahismati-puri. The glorious and highly religious King Indrasena took good care of his subjects, and therefore he was rich in gold, grains, sons, and grandsons. He was greatly devoted to Sri Visnu as well. He especially enjoyed chanting My name, calling out 'Govinda! Govinda!' In this way King Indrasena systematically dedicated himself to pure spiritual life and spent much time meditating on the Absolute Truth.
"One day, as King Indrasena happily and peacefully presided over his assembly, the perfect orator, Narada Muni, was seen descending from the sky. The king offered Devarsi Narada, the saint among the demigods, great respect by greeting him with joined palms, inviting him into the palace, offering him a comfortable seat, washing his feet, and speaking sweet words of welcome. Then Narada Muni said to Maharaja Indrasena, '0 king, are the seven limbs of your kingdom prospering?' Is your mind absorbed in thinking of how you can properly perform your occupational duty? Are you becoming more and more devoted to the Supreme Lord, Sri Visnu?'
"The king replied, 'By your kind grace, 0 greatest of sages, everything is quite well. Today, just by your presence all the sacrifices in my kingdom are successful! Please show me mercy and explain the reason for your visit here.'
"Sri Narada, the sage among the demigods, then said, '0 lion among kings, listen to my astonishing words. When I descended from Brahmaloka to Yamaloka, Lord Yamaraja praised me very graciously and offered me an excellent seat. As I glorified his truthfulness and wonderful service to the Supreme Lord, I noticed your father in Yamaraja's assembly. Though he had been very religious, because he broke an Ekadasi fast prematurely, he had to go to Yamaloka. Your father gave me a message for you. He said, "In Mahismati lives a king named Indrasena. Please tell him about my situation here-that because of my past sinful deeds I have somehow been forced to reside in Yamaraja's kingdom. Please give him this message from me: '0 son, kindly observe Indira Ekadasi and give much in charity so I can go upward to heaven.'"
"Narada continued, 'Just to deliver this message, 0 king, have I come to you. You should help your father by observing the fast of Indira Ekadasi. By the merit you gain, your father will go to heaven.'
"King Indrasena asked, '0 great Naradaji, please be merciful and tell me specifically how to observe a fast on Indira Ekadasi, and also tell me during what month and on what day it occurs.'
"Narada Muni replied, '0 king, please listen as I describe to you the full process of observing Indira Ekadasi. This Ekadasi. occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Asvina. On Dasami, the day before Ekadasi. rise early in the morning, bathe, and then do some service for God with full faith. At noon, bathe again in running water and then offer oblations to your forefathers with faith and devotion. Be sure not to eat more than once on this day, and at night sleep on the floor.
"'When you awaken on Ekadasi morning, cleanse your mouth and teeth thoroughly and then with deep devotion for the Lord take this sacred vow: "Today I shall fast completely and give up all kinds of sense enjoyment. 0 lotus-eyed Supreme Personality of Godhead, 0 infallible one, please give me shelter at Your lotus feet." At noon, stand before Sri Salagrama-sila and worship Him faithfully, following all the rules and regulations; then offer oblations to your forefathers. Next, feed qualified brahmanas and offer them some charity according to your means. Now take the food you offered to your forefathers, smell it, and then offer it to a cow. Next, worship Lord Hrsikesa with incense and flowers, and finally, remain awake all night near the Deity of Sri Kesava.
"'Early in the morning of the next day, Dvadasi, worship Sri Hari with great devotion and invite brahmanas to a sumptuous feast. Then feed your relatives, and finally take your meal in silence. 0 king, if you strictly observe a fast on Indira Ekadasi in this way, with controlled senses, your father will surely be elevated to the abode of Lord Visnu.' After saying this, Devarsi Narada immediately disappeared.
"King Indrasena followed the great saint's instructions perfectly, observing the fast in the association of his relatives and servants. As he broke his fast on Dvadasi, flowers fell from the sky. The merit Indrasena earned by observing this fast released his father from the kingdom of Yamaraja and caused him to attain a completely spiritual body. Indeed, Indrasena saw him rising to the abode of Lord Hari on the back of Garuda. Indrasena himself was able to rule his kingdom without any obstacles, and in time he handed over the kingdom to his son and also went to Vaikuntha.
"0 Yudhisthira, these are the glories of Indira Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Asvina Whoever hears or reads this narration certainly enjoys life in this world, is freed of all his past sins, and at death returns home, back to Godhead, where he lives eternally."
List of Ekadshi
Parivartini Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja asked Lord Sri Krsna, "What is the name of the Ekadasi, that occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadrapada [August-September]? Who is the worshipable Deity for this Ekadasi, and what merit does one attain by observing it? Kindly reveal all this to me.
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "This Ekadasi, 0 Yudhisthira, is called Vamana Ekadasi, and it bestows both great merit and ultimate liberation from material bondage. Therefore, because it removes all one's sinful reactions, it is also called Jayanti Ekadasi, Just hearing of its glories frees one from all his past misdeeds. So auspicious is this fast that observing it bestows the same merit as that earned by performing a horse sacrifice. There is no better Ekadasi, than this, because it awards liberation so easily. Thus if one truly desires freedom from the material world, one should fast on Vamana Ekadasi.
"While observing this holy fast, a Vaisnava should lovingly worship the Supreme Lord in His form as Vamanadeva, the dwarf incarnation, whose eyes are like lotus petals. By doing so, he worships all other deities as well, including Brahma, Visnu, and Siva, and at death he undoubtedly goes to the abode of Lord Hari. In all the three worlds there is no fast that is more important to observe. The reason this Ekadasi is so auspicious is that it celebrates the day when the sleeping Lord turns over on His other side; thus it is also known as Parivartini Ekadasi.
Maharaja Yudhisthira then asked the Lord, "0 Janardana, please clear up a question I have. How is it that the Supreme Lord sleeps and then turns over on His side? 0 Lord, when You are asleep, what happens to all the other living entities? Please also tell me how You bound the king of demons, Bali Maharaja, as well as how one may please the brdhmanas. How does one observe Caturmasya? Kindly be merciful to me and answer these questions."
The Supreme Personality of Godhead replied, "0 Yudhisthira, lion among kings, I will gladly narrate to you a historical event that, simply by being heard, eradicates all one's sinful reactions.
"In the Treta-yuga there once lived a king named Bali. Though born in a demonic dynasty, he was very devoted to Me. He sang many Vedic hymns to Me and performed the homy ritual just to satisfy Me. He respected the twice-born brdhmanas and engaged them in performing sacrifices daily. This great soul had a quarrel with Indra, however, and eventually defeated him in battle. Bali took over his entire celestial kingdom, which I Myself had given to Indra. Therefore Indra and all the other demigods, along with many great sages, approached Me and complained about Bali Maharaja. Bowing their heads to the ground and offering many sacred prayers from the Vedas, they worshiped Me along with their spiritual master, Brhaspati. Thus I agreed to appear on their behalf as the dwarf Vamanadeva, My fifth incarnation."
King Yudhisthira asked, "0 Lord, how was it possible for You to conquer such a powerful demon in a dwarf's body? Please explain this clearly, for I am Your faithful devotee."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "Though a dwarf, I was a brahmana, and I approached Bali Maharaja to ask him for alms in the form of land. I said, '0 Bali, please give Me just three steps of land in charity. Such a small piece of land will be as good as all the three worlds for Me.' Bali agreed to grant My request without lengthy consideration. But as soon as he vowed to give Me the land, My body began to expand into a gigantic transcendental form. I covered the entire earth with My feet, all of Bhuvarloka with My thighs, the Svarga heavens with My waist, Maharloka with My stomach, Janaloka with My chest, Tapoloka with My neck, and Satyaloka with My head and face. I covered the entire material creation. Indeed, all the planets of the universe, including the sun and the moon, were encompassed by My gigantic form.
"Seeing this astonishing pastime of Mine, all the demigods, including Indra and Sesa the king of snakes, began to sing Vedic hymns and offer prayers to Me. Then I took Bali by the hand and said to him, '0 sinless one, I have covered the whole earth with one step and all the heavenly planets with the second. Now where shall I place My foot to measure the third step of land you promised Me?'
"Upon hearing this, Bali Maharaja bowed down and offered Me his head. 0 Yudhisthira, I placed My foot on his head and sent him all the way to Patalaloka. Seeing him thus humbled, I became very pleased and told Bali that henceforth I would permanently reside in his palace. Thereafter, on Parivartini Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadra, Bali, the son of Virocana, installed a Deity form of Me in his residence.
"0 king, until Haribodhini Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Kartika, I continue to sleep in the ocean of milk. The merit one accumulates during this period is particularly powerful. One should therefore observe Parivartini Ekadasi carefully. Indeed, it is especially purifying and thus cleanses one of all sinful reactions. On this day the faithful devotee should worship Lord Trivikrama, Vamanadeva, who is the supreme father, because on this day I turn over to sleep on My other side.
"If possible, on this day one should give a qualified person some yogurt mixed with rice, as well as some silver, and then remain awake throughout the night. This simple observance will free one of material conditioning. One who observes this sacred Parivartini Ekadasi in the way I have described will surely attain all kinds of happiness in this world and the kingdom of God in the hereafter. One who simply hears this narration with devotion will go to the abode of the demigods and shine there like the moon itself, so powerful is observance of this Ekadasi, Indeed, this observance is as powerful as the performance of a thousand horse sacrifices."
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "This Ekadasi, 0 Yudhisthira, is called Vamana Ekadasi, and it bestows both great merit and ultimate liberation from material bondage. Therefore, because it removes all one's sinful reactions, it is also called Jayanti Ekadasi, Just hearing of its glories frees one from all his past misdeeds. So auspicious is this fast that observing it bestows the same merit as that earned by performing a horse sacrifice. There is no better Ekadasi, than this, because it awards liberation so easily. Thus if one truly desires freedom from the material world, one should fast on Vamana Ekadasi.
"While observing this holy fast, a Vaisnava should lovingly worship the Supreme Lord in His form as Vamanadeva, the dwarf incarnation, whose eyes are like lotus petals. By doing so, he worships all other deities as well, including Brahma, Visnu, and Siva, and at death he undoubtedly goes to the abode of Lord Hari. In all the three worlds there is no fast that is more important to observe. The reason this Ekadasi is so auspicious is that it celebrates the day when the sleeping Lord turns over on His other side; thus it is also known as Parivartini Ekadasi.
Maharaja Yudhisthira then asked the Lord, "0 Janardana, please clear up a question I have. How is it that the Supreme Lord sleeps and then turns over on His side? 0 Lord, when You are asleep, what happens to all the other living entities? Please also tell me how You bound the king of demons, Bali Maharaja, as well as how one may please the brdhmanas. How does one observe Caturmasya? Kindly be merciful to me and answer these questions."
The Supreme Personality of Godhead replied, "0 Yudhisthira, lion among kings, I will gladly narrate to you a historical event that, simply by being heard, eradicates all one's sinful reactions.
"In the Treta-yuga there once lived a king named Bali. Though born in a demonic dynasty, he was very devoted to Me. He sang many Vedic hymns to Me and performed the homy ritual just to satisfy Me. He respected the twice-born brdhmanas and engaged them in performing sacrifices daily. This great soul had a quarrel with Indra, however, and eventually defeated him in battle. Bali took over his entire celestial kingdom, which I Myself had given to Indra. Therefore Indra and all the other demigods, along with many great sages, approached Me and complained about Bali Maharaja. Bowing their heads to the ground and offering many sacred prayers from the Vedas, they worshiped Me along with their spiritual master, Brhaspati. Thus I agreed to appear on their behalf as the dwarf Vamanadeva, My fifth incarnation."
King Yudhisthira asked, "0 Lord, how was it possible for You to conquer such a powerful demon in a dwarf's body? Please explain this clearly, for I am Your faithful devotee."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "Though a dwarf, I was a brahmana, and I approached Bali Maharaja to ask him for alms in the form of land. I said, '0 Bali, please give Me just three steps of land in charity. Such a small piece of land will be as good as all the three worlds for Me.' Bali agreed to grant My request without lengthy consideration. But as soon as he vowed to give Me the land, My body began to expand into a gigantic transcendental form. I covered the entire earth with My feet, all of Bhuvarloka with My thighs, the Svarga heavens with My waist, Maharloka with My stomach, Janaloka with My chest, Tapoloka with My neck, and Satyaloka with My head and face. I covered the entire material creation. Indeed, all the planets of the universe, including the sun and the moon, were encompassed by My gigantic form.
"Seeing this astonishing pastime of Mine, all the demigods, including Indra and Sesa the king of snakes, began to sing Vedic hymns and offer prayers to Me. Then I took Bali by the hand and said to him, '0 sinless one, I have covered the whole earth with one step and all the heavenly planets with the second. Now where shall I place My foot to measure the third step of land you promised Me?'
"Upon hearing this, Bali Maharaja bowed down and offered Me his head. 0 Yudhisthira, I placed My foot on his head and sent him all the way to Patalaloka. Seeing him thus humbled, I became very pleased and told Bali that henceforth I would permanently reside in his palace. Thereafter, on Parivartini Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadra, Bali, the son of Virocana, installed a Deity form of Me in his residence.
"0 king, until Haribodhini Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Kartika, I continue to sleep in the ocean of milk. The merit one accumulates during this period is particularly powerful. One should therefore observe Parivartini Ekadasi carefully. Indeed, it is especially purifying and thus cleanses one of all sinful reactions. On this day the faithful devotee should worship Lord Trivikrama, Vamanadeva, who is the supreme father, because on this day I turn over to sleep on My other side.
"If possible, on this day one should give a qualified person some yogurt mixed with rice, as well as some silver, and then remain awake throughout the night. This simple observance will free one of material conditioning. One who observes this sacred Parivartini Ekadasi in the way I have described will surely attain all kinds of happiness in this world and the kingdom of God in the hereafter. One who simply hears this narration with devotion will go to the abode of the demigods and shine there like the moon itself, so powerful is observance of this Ekadasi, Indeed, this observance is as powerful as the performance of a thousand horse sacrifices."
List of Ekadshi
Aja Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Janardana, protector of all living entities, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadranada [August-September]
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, hear me attentively. The name of this sin-removing, sacred Ekadasi is Aja. Any person who fasts completely on this day and worships Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, becomes free of all reactions to his sins. Even one who simply hears about this Ekadasi is freed from his past sins. 0 king, there is no better day than this in all the earthly and heavenly worlds. This is true without a doubt.
"There once lived a famous king named Hariscandra, who was the emperor of the world and a person of great truth and integrity. His wife's name was Candramati, and he had a son named Lohitasva. By the force of destiny, however, Hariscandra lost his great kingdom and sold his wife and son. The pious king himself became a menial servant of a dogeater, who made him guard a crematorium. Yet even while doing such menial service, he did not forsake his truthfulness and good character, just as soma-rasa, even when mixed with some other liquid, does not lose its ability to bestow immortality.
"The king passed many years in this condition. Then one day he sadly thought, `What shall I do? Where should I go? How can I be delivered from this plight?' In this way he drowned in an ocean of anxiety and sorrow.
"One day a great sage happened by, and when the king saw him he happily thought, 'Ah, Lord Brahma has created brahmanas just to help others.' Hari6candra paid his respectful obeisances to the sage, whose name was Gautama Muni. With joined palms the king stood before Gautama and narrated his pitiful story. Gautama Muni was astonished to hear the king's tale of woe. He thought, `How has this mighty king been reduced to collecting clothes from the dead!' Gautama became very compassionate toward Hariscandra and instructed him on the process of fasting for purification.
"Gautama Muni said, '0 king, during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada there occurs an especially meritorious Ekadasi named Aja, which removes all sins. Indeed, this Ekadasi is so auspicious that if you simply fast on that day and perform no other austerity, all your sins will be nullified. By your good fortune it is coming in just seven days. So I urge you to fast on this day and remain awake through the night. If you do so, all the reactions of your past sins will come to an end. 0 Hariscandra, I have come here because of your past pious deeds. Now, all good fortune to you in the future!' So saying, the great sage Gautama immediately disappeared.
"King Hariscandra followed Gautama's instructions concerning fasting on the sacred day of Aja Ekadasi. 0 Yudhisthira, because the king fasted on that day, the reactions to his sins were completely destroyed at once. 0 lion among kings, just see the influence of this Ekadasi fast! It immediately vanquishes whatever miseries one may be suffering as a result of past sinful activities. Thus all Hariscandra's miseries were relieved. Just by the power of this wonderful Ekadasi, he was reunited with his wife and son, who had died but were now revived. In heaven the demigods began beating their celestial kettledrums and showering down flowers upon Hariscandra, his queen, and his son. By the blessings of the Ekadasi fast, he regained his kingdom without difficulty. Moreover, when King Hariscandra left this planet, his relatives and all his subjects went with him to the spiritual world.
"0 Pandava, whoever fasts on Aja Ekadasi is surely freed from all his sins and ascends to the spiritual world. And whoever hears and studies the glories of this Ekadasi achieves the merit gained by performing a horse sacrifice."
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, hear me attentively. The name of this sin-removing, sacred Ekadasi is Aja. Any person who fasts completely on this day and worships Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, becomes free of all reactions to his sins. Even one who simply hears about this Ekadasi is freed from his past sins. 0 king, there is no better day than this in all the earthly and heavenly worlds. This is true without a doubt.
"There once lived a famous king named Hariscandra, who was the emperor of the world and a person of great truth and integrity. His wife's name was Candramati, and he had a son named Lohitasva. By the force of destiny, however, Hariscandra lost his great kingdom and sold his wife and son. The pious king himself became a menial servant of a dogeater, who made him guard a crematorium. Yet even while doing such menial service, he did not forsake his truthfulness and good character, just as soma-rasa, even when mixed with some other liquid, does not lose its ability to bestow immortality.
"The king passed many years in this condition. Then one day he sadly thought, `What shall I do? Where should I go? How can I be delivered from this plight?' In this way he drowned in an ocean of anxiety and sorrow.
"One day a great sage happened by, and when the king saw him he happily thought, 'Ah, Lord Brahma has created brahmanas just to help others.' Hari6candra paid his respectful obeisances to the sage, whose name was Gautama Muni. With joined palms the king stood before Gautama and narrated his pitiful story. Gautama Muni was astonished to hear the king's tale of woe. He thought, `How has this mighty king been reduced to collecting clothes from the dead!' Gautama became very compassionate toward Hariscandra and instructed him on the process of fasting for purification.
"Gautama Muni said, '0 king, during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada there occurs an especially meritorious Ekadasi named Aja, which removes all sins. Indeed, this Ekadasi is so auspicious that if you simply fast on that day and perform no other austerity, all your sins will be nullified. By your good fortune it is coming in just seven days. So I urge you to fast on this day and remain awake through the night. If you do so, all the reactions of your past sins will come to an end. 0 Hariscandra, I have come here because of your past pious deeds. Now, all good fortune to you in the future!' So saying, the great sage Gautama immediately disappeared.
"King Hariscandra followed Gautama's instructions concerning fasting on the sacred day of Aja Ekadasi. 0 Yudhisthira, because the king fasted on that day, the reactions to his sins were completely destroyed at once. 0 lion among kings, just see the influence of this Ekadasi fast! It immediately vanquishes whatever miseries one may be suffering as a result of past sinful activities. Thus all Hariscandra's miseries were relieved. Just by the power of this wonderful Ekadasi, he was reunited with his wife and son, who had died but were now revived. In heaven the demigods began beating their celestial kettledrums and showering down flowers upon Hariscandra, his queen, and his son. By the blessings of the Ekadasi fast, he regained his kingdom without difficulty. Moreover, when King Hariscandra left this planet, his relatives and all his subjects went with him to the spiritual world.
"0 Pandava, whoever fasts on Aja Ekadasi is surely freed from all his sins and ascends to the spiritual world. And whoever hears and studies the glories of this Ekadasi achieves the merit gained by performing a horse sacrifice."
List of Ekadshi
Putrada Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Madhusudana, 0 killer of the Madhu demon, please be merciful to me and describe to me the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Sravana [July-August]."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "Yes, 0 king, I shall happily narrate its glories to you, for just by hearing about this sacred Ekadasi one attains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice.
"At the dawn of Dvapara-yuga there lived a king by the name of Mahijita, who ruled the kingdom of Mahismati-puri. Because he had no son, his entire kingdom seemed utterly cheerless to him. A married man who has no son gains no happiness in this life or the next.' For a long time this king tried very hard to obtain an heir, but to no avail. Seeing his years advancing ever onwards, King Mahijita became increasingly anxious. One day he told an assembly of his advisers: I have committed no sin in this life, and there is no ill-gotten wealth in my treasury. I have never usurped the offerings to the demigods or brahmanas. When I waged war and conquered kingdoms, I followed the rules and regulations of the military art, and I have protected my subjects as if they were my own children. I punished even my own relatives if they broke the law, and if my enemy was gentle and religious I welcomed him. 0 twice-born souls, although I am a religious and faithful follower of the Vedic standards, still my home is without a son. Kindly tell me the reason for this.'
"Hearing this, the king's brahmana advisers discussed the subject among themselves, and with the aim of benefiting the king they visited the various asramas of the great sages. At last they came upon a sage who was austere, pure, and self-satisfied, and who was strictly observing a vow of fasting. His senses were completely under control, he had conquered his anger, and he was expert at performing his occupational duty. Indeed, this great sage was expert in all the conclusions of the Vedas, and he had extended his life span to that of Lord Brahma himself. His name was Lomasa Risi, and he knew past, present, and future. After each kalpa passed, one hair would fall out of his body. All the king's brahmana advisers very happily approached him one by one to offer their humble respects.
"Captivated by this great soul, King Mahijita's advisers offered obeisances to him and said very respectfully, 'Only because of our great good fortune, 0 sage, have we been allowed to see you.'
"Lomasa Risi saw them bowing down to him and replied, 'Kindly let me know why you have come here. Why are you praising me? I must do all I can to solve your problems, for sages like me have only one interest: to help others. Do not doubt this.
"The king's representatives said, 'We have come to you, 0 exalted sage, to ask for your help in solving a very serious problem. 0 sage, you are like Lord Brahma. Indeed, there is no better sage in the entire world. Our king, Mahijita, is without a son, though he has sustained and protected us as if we were his sons. Seeing him so unhappy on account of being sonless, we have become very sad, 0 sage, and therefore we have entered the forest to perform severe austerities. By our good fortune we happened upon you. Everyone's desires and activities become successful just by your darsana. Thus we humbly ask that you tell us how our kind king can obtain a son.'
"Hearing their sincere plea, Lomasa Risi absorbed himself in deep meditation for a moment and at once understood the king's previous life. Then he said, 'Your ruler was a merchant in his past life, and feeling his wealth insufficient, he committed sinful deeds. He traveled to many villages to trade his goods. Once, at noon on the day after the Ekadasi that comes during the light fortnight of the month of Jyestha, he became thirsty while traveling from place to place. He came upon a beautiful pond on the outskirts of a village, but just as he was about to drink at the pond a cow arrived there with her new-born calf. These two creatures were also very thirsty because of the heat, but when the cow and calf started to drink, the merchant rudely shoved them aside and selfishly slaked his own thirst. This offense against a cow and her calf has resulted in your king's being without a son now. But the good deeds he performed in his previous life have given him rulership over an undisturbed kingdom.'
"Hearing this, the king's advisers replied, '0 renowned rs.i, we have heard that the Vedas say one can nullify the effects of one's past sins by acquiring merit. Be so kind as to give us some instruction by which our king's sins can be destroyed; please give him your mercy so that a prince will take birth in his family.'
"Lomasa Risi said, 'There is an Ekadasi called Putrada, which comes during the light fortnight of the month of Sravana. On this day all of you, including your king, should fast and stay awake all night, strictly following the rules and regulations. Then you should give the king whatever merit you gain by this fast. If you follow these instructions of mine, he will surely be blessed with a fine son.'
"All the king's advisers became very pleased to hear these words from Lomasa Risi, and they all offered him their grateful obeisances. Then, their eyes bright with happiness, they returned home.
"When the month of Sravana arrived, the king's advisers remembered the advice of Lomasa Risi, and under their direction all the citizens of Mahismati-puri, as well as the king, fasted on Ekadasi And on the next day, Dvadasi, the citizens dutifully offered their accrued merit to him. By the strength of all this merit, the queen became pregnant and eventually gave birth to a most beautiful son.
"0 Yudhisthira," Lord Krsna concluded, "the Ekadasi that comes during the light fortnight of the month of Sravana has thus rightfully become famous as Putrada ["bestower of a son"]. Whoever desires happiness in this world and the next should certainly fast from all grains and legumes on this holy day. Indeed, whoever simply hears the glories of Putrada Ekadasi becomes completely free of all sins, is blessed with a good son, and surely ascends to heaven after death."
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "Yes, 0 king, I shall happily narrate its glories to you, for just by hearing about this sacred Ekadasi one attains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice.
"At the dawn of Dvapara-yuga there lived a king by the name of Mahijita, who ruled the kingdom of Mahismati-puri. Because he had no son, his entire kingdom seemed utterly cheerless to him. A married man who has no son gains no happiness in this life or the next.' For a long time this king tried very hard to obtain an heir, but to no avail. Seeing his years advancing ever onwards, King Mahijita became increasingly anxious. One day he told an assembly of his advisers: I have committed no sin in this life, and there is no ill-gotten wealth in my treasury. I have never usurped the offerings to the demigods or brahmanas. When I waged war and conquered kingdoms, I followed the rules and regulations of the military art, and I have protected my subjects as if they were my own children. I punished even my own relatives if they broke the law, and if my enemy was gentle and religious I welcomed him. 0 twice-born souls, although I am a religious and faithful follower of the Vedic standards, still my home is without a son. Kindly tell me the reason for this.'
"Hearing this, the king's brahmana advisers discussed the subject among themselves, and with the aim of benefiting the king they visited the various asramas of the great sages. At last they came upon a sage who was austere, pure, and self-satisfied, and who was strictly observing a vow of fasting. His senses were completely under control, he had conquered his anger, and he was expert at performing his occupational duty. Indeed, this great sage was expert in all the conclusions of the Vedas, and he had extended his life span to that of Lord Brahma himself. His name was Lomasa Risi, and he knew past, present, and future. After each kalpa passed, one hair would fall out of his body. All the king's brahmana advisers very happily approached him one by one to offer their humble respects.
"Captivated by this great soul, King Mahijita's advisers offered obeisances to him and said very respectfully, 'Only because of our great good fortune, 0 sage, have we been allowed to see you.'
"Lomasa Risi saw them bowing down to him and replied, 'Kindly let me know why you have come here. Why are you praising me? I must do all I can to solve your problems, for sages like me have only one interest: to help others. Do not doubt this.
"The king's representatives said, 'We have come to you, 0 exalted sage, to ask for your help in solving a very serious problem. 0 sage, you are like Lord Brahma. Indeed, there is no better sage in the entire world. Our king, Mahijita, is without a son, though he has sustained and protected us as if we were his sons. Seeing him so unhappy on account of being sonless, we have become very sad, 0 sage, and therefore we have entered the forest to perform severe austerities. By our good fortune we happened upon you. Everyone's desires and activities become successful just by your darsana. Thus we humbly ask that you tell us how our kind king can obtain a son.'
"Hearing their sincere plea, Lomasa Risi absorbed himself in deep meditation for a moment and at once understood the king's previous life. Then he said, 'Your ruler was a merchant in his past life, and feeling his wealth insufficient, he committed sinful deeds. He traveled to many villages to trade his goods. Once, at noon on the day after the Ekadasi that comes during the light fortnight of the month of Jyestha, he became thirsty while traveling from place to place. He came upon a beautiful pond on the outskirts of a village, but just as he was about to drink at the pond a cow arrived there with her new-born calf. These two creatures were also very thirsty because of the heat, but when the cow and calf started to drink, the merchant rudely shoved them aside and selfishly slaked his own thirst. This offense against a cow and her calf has resulted in your king's being without a son now. But the good deeds he performed in his previous life have given him rulership over an undisturbed kingdom.'
"Hearing this, the king's advisers replied, '0 renowned rs.i, we have heard that the Vedas say one can nullify the effects of one's past sins by acquiring merit. Be so kind as to give us some instruction by which our king's sins can be destroyed; please give him your mercy so that a prince will take birth in his family.'
"Lomasa Risi said, 'There is an Ekadasi called Putrada, which comes during the light fortnight of the month of Sravana. On this day all of you, including your king, should fast and stay awake all night, strictly following the rules and regulations. Then you should give the king whatever merit you gain by this fast. If you follow these instructions of mine, he will surely be blessed with a fine son.'
"All the king's advisers became very pleased to hear these words from Lomasa Risi, and they all offered him their grateful obeisances. Then, their eyes bright with happiness, they returned home.
"When the month of Sravana arrived, the king's advisers remembered the advice of Lomasa Risi, and under their direction all the citizens of Mahismati-puri, as well as the king, fasted on Ekadasi And on the next day, Dvadasi, the citizens dutifully offered their accrued merit to him. By the strength of all this merit, the queen became pregnant and eventually gave birth to a most beautiful son.
"0 Yudhisthira," Lord Krsna concluded, "the Ekadasi that comes during the light fortnight of the month of Sravana has thus rightfully become famous as Putrada ["bestower of a son"]. Whoever desires happiness in this world and the next should certainly fast from all grains and legumes on this holy day. Indeed, whoever simply hears the glories of Putrada Ekadasi becomes completely free of all sins, is blessed with a good son, and surely ascends to heaven after death."
List of Ekadshi
Kamika Ekadasi
Maharaja Yudhisthira said, "0 Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the glories of fasting on Deva-sayani Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Asadha. Now I would like to hear about the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Sravana [JulyAugust]. 0 Govinda, please be merciful to me and explain its glories. 0 Vasudeva, I offer my humble obeisances unto You."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, please listen attentively as I describe the auspicious influence of this holy fast day, which removes all sins. Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma about this same topic. '0 regent of all,' said Naradaji, '0 you who sit upon a lotus throne, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Sravana. Please also tell me which Deity is worshiped on that holy day, the process one must follow to observe it, and the merit it awards.'
"Lord Brahma replied, 'My dear son Narada, for the benefit of all humanity I shall happily tell you everything you wish to know, for just hearing the glories of Kamika Ekadasi bestows merit equal to that obtained by one who performs a horse sacrifice. Certainly, great merit is attained by one who worships, and who also meditates on the lotus feet of, four-armed Lord Gadadhara, who holds conch shell, disc, club and lotus in His hands and who is also known as Sridhara, Hari, Visnu, Madhava, and Madhusudana. And the blessings achieved by a person who worships Lord Visnu exclusively are far greater than those achieved by one who takes a sacred bath in the Ganges at Kasi [Varanasi], in the forest of Naimisaranya, or at Puskara, where I am worshiped.' But one who observes Kamika Ekadasi and also worships Lord Sri Krsna achieves greater merit than one who has darsana of Lord Kedaranatha in the Himalayas, or one who bathes at Kuruksetra during a solar eclipse, or one who donates the whole earth in charity, including its forests and oceans, or one who bathes in the Gandaki River or Godavari River on a full moon day that falls on a Monday when Leo and Jupiter are conjoined.
" 'Observing Kamika Ekadasi bestows the same merit as donating a milkcow and her calf, along with their feed. On this day, whoever worships Lord Sridhara-deva, Visnu, is glorified by the demigods, Gandharvas, Pannagas, and Nagas.
"'Those who are afraid of their past sins and completely immersed in sinful material life should observe this best of Ekadasis according to their ability and thus attain liberation. This Ekadasi is the purest of all days and the most powerful for removing sins. 0 Narada, Lord Sri Hari Himself once said about this Ekadasi, "One who fasts on Kamika Ekadasi attains much more merit than one who studies all the spiritual literatures."
"'Anyone who fasts on this particular day and remains awake through the night will never experience the anger of Yamaraja, death personified. Whoever observes Kamika Ekadasi will not have to suffer future births, and in the past many yogis who fasted on this day went to the spiritual world. One should therefore follow in their auspicious footsteps and strictly observe a fast on this Ekadasi.
"'Whoever worships Lord Hari with tulasi leaves is freed from all implication of sin. Indeed, he lives untouched by sin, as the lotus leaf, although in the water, is untouched by it. Whoever offers Sri Hari but a single leaf from a tulasi tree attains as much merit as one who gives away in charity two hundred grams of gold and eight hundred grams of silver. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is more pleased by one who offers Him a single tulasi leaf than by one who worships Him with pearls, rubies, topaz, diamonds, lapis lazuli, sapphires, gomeda stones, cat's eye gems, and coral. One who offers Lord Kesava newly grown manjaris from the sacred tulasi plant gets rid of all the sins he has committed during this or any other lifetime. Indeed, mere darsana of tulasi on Kamika Ekadasi removes all sins, and merely touching her and praying to her removes all kinds of disease. One who waters tulasi need never fear the lord of death, Yamaraja. One who plants or transplants tulasi will eventually reside with Lord Krsna in His own abode. To Srimati Tulasidevi, who awards liberation in devotional service, one should therefore daily offer one's full obeisances.
"'Even Citragupta, Yamaraja's secretary, cannot calculate the merit obtained by one who offers Srimati Tulasi-devi a perpetually burning ghee lamp. So dear is this sacred Ekadasi to the Supreme Personality of Godhead that all the forefathers of one who offers a bright ghee lamp to Lord Krsna on this day ascend to the heavenly planets and drink nectar there. Whoever offers either a ghee- or sesame-oil lamp to Sri Krsna on this day is freed from all his sins and enters the abode of Surya, the sungod, with a body as bright as ten million lamps.
"0 Yudhisthira," Lord Sri Krsna concluded, "these were the words Lord Brahma spoke to Narada Muni concerning the incalculable glories of Kamika Ekadasi, which removes all sins. This sacred day nullifies even the sin of killing a brahmana or of killing an unborn child in the womb, and it promotes one to the spiritual world by making one supremely meritorious Whoever hears these glories of Kamika Ekadasi with faith becomes free of all sins and returns home, back to Visnu-loka. (the planet of Vishnu)"
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, please listen attentively as I describe the auspicious influence of this holy fast day, which removes all sins. Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma about this same topic. '0 regent of all,' said Naradaji, '0 you who sit upon a lotus throne, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Sravana. Please also tell me which Deity is worshiped on that holy day, the process one must follow to observe it, and the merit it awards.'
"Lord Brahma replied, 'My dear son Narada, for the benefit of all humanity I shall happily tell you everything you wish to know, for just hearing the glories of Kamika Ekadasi bestows merit equal to that obtained by one who performs a horse sacrifice. Certainly, great merit is attained by one who worships, and who also meditates on the lotus feet of, four-armed Lord Gadadhara, who holds conch shell, disc, club and lotus in His hands and who is also known as Sridhara, Hari, Visnu, Madhava, and Madhusudana. And the blessings achieved by a person who worships Lord Visnu exclusively are far greater than those achieved by one who takes a sacred bath in the Ganges at Kasi [Varanasi], in the forest of Naimisaranya, or at Puskara, where I am worshiped.' But one who observes Kamika Ekadasi and also worships Lord Sri Krsna achieves greater merit than one who has darsana of Lord Kedaranatha in the Himalayas, or one who bathes at Kuruksetra during a solar eclipse, or one who donates the whole earth in charity, including its forests and oceans, or one who bathes in the Gandaki River or Godavari River on a full moon day that falls on a Monday when Leo and Jupiter are conjoined.
" 'Observing Kamika Ekadasi bestows the same merit as donating a milkcow and her calf, along with their feed. On this day, whoever worships Lord Sridhara-deva, Visnu, is glorified by the demigods, Gandharvas, Pannagas, and Nagas.
"'Those who are afraid of their past sins and completely immersed in sinful material life should observe this best of Ekadasis according to their ability and thus attain liberation. This Ekadasi is the purest of all days and the most powerful for removing sins. 0 Narada, Lord Sri Hari Himself once said about this Ekadasi, "One who fasts on Kamika Ekadasi attains much more merit than one who studies all the spiritual literatures."
"'Anyone who fasts on this particular day and remains awake through the night will never experience the anger of Yamaraja, death personified. Whoever observes Kamika Ekadasi will not have to suffer future births, and in the past many yogis who fasted on this day went to the spiritual world. One should therefore follow in their auspicious footsteps and strictly observe a fast on this Ekadasi.
"'Whoever worships Lord Hari with tulasi leaves is freed from all implication of sin. Indeed, he lives untouched by sin, as the lotus leaf, although in the water, is untouched by it. Whoever offers Sri Hari but a single leaf from a tulasi tree attains as much merit as one who gives away in charity two hundred grams of gold and eight hundred grams of silver. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is more pleased by one who offers Him a single tulasi leaf than by one who worships Him with pearls, rubies, topaz, diamonds, lapis lazuli, sapphires, gomeda stones, cat's eye gems, and coral. One who offers Lord Kesava newly grown manjaris from the sacred tulasi plant gets rid of all the sins he has committed during this or any other lifetime. Indeed, mere darsana of tulasi on Kamika Ekadasi removes all sins, and merely touching her and praying to her removes all kinds of disease. One who waters tulasi need never fear the lord of death, Yamaraja. One who plants or transplants tulasi will eventually reside with Lord Krsna in His own abode. To Srimati Tulasidevi, who awards liberation in devotional service, one should therefore daily offer one's full obeisances.
"'Even Citragupta, Yamaraja's secretary, cannot calculate the merit obtained by one who offers Srimati Tulasi-devi a perpetually burning ghee lamp. So dear is this sacred Ekadasi to the Supreme Personality of Godhead that all the forefathers of one who offers a bright ghee lamp to Lord Krsna on this day ascend to the heavenly planets and drink nectar there. Whoever offers either a ghee- or sesame-oil lamp to Sri Krsna on this day is freed from all his sins and enters the abode of Surya, the sungod, with a body as bright as ten million lamps.
"0 Yudhisthira," Lord Sri Krsna concluded, "these were the words Lord Brahma spoke to Narada Muni concerning the incalculable glories of Kamika Ekadasi, which removes all sins. This sacred day nullifies even the sin of killing a brahmana or of killing an unborn child in the womb, and it promotes one to the spiritual world by making one supremely meritorious Whoever hears these glories of Kamika Ekadasi with faith becomes free of all sins and returns home, back to Visnu-loka. (the planet of Vishnu)"
List of Ekadshi
Padma Ekadasi (Devasayani)
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Kesava, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Asadha [JuneJuly]? Who is the worshipable Deity for this auspicious day, and what is the process for observing it?"
Lord Sri Krsna replied, "0 caretaker of this earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful history that Lord Brahma once narrated to his son Naradaji.
"One day Narada asked his father, 'What is the name of the Ekadasi that comes during the light part of the month of Asadha? Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadasi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Visnu.'
"Lord Brahma replied, '0 great orator, 0 best of all sages, 0 purest devotee of Lord Visnu, your question is excellent. There is nothing better than Ekdiasi, the day of Lord Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst of sins if observed properly. For this reason I shall tell you about Asddha-sukla Ekadasi.
" 'Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all one's desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering hell. Asddha-sukla Ekadasi. is also famous as Padma Ekadasi. Just to please Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully, 0 Mirada, as I relate to you a wonderful history from the scriptures concerning this Ekadasi. Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.
" '0 son, there was once a saintly king in the sun dynasty whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own children. On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his kingdom. All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but also very wealthy. The king's own treasury was free of any ill-gotten money, and thus he ruled happily for many years.
" 'Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years. The subjects found themselves beset by famine. The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations to their forefathers and the demigods, engage in ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures. Finally, they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and said, "0 king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now. Everyone and everything in this world needs water. Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead. The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, His name is Narayana. God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there.' In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rain, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity.
" "'0 king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing. 0 best ruler on earth, please find some solution to this problem and bring us peace and prosperity once again."
"'The king replied, "You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings. Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives. Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom? The holy scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly. If a king is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer. I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and present character I can honestly say that I find no sin. Still, for the good of all you subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation."
"'Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage, paid his obeisances to me, and then entered the forest. He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their asramas and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At last he came upon the asrama of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma. King Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sage, whose senses were completely under control.
"'The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances to the lotus feet of Angira Risi Then the king joined his palms and prayed for his blessings. That saintly personage reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom.
" 'After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were faring, King Mandhata asked about the sage's own happiness. Then Angira Risi asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom was suffering. The king said, "0 great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects."
"'Angira Risi said to the king, "The present age, Satya-yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs. 3 In this age everyone respects brahmanas as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born brahmanas are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penance. Although this is the standard, 0 lion among kings, there is one sudra who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom. This is why there is no rain in your land. You should therefore punish this laborer with death, for by so doing you will remove the contamination and restore peace to your subjects."
" 'The king replied, "How can I kill an offenseless performer of austerity? Please give me some spiritual solution."
" 'The great sage Angira said, "0 king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Asadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi and by its influence plentiful rains will surely return to your kingdom. This Ekadasi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection. 0 king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadasi fast. Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal."
"'Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and then returned to his palace. When Padma Ekadasi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all the brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day. After they had observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain. By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, all the subjects of King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous.
"'Therefore, 0 Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadasi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee.'
Lord Sri Krsna concluded, "My dear Yudhisthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. 0 Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi. 0 lion among kings, whoever wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is also the day when the Caturmasya fast begins."
List of Ekadshi
Lord Sri Krsna replied, "0 caretaker of this earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful history that Lord Brahma once narrated to his son Naradaji.
"One day Narada asked his father, 'What is the name of the Ekadasi that comes during the light part of the month of Asadha? Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadasi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Visnu.'
"Lord Brahma replied, '0 great orator, 0 best of all sages, 0 purest devotee of Lord Visnu, your question is excellent. There is nothing better than Ekdiasi, the day of Lord Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst of sins if observed properly. For this reason I shall tell you about Asddha-sukla Ekadasi.
" 'Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all one's desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering hell. Asddha-sukla Ekadasi. is also famous as Padma Ekadasi. Just to please Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully, 0 Mirada, as I relate to you a wonderful history from the scriptures concerning this Ekadasi. Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.
" '0 son, there was once a saintly king in the sun dynasty whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own children. On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his kingdom. All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but also very wealthy. The king's own treasury was free of any ill-gotten money, and thus he ruled happily for many years.
" 'Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years. The subjects found themselves beset by famine. The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations to their forefathers and the demigods, engage in ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures. Finally, they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and said, "0 king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now. Everyone and everything in this world needs water. Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead. The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, His name is Narayana. God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there.' In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rain, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity.
" "'0 king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing. 0 best ruler on earth, please find some solution to this problem and bring us peace and prosperity once again."
"'The king replied, "You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings. Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives. Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom? The holy scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly. If a king is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer. I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and present character I can honestly say that I find no sin. Still, for the good of all you subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation."
"'Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage, paid his obeisances to me, and then entered the forest. He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their asramas and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At last he came upon the asrama of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma. King Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sage, whose senses were completely under control.
"'The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances to the lotus feet of Angira Risi Then the king joined his palms and prayed for his blessings. That saintly personage reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom.
" 'After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were faring, King Mandhata asked about the sage's own happiness. Then Angira Risi asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom was suffering. The king said, "0 great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects."
"'Angira Risi said to the king, "The present age, Satya-yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs. 3 In this age everyone respects brahmanas as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born brahmanas are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penance. Although this is the standard, 0 lion among kings, there is one sudra who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom. This is why there is no rain in your land. You should therefore punish this laborer with death, for by so doing you will remove the contamination and restore peace to your subjects."
" 'The king replied, "How can I kill an offenseless performer of austerity? Please give me some spiritual solution."
" 'The great sage Angira said, "0 king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Asadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi and by its influence plentiful rains will surely return to your kingdom. This Ekadasi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection. 0 king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadasi fast. Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal."
"'Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and then returned to his palace. When Padma Ekadasi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all the brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day. After they had observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain. By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, all the subjects of King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous.
"'Therefore, 0 Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadasi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee.'
Lord Sri Krsna concluded, "My dear Yudhisthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. 0 Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi. 0 lion among kings, whoever wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is also the day when the Caturmasya fast begins."
List of Ekadshi
Yogini Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Supreme Lord, I have E heard the glories of Nirjala Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyestha. Now I wish to hear about the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Asadha [June-July]. Kindly describe it to me in detail, 0 killer of the Madhu demon."
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, I shall tell you about the best of all fasting days, the Ekadasi that comes during the dark part of the month of Asadha. Famous as Yogini Ekadasi it removes all kinds of sinful reactions and awards supreme liberation.
"0 best of kings, this Ekadasi delivers people who are drowning in the vast ocean of material existence and transports them to the shore of the spiritual world. In all the three worlds, it is the chief of all sacred fasting days. I shall reveal this truth to you by narrating a history recounted in the Puranas.
"The king of Alakapuri-Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods-was a steadfast devotee of Lord Siva. He employed a servant named Hemamali as his personal gardener. Hemamali, a Yaksa, was very lustfully attracted to his gorgeous wife, Svariipavati, who had large, enchanting eyes.
"Hemamali's daily duty was to visit Manasarovara Lake and bring back flowers for his master, Kuvera, which were then used in the worship of Lord Siva. One day, after picking the flowers, Hemamali went to his wife instead of returning directly to his master and fulfilling his duty. Absorbed in loving affairs with his wife, he forgot to return to the abode of Kuvera.
"0 king, while Hemamali was enjoying with his wife, Kuvera began worshiping Lord Siva in his palace and soon discovered that there were no flowers ready for the midday puja. The lack of such an important item angered the great demigod, and he asked a Yaksa messenger, 'Why has dirty-hearted Hemamali not come with the daily offering of flowers? Go find out the exact reason and report back to me in person.' The Yaksa returned and told Kuvera, '0 dear lord, Hemamali is freely enjoying sex with his wife.'
"Kuvera became extremely angry when he heard this and at once summoned lowly Hemamali before him. Knowing that he had been remiss and dawdling in his duty, Hemamali approached his master in great fear. The gardener first paid his obeisances and then stood before his lord, whose eyes had become red with anger and whose lips trembled. Enraged, Kuvera cried out to Hemamali, 'O sinful rascal! 0 destroyer of religious principles! You are an offense to the demigods! I therefore curse you to suffer from white leprosy and to become separated from your beloved wife! Only great suffering is deservedly yours! 0 lowborn fool, leave this place immediately and betake yourself to the lower planets!'
"And so Hemamali fell at once from Alakapuri and became ill with the terrible affliction of white leprosy. He awoke in a dense and fearful forest, where there was nothing to eat or drink. Thus he passed his days in misery, unable to sleep at night due to pain. He suffered in both winter and summer, but because he continued to worship Lord Siva faithfully, his consciousness remained pure and steady. Although implicated by great sin and its attendant reactions, he remembered his past life because of his piety.
"After wandering for some time here and there, over mountains and across plains, Hemamali eventually came upon the vast Himalayan range. There he had the wonderful good fortune to come upon the great saint Markandeya Risi, the best of ascetics, whose duration of life, it is said, extends to seven days of Brahma.' Markandeya was seated peacefully at his asrama, looking as effulgent as a second Brahma. Hemamali, feeling very sinful, stood at a distance from the magnificent sage and offered his humble obeisances and prayers. Always interested in the welfare of others, Markandeya saw the leper and called to him, 'O you, what sort of sinful deeds have you done to earn this dreadful affliction?'
"Hearing this, Hemamali replied, 'Dear sir, I am a Yaksa servant of Lord Kuvera, and my name is Hemamali. It was my daily service to pick flowers from Manasarovara Lake for my master's worship of Lord Siva, but one day I was late in returning with the offering because I had become overwhelmed with passion for my beautiful wife. When my master discovered why I was late, he cursed me in great anger. Thus I am now bereft of my home, wife, and service. But fortunately I have come upon you, and now I hope to receive from you an auspicious benediction, for I know that devotees of the Supreme Lord always carry the interest of others uppermost in their hearts. That is their great nature. 0 best of the sages, please help me!
"Markendeya Risi replied, 'Because you have told me the truth, I shall tell you about a fast day that will benefit you greatly. If you fast on the Ekadasi that comes during the dark fortnight of the month of Asadha, you will surely be freed of this terrible curse.' Upon hearing these blessed words from the renowned sage, Hemamali fell to the ground in complete gratitude and offered him his humble obeisances. But Markendeya stood and lifted Hemamali up, filling him with inexpressible happiness.
"Thus, as the sage had instructed him, Hemamali dutifully observed the Ekadasi fast, and by its influence he again became a handsome Yaksa. Then he returned home, where he lived very happily with his wife."
Lord Krsna concluded, "So you can readily see, 0 Yudhisthira, that fasting on Yogini Ekadasi is very powerful and auspicious. Whatever merit one obtains by feeding eighty-eight thousand pious brahmanas is also obtained simply by observing a strict fast on Yogini Ekadasi. For one who fasts on this sacred Ekadasi, she destroys heaps of past sinful reactions and makes him most pious. 0 king, thus I have explained to you the purity of Yogini Ekadasi.
List of Ekadshi
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, "0 king, I shall tell you about the best of all fasting days, the Ekadasi that comes during the dark part of the month of Asadha. Famous as Yogini Ekadasi it removes all kinds of sinful reactions and awards supreme liberation.
"0 best of kings, this Ekadasi delivers people who are drowning in the vast ocean of material existence and transports them to the shore of the spiritual world. In all the three worlds, it is the chief of all sacred fasting days. I shall reveal this truth to you by narrating a history recounted in the Puranas.
"The king of Alakapuri-Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods-was a steadfast devotee of Lord Siva. He employed a servant named Hemamali as his personal gardener. Hemamali, a Yaksa, was very lustfully attracted to his gorgeous wife, Svariipavati, who had large, enchanting eyes.
"Hemamali's daily duty was to visit Manasarovara Lake and bring back flowers for his master, Kuvera, which were then used in the worship of Lord Siva. One day, after picking the flowers, Hemamali went to his wife instead of returning directly to his master and fulfilling his duty. Absorbed in loving affairs with his wife, he forgot to return to the abode of Kuvera.
"0 king, while Hemamali was enjoying with his wife, Kuvera began worshiping Lord Siva in his palace and soon discovered that there were no flowers ready for the midday puja. The lack of such an important item angered the great demigod, and he asked a Yaksa messenger, 'Why has dirty-hearted Hemamali not come with the daily offering of flowers? Go find out the exact reason and report back to me in person.' The Yaksa returned and told Kuvera, '0 dear lord, Hemamali is freely enjoying sex with his wife.'
"Kuvera became extremely angry when he heard this and at once summoned lowly Hemamali before him. Knowing that he had been remiss and dawdling in his duty, Hemamali approached his master in great fear. The gardener first paid his obeisances and then stood before his lord, whose eyes had become red with anger and whose lips trembled. Enraged, Kuvera cried out to Hemamali, 'O sinful rascal! 0 destroyer of religious principles! You are an offense to the demigods! I therefore curse you to suffer from white leprosy and to become separated from your beloved wife! Only great suffering is deservedly yours! 0 lowborn fool, leave this place immediately and betake yourself to the lower planets!'
"And so Hemamali fell at once from Alakapuri and became ill with the terrible affliction of white leprosy. He awoke in a dense and fearful forest, where there was nothing to eat or drink. Thus he passed his days in misery, unable to sleep at night due to pain. He suffered in both winter and summer, but because he continued to worship Lord Siva faithfully, his consciousness remained pure and steady. Although implicated by great sin and its attendant reactions, he remembered his past life because of his piety.
"After wandering for some time here and there, over mountains and across plains, Hemamali eventually came upon the vast Himalayan range. There he had the wonderful good fortune to come upon the great saint Markandeya Risi, the best of ascetics, whose duration of life, it is said, extends to seven days of Brahma.' Markandeya was seated peacefully at his asrama, looking as effulgent as a second Brahma. Hemamali, feeling very sinful, stood at a distance from the magnificent sage and offered his humble obeisances and prayers. Always interested in the welfare of others, Markandeya saw the leper and called to him, 'O you, what sort of sinful deeds have you done to earn this dreadful affliction?'
"Hearing this, Hemamali replied, 'Dear sir, I am a Yaksa servant of Lord Kuvera, and my name is Hemamali. It was my daily service to pick flowers from Manasarovara Lake for my master's worship of Lord Siva, but one day I was late in returning with the offering because I had become overwhelmed with passion for my beautiful wife. When my master discovered why I was late, he cursed me in great anger. Thus I am now bereft of my home, wife, and service. But fortunately I have come upon you, and now I hope to receive from you an auspicious benediction, for I know that devotees of the Supreme Lord always carry the interest of others uppermost in their hearts. That is their great nature. 0 best of the sages, please help me!
"Markendeya Risi replied, 'Because you have told me the truth, I shall tell you about a fast day that will benefit you greatly. If you fast on the Ekadasi that comes during the dark fortnight of the month of Asadha, you will surely be freed of this terrible curse.' Upon hearing these blessed words from the renowned sage, Hemamali fell to the ground in complete gratitude and offered him his humble obeisances. But Markendeya stood and lifted Hemamali up, filling him with inexpressible happiness.
"Thus, as the sage had instructed him, Hemamali dutifully observed the Ekadasi fast, and by its influence he again became a handsome Yaksa. Then he returned home, where he lived very happily with his wife."
Lord Krsna concluded, "So you can readily see, 0 Yudhisthira, that fasting on Yogini Ekadasi is very powerful and auspicious. Whatever merit one obtains by feeding eighty-eight thousand pious brahmanas is also obtained simply by observing a strict fast on Yogini Ekadasi. For one who fasts on this sacred Ekadasi, she destroys heaps of past sinful reactions and makes him most pious. 0 king, thus I have explained to you the purity of Yogini Ekadasi.
List of Ekadshi
Nirjala Ekadasi
Once Bhimasena, the younger brother of Maharaja Yudhisthira, asked the great sage Srila Vyasadeva, the I, grandfather of the Pandavas, if it is possible to return to the spiritual world without having observed all the rules and regulations of the Ekadasi fasts.
Bhimasena said, "0 greatly intelligent grandfather, my brother Yudhisthira, my dear mother Kunti, and my beloved wife Draupadi, as well as Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, fast completely on Ekadasi and strictly follow all the rules and regulations of that sacred day. Being very religious, they always tell me that I should also fast on that day. But, O grandfather, I tell them that I cannot live without eating, because hunger is unbearable to me. I give widely in charity and worship Sri Ke§ava properly, but I cannot fast on Ekadasi Please tell me how I can obtain the same result without fasting."
Hearing these words, Srila Vyasadeva replied, "If you want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid the hellish planets, you should indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark Ekadasis."
Bhima said, "O greatly intelligent grandfather, please listen to my plea. 0 greatest of munis, since I cannot live if I eat only once in a day, how can I possibly live if I fast completely? Within my stomach burns a special fire named vrka, the fire of digestion.' Only when I eat to my full satisfaction does the fire in my stomach become satisfied. 0 great sage, I might possibly be able to fast only once, so I beg you to tell me of an Ekadasi that includes all other Ekadasis. I shall faithfully observe that fast and hopefully still become eligible for liberation."
Srila Vyasadeva replied, "O king, you have heard from me about the various kinds of occupational duties, such as elaborate Vedic ceremonies. In the Kali-yuga, however, no one will be able to observe all these occupational duties properly. I shall therefore tell you how, at practically no expense, one can endure some small austerity and achieve the greatest benefit and resultant happiness. The essence of what is written in the Vedic literatures known as the Puranas is that one should not eat on either the dark- or light-fortnight Ekadasis. One who fasts on Ekadasi is saved from going to the hellish planets."
Hearing Vyasadeva's words, Bhimasena, the strongest of all warriors, became frightened and began to shake like a leaf on a banyan tree in a strong wind. The frightened Bhimasena said, "0 grandfather, what should I do? I am completely unable to fast twice a month throughout the year! Please tell me of the one fasting day that will bestow the greatest benefit upon me!"
Vyasadeva replied, "Without drinking even water, you should fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyestha [May-June], when the sun travels in the sign of Gemini and Taurus. According to learned personalities, on this day one may bathe and perform acamana for purification. But while performing acamana one may drink only that amount of water equal to a drop of gold, or that amount which a single mustard seed can be immersed in. Only this amount of water should be placed in the palm, which one should form to resemble a cow's ear. If one drinks more water than this, he might as well have drunk wine.
"One must certainly not eat anything, for if he does so he breaks his fast. This rigid fast is in effect from sunrise on Ekadasi to sunrise on Dvadasi. If a person endeavors to observe this great fast very strictly, he easily achieves the results of observing all twenty-four Ekadasi fasts throughout the entire year.
"On Dvadasi. the devotee should bathe early in the morning. Then, according to the prescribed rules and regulations, and depending on his ability, he should give some gold and water to worthy brdhmanas. Finally, he should cheerfully honor prasadam with a brahmana.
"0 Bhimasena, one who can fast on this special Ekadasi in this way reaps the benefit of having fasted on every Ekadasi during the year. There is no doubt of this. O Bhima, now hear the specific merit one gets by fasting on this Ekadasi. The Supreme Lord Kesava, who holds a conch, disc, club, and lotus, personally told me, 'Everyone should take shelter of Me and follow My instructions.' Then He told me that one who fasts on this Ekadasi. without drinking water or eating, becomes free of all sinful reactions, and that one who observes the difficult nirjala fast on Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi. truly reaps the benefit of all other Ekadasi fasts.
"0 Bhimasena, in the Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, when all the principles of the Vedas will have been destroyed or greatly minimized, and when there will be no proper charity or observance of the ancient Vedic principles and ceremonies, how will there be any means of purifying the self? But there is the opportunity to fast on Ekadasi and become free of all one's past sins.
"0 son of Vayu, what more can I say to you? You should not eat during the dark and light Ekadasis, and you should even give up drinking water on the particularly auspicious day of Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi. 0 Vrkodara, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi receives the merits of bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, giving all kinds of charities, and fasting on all the dark and light Ekadasis, Of this there is no doubt. 0 tiger among men, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi. truly becomes a great person and achieves all wealth, grains, strength, and health. And at the fearful moment of death, the terrible Yamadutas, whose complexions are yellow and black and who brandish huge clubs and twirl mystic pass ropes in the air, will refuse to approach him. Rather, such a faithful soul will at once be taken to the supreme abode of Lord Visnu by the Visnudutas, whose transcendentally beautiful forms are clothed in gorgeous yellowish garments and who each hold a disk, club, conch, and lotus in their four hands. It is to gain all these benefits that one should certainly fast on this very important Ekadasi, even from water."
When the other Pandavas heard about the benefits to be gained by following Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi. they resolved to observe it exactly as Srila Vyasadeva had explained it to their brother, Bhimasena. All the Pandavas observed it by refraining from eating or drinking anything, and thus this day is known as Pandavanirjala Dvadagi.
Srila Vyasadeva continued, "0 Bhima, therefore you should observe this important fast to remove all your past sinful reactions. You should pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, in this way: '0 Lord of all the demigods, 0 Supreme Personality of Godhead, today I shall observe Ekadasi without taking any water. 0 unlimited Ananta, I shall break fast on the next day, Dvadasi.' Thereafter, to remove all his sins, the devotee should honor this Ekadasi fast with full faith in the Lord and with full control of his senses. Whether his sins are equal in volume to Mount Sumeru or to Mandaracala Hill, if he or she observes this Ekadasi, the sins all become nullified and are burned to ashes. Such is the great power of this Ekadasi.
"0 best of human beings, although a person should also give water and cows in charity during this Ekadasi if for some reason or other he cannot, then he should give a qualified brBJzmana some cloth or a pot filled with water. Indeed, the merit achieved by giving water alone equals that gained by giving gold ten million times a day.
"0 Bhima, Lord Sri Krsna has said that whoever observes this Ekadasi should take a holy bath, give charity to a worthy person, chant the Lord's holy names on a japa-mala, and perform some kind of recommended sacrifice, for by doing these things on this day one receives imperishable benefits. There is no need to perform any other kind of religious duty. Observance of this Ekadasi fast alone promotes one to the supreme abode of Sri Visnu. 0 best of the Kurus, if one donates gold, cloth, or anything else on this day, the merit one obtains is imperishable.
"Remember, whoever eats any grains on Ekadasi becomes contaminated by sin and verily eats only sin. In effect, he has already become a dogeater, and after death he suffers a hellish existence. But he who observes this sacred Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi and gives something in charity certainly achieves liberation from the cycle of repeated birth and death and attains to the supreme abode. Observing this Ekadasi, which is merged with Dvadasi, frees one from the horrible sin of killing a brahmana, drinking liquor and wine, becoming envious of one's spiritual master and ignoring his instructions, and continually telling lies.
"Furthermore, O best of beings, any man or woman who observes this fast properly and worships the Supreme Lord Jalasayi [He who sleeps on the water], and who on the next day satisfies a qualified brahmana with nice sweets and a donation of cows and money-such a person certainly pleases the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, so much so that one hundred previous generations in his family undoubtedly go to the Supreme Lord's abode, even though they might have been very sinful, of bad character, and guilty of suicide. Indeed, one who observes this Ekadasi rides on a glorious celestial airplane [vimana] to that abode.
"One who on this day gives a brahmana a waterpot, an umbrella, or shoes surely goes to heaven. Indeed, he who simply hears these glories also attains to the transcendental abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Visnu. Whoever performs the sraddha ceremony to the forefathers on the darkmoon day called amavasya, particularly if it occurs at the time of a solar eclipse, undoubtedly achieves great merit. But this same merit is achieved by him who simply hears this sacred narration-so powerful and so dear to the Lord is this Ekadasi.
"One should clean his teeth properly and, without eating or drinking, observe this Ekadasi to please the Supreme Lord, Kesava. On the day after Ekadasi one should worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His form as Trivikrama by offering Him water, flowers, incense, and a brightly burning lamp. Then the devotee should pray from the heart: '0 God of gods, 0 deliverer of everyone, 0 Hrsikesa, master of the senses, kindly bestow upon me the gift of liberation, though I can offer you nothing greater than this humble pot filled with water.' Then the devotee should donate the waterpot to a brahmana.
"0 Bhimasena, after observing this Ekadasi fast and donating the recommended items according to his ability, the devotee should feed brahmanas and thereafter honor prasadam silently."
Srila Vyasadeva concluded, "I strongly urge you to fast on this auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring Dvadasi in just the way I have outlined. Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the supreme abode."
List of Ekadshi
Bhimasena said, "0 greatly intelligent grandfather, my brother Yudhisthira, my dear mother Kunti, and my beloved wife Draupadi, as well as Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, fast completely on Ekadasi and strictly follow all the rules and regulations of that sacred day. Being very religious, they always tell me that I should also fast on that day. But, O grandfather, I tell them that I cannot live without eating, because hunger is unbearable to me. I give widely in charity and worship Sri Ke§ava properly, but I cannot fast on Ekadasi Please tell me how I can obtain the same result without fasting."
Hearing these words, Srila Vyasadeva replied, "If you want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid the hellish planets, you should indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark Ekadasis."
Bhima said, "O greatly intelligent grandfather, please listen to my plea. 0 greatest of munis, since I cannot live if I eat only once in a day, how can I possibly live if I fast completely? Within my stomach burns a special fire named vrka, the fire of digestion.' Only when I eat to my full satisfaction does the fire in my stomach become satisfied. 0 great sage, I might possibly be able to fast only once, so I beg you to tell me of an Ekadasi that includes all other Ekadasis. I shall faithfully observe that fast and hopefully still become eligible for liberation."
Srila Vyasadeva replied, "O king, you have heard from me about the various kinds of occupational duties, such as elaborate Vedic ceremonies. In the Kali-yuga, however, no one will be able to observe all these occupational duties properly. I shall therefore tell you how, at practically no expense, one can endure some small austerity and achieve the greatest benefit and resultant happiness. The essence of what is written in the Vedic literatures known as the Puranas is that one should not eat on either the dark- or light-fortnight Ekadasis. One who fasts on Ekadasi is saved from going to the hellish planets."
Hearing Vyasadeva's words, Bhimasena, the strongest of all warriors, became frightened and began to shake like a leaf on a banyan tree in a strong wind. The frightened Bhimasena said, "0 grandfather, what should I do? I am completely unable to fast twice a month throughout the year! Please tell me of the one fasting day that will bestow the greatest benefit upon me!"
Vyasadeva replied, "Without drinking even water, you should fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyestha [May-June], when the sun travels in the sign of Gemini and Taurus. According to learned personalities, on this day one may bathe and perform acamana for purification. But while performing acamana one may drink only that amount of water equal to a drop of gold, or that amount which a single mustard seed can be immersed in. Only this amount of water should be placed in the palm, which one should form to resemble a cow's ear. If one drinks more water than this, he might as well have drunk wine.
"One must certainly not eat anything, for if he does so he breaks his fast. This rigid fast is in effect from sunrise on Ekadasi to sunrise on Dvadasi. If a person endeavors to observe this great fast very strictly, he easily achieves the results of observing all twenty-four Ekadasi fasts throughout the entire year.
"On Dvadasi. the devotee should bathe early in the morning. Then, according to the prescribed rules and regulations, and depending on his ability, he should give some gold and water to worthy brdhmanas. Finally, he should cheerfully honor prasadam with a brahmana.
"0 Bhimasena, one who can fast on this special Ekadasi in this way reaps the benefit of having fasted on every Ekadasi during the year. There is no doubt of this. O Bhima, now hear the specific merit one gets by fasting on this Ekadasi. The Supreme Lord Kesava, who holds a conch, disc, club, and lotus, personally told me, 'Everyone should take shelter of Me and follow My instructions.' Then He told me that one who fasts on this Ekadasi. without drinking water or eating, becomes free of all sinful reactions, and that one who observes the difficult nirjala fast on Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi. truly reaps the benefit of all other Ekadasi fasts.
"0 Bhimasena, in the Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, when all the principles of the Vedas will have been destroyed or greatly minimized, and when there will be no proper charity or observance of the ancient Vedic principles and ceremonies, how will there be any means of purifying the self? But there is the opportunity to fast on Ekadasi and become free of all one's past sins.
"0 son of Vayu, what more can I say to you? You should not eat during the dark and light Ekadasis, and you should even give up drinking water on the particularly auspicious day of Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi. 0 Vrkodara, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi receives the merits of bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, giving all kinds of charities, and fasting on all the dark and light Ekadasis, Of this there is no doubt. 0 tiger among men, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi. truly becomes a great person and achieves all wealth, grains, strength, and health. And at the fearful moment of death, the terrible Yamadutas, whose complexions are yellow and black and who brandish huge clubs and twirl mystic pass ropes in the air, will refuse to approach him. Rather, such a faithful soul will at once be taken to the supreme abode of Lord Visnu by the Visnudutas, whose transcendentally beautiful forms are clothed in gorgeous yellowish garments and who each hold a disk, club, conch, and lotus in their four hands. It is to gain all these benefits that one should certainly fast on this very important Ekadasi, even from water."
When the other Pandavas heard about the benefits to be gained by following Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi. they resolved to observe it exactly as Srila Vyasadeva had explained it to their brother, Bhimasena. All the Pandavas observed it by refraining from eating or drinking anything, and thus this day is known as Pandavanirjala Dvadagi.
Srila Vyasadeva continued, "0 Bhima, therefore you should observe this important fast to remove all your past sinful reactions. You should pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, in this way: '0 Lord of all the demigods, 0 Supreme Personality of Godhead, today I shall observe Ekadasi without taking any water. 0 unlimited Ananta, I shall break fast on the next day, Dvadasi.' Thereafter, to remove all his sins, the devotee should honor this Ekadasi fast with full faith in the Lord and with full control of his senses. Whether his sins are equal in volume to Mount Sumeru or to Mandaracala Hill, if he or she observes this Ekadasi, the sins all become nullified and are burned to ashes. Such is the great power of this Ekadasi.
"0 best of human beings, although a person should also give water and cows in charity during this Ekadasi if for some reason or other he cannot, then he should give a qualified brBJzmana some cloth or a pot filled with water. Indeed, the merit achieved by giving water alone equals that gained by giving gold ten million times a day.
"0 Bhima, Lord Sri Krsna has said that whoever observes this Ekadasi should take a holy bath, give charity to a worthy person, chant the Lord's holy names on a japa-mala, and perform some kind of recommended sacrifice, for by doing these things on this day one receives imperishable benefits. There is no need to perform any other kind of religious duty. Observance of this Ekadasi fast alone promotes one to the supreme abode of Sri Visnu. 0 best of the Kurus, if one donates gold, cloth, or anything else on this day, the merit one obtains is imperishable.
"Remember, whoever eats any grains on Ekadasi becomes contaminated by sin and verily eats only sin. In effect, he has already become a dogeater, and after death he suffers a hellish existence. But he who observes this sacred Jyestha-sukla Ekadasi and gives something in charity certainly achieves liberation from the cycle of repeated birth and death and attains to the supreme abode. Observing this Ekadasi, which is merged with Dvadasi, frees one from the horrible sin of killing a brahmana, drinking liquor and wine, becoming envious of one's spiritual master and ignoring his instructions, and continually telling lies.
"Furthermore, O best of beings, any man or woman who observes this fast properly and worships the Supreme Lord Jalasayi [He who sleeps on the water], and who on the next day satisfies a qualified brahmana with nice sweets and a donation of cows and money-such a person certainly pleases the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, so much so that one hundred previous generations in his family undoubtedly go to the Supreme Lord's abode, even though they might have been very sinful, of bad character, and guilty of suicide. Indeed, one who observes this Ekadasi rides on a glorious celestial airplane [vimana] to that abode.
"One who on this day gives a brahmana a waterpot, an umbrella, or shoes surely goes to heaven. Indeed, he who simply hears these glories also attains to the transcendental abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Visnu. Whoever performs the sraddha ceremony to the forefathers on the darkmoon day called amavasya, particularly if it occurs at the time of a solar eclipse, undoubtedly achieves great merit. But this same merit is achieved by him who simply hears this sacred narration-so powerful and so dear to the Lord is this Ekadasi.
"One should clean his teeth properly and, without eating or drinking, observe this Ekadasi to please the Supreme Lord, Kesava. On the day after Ekadasi one should worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His form as Trivikrama by offering Him water, flowers, incense, and a brightly burning lamp. Then the devotee should pray from the heart: '0 God of gods, 0 deliverer of everyone, 0 Hrsikesa, master of the senses, kindly bestow upon me the gift of liberation, though I can offer you nothing greater than this humble pot filled with water.' Then the devotee should donate the waterpot to a brahmana.
"0 Bhimasena, after observing this Ekadasi fast and donating the recommended items according to his ability, the devotee should feed brahmanas and thereafter honor prasadam silently."
Srila Vyasadeva concluded, "I strongly urge you to fast on this auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring Dvadasi in just the way I have outlined. Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the supreme abode."
List of Ekadshi
Apara Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Jyestha [May-June]? I wish to hear the glories of this sacred day. Please narrate every thing to me."
Lord Sri Krsna said, "0 king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadasi is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its potency. 0 great king, the name of this unlimitedly meritorious Ekadasi is Apara Ekadasi Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous all over the universe. Even such sins as killing a brahmana, a cow, or an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another man's wife are completely eradicated by observing Apara Ekadasi.
"0 king, people who bear false witness are most sinful. A person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another; one who cheats while weighing something on a scale; one who fails to execute the duties of his varna or asrama (an unqualified man's posing as a brahmana, for example, or a person's reciting the Vedas wrongly); one who invents his own scriptures; one who cheats other; one who is a charlatan astrologer, a cheating accountant, or a false ayurvedic doctor=all these are surely as bad as a person who bears false witness, and they are all destined for hell. But simply by observing Apara Ekadasi, all such sinners become completely free of their sinful reactions.
"Warriors who fall from their ksatriya-dharma and flee the battlefield go to a ferocious hell. But, 0 Yudhisthira, even such a fallen ksatriya, if he observes fasting on Apara Ekadasi is freed of that great sin and goes to heaven.
"That disciple is the greatest sinner who, after receiving a proper spiritual education from his spiritual master, turns around and blasphemes him. Such a so-called disciple suffers unlimitedly. But even he, if he simply observes Apara Ekadasi can attain to the spiritual world. Listen, 0 king, as I describe to you further glories of this Ekadasi.
"The merit attained by one who performs all of the following acts of piety is equal to the merit achieved by one who observes Apara Ekadasi. bathing three times a day in Puskara-ksetra during Kartika [OctoberNovember]; bathing at Prayag in the month of Magha [JanuaryFebruary] when the sun is in the Zodiac; rendering service to Lord diva at Varanasi during Siva-ratri; offering oblations to one's forefathers at Gaya; bathing in the sacred Gautami River when Jupiter transits Leo; having darsana of Lord diva at Kedaranatha; seeing Lord Badrinatha when the sun transits the sign of Aquarius; and bathing at the time of a solar eclipse at Kuruksetra and giving cows, elephants, and gold there in charity. All the merit one gets from performing these pious acts is gained by a person who observes the Apara Ekadasi fast. Also, the merit attained by one who donates a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land, is attained by one who fasts on this day.
"In other words, Apara Ekadasi. is an axe that cuts down the fully matured tree of sinful deeds, it is a forest fire that burns sins as if they were firewood, it is the sun blazing before one's dark misdeeds, and it is a lion stalking the meek deer of impiety. Therefore, 0 Yudhisthira, whoever truly fears his past and present sins must observe Apara Ekadasi. very strictly. One who does not observe this fast must be born again in the material world, like one bubble among millions in a huge body of water, or like a small ant among all other species.
"Therefore one must faithfully observe the sacred Apara Ekadasi. and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Trivikrama. One who does so is freed of all his sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Visnu.
"0 Bharata, for the benefit of all humanity I have thus described to you the importance of holy Apara Ekadasi. Anyone who hears or reads this description is certainly freed from all kinds of sins, 0 king."
List of Ekadshi
Lord Sri Krsna said, "0 king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadasi is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its potency. 0 great king, the name of this unlimitedly meritorious Ekadasi is Apara Ekadasi Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous all over the universe. Even such sins as killing a brahmana, a cow, or an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another man's wife are completely eradicated by observing Apara Ekadasi.
"0 king, people who bear false witness are most sinful. A person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another; one who cheats while weighing something on a scale; one who fails to execute the duties of his varna or asrama (an unqualified man's posing as a brahmana, for example, or a person's reciting the Vedas wrongly); one who invents his own scriptures; one who cheats other; one who is a charlatan astrologer, a cheating accountant, or a false ayurvedic doctor=all these are surely as bad as a person who bears false witness, and they are all destined for hell. But simply by observing Apara Ekadasi, all such sinners become completely free of their sinful reactions.
"Warriors who fall from their ksatriya-dharma and flee the battlefield go to a ferocious hell. But, 0 Yudhisthira, even such a fallen ksatriya, if he observes fasting on Apara Ekadasi is freed of that great sin and goes to heaven.
"That disciple is the greatest sinner who, after receiving a proper spiritual education from his spiritual master, turns around and blasphemes him. Such a so-called disciple suffers unlimitedly. But even he, if he simply observes Apara Ekadasi can attain to the spiritual world. Listen, 0 king, as I describe to you further glories of this Ekadasi.
"The merit attained by one who performs all of the following acts of piety is equal to the merit achieved by one who observes Apara Ekadasi. bathing three times a day in Puskara-ksetra during Kartika [OctoberNovember]; bathing at Prayag in the month of Magha [JanuaryFebruary] when the sun is in the Zodiac; rendering service to Lord diva at Varanasi during Siva-ratri; offering oblations to one's forefathers at Gaya; bathing in the sacred Gautami River when Jupiter transits Leo; having darsana of Lord diva at Kedaranatha; seeing Lord Badrinatha when the sun transits the sign of Aquarius; and bathing at the time of a solar eclipse at Kuruksetra and giving cows, elephants, and gold there in charity. All the merit one gets from performing these pious acts is gained by a person who observes the Apara Ekadasi fast. Also, the merit attained by one who donates a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land, is attained by one who fasts on this day.
"In other words, Apara Ekadasi. is an axe that cuts down the fully matured tree of sinful deeds, it is a forest fire that burns sins as if they were firewood, it is the sun blazing before one's dark misdeeds, and it is a lion stalking the meek deer of impiety. Therefore, 0 Yudhisthira, whoever truly fears his past and present sins must observe Apara Ekadasi. very strictly. One who does not observe this fast must be born again in the material world, like one bubble among millions in a huge body of water, or like a small ant among all other species.
"Therefore one must faithfully observe the sacred Apara Ekadasi. and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Trivikrama. One who does so is freed of all his sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Visnu.
"0 Bharata, for the benefit of all humanity I have thus described to you the importance of holy Apara Ekadasi. Anyone who hears or reads this description is certainly freed from all kinds of sins, 0 king."
List of Ekadshi
Mohini Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "0 Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Vaisakha [AprilMay]? What is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all this to me."
Lord Sri Krsna replied, "0 blessed son of Dharma, what Vasistha Muni once told Lord Ramacandra I shall now describe to you. Please hear Me attentively.
"Lord Ramacandra asked Vasistha Muni, '0 great sage, I would like to hear about the best of all fasting days-that day which destroys all kinds of sins and sorrows. I have suffered long enough in separation from My dear Sita, and so I wish to hear from you about how My suffering can be ended.'
"The sage Vasistha replied, '0 Lord Rama, 0 You whose intelligence is so keen, simply by remembering Your name one can cross the ocean of this material world. You have questioned me in order to benefit all of humanity and fulfill everyone's desires. I shall now describe that day of fasting which purifies the whole world.
'0 Rama, that day is Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, which falls on Dvadasi. It removes all sins and is famous as Mohini Ekadasi, Truly, 0 Rama, the merit of this Ekadasi frees the fortunate soul who observes it from the network of illusion. Therefore, if You want to relieve Your suffering, observe this auspicious Ekadasi perfectly, for it removes all obstacles from one's path and relieves the greatest miseries. Kindly listen as I describe its glories, because for one who even just hears about this auspicious Ekadasi, the greatest sins are nullified.
"'On the banks of the Sarasvati River there was once a beautiful city named Bhadravati, which was ruled by King Dyutiman. 0 Rama, that steadfast, truthful, and highly intelligent king was born in the dynasty of the moon. In his kingdom was a merchant named Dhanapala, who possessed a great wealth of food grains and money. He was also very pious. Dhanapala arranged for lakes to be dug, sacrificial arenas to be erected, and beautiful gardens to be cultivated for the benefit of all the citizens of Bhadravati. He was an excellent devotee of Visnu and had five sons: Sumana, Dyutiman, Medhavi, Sukrti, and Dhrstabuddhi.
"'Unfortunately, his son Dhrstabuddhi always engaged in greatly sinful activities, such as sleeping with prostitutes and associating with degraded persons. He enjoyed illicit sex, gambling, and many other varieties of sense gratification. He disrespected the demigods; brahmanas; forefathers and other elders; and his family's guests. The evilhearted Dhrstabuddhi spent his father's wealth indiscriminately, always feasting on untouchable foods and drinking wine to excess.
"'One day Dhanapala kicked Dhrstabuddhi out of the house after he saw him walking along the road arm-in-arm with a prostitute. From then on all Dhrstabuddhi's relatives were highly critical of him and distanced themselves from him. After he had sold his ornaments and become destitute, the prostitutes also abandoned him and insulted him because of his poverty.
"'Dhrstabuddhi was now full of anxiety, and also hungry. He thought, "What should I do? Where should I go? How can I maintain myself?" He then began to steal. The king's constables arrested him, but when they learned that his father was the famous Dhanapala, they released him. He was caught and released many times. But at last the ill-mannered Dhrstabuddhi was apprehended, handcuffed, and then beaten. After whipping him, the king's marshals warned him, "0 evil one! There is no place for you here."
"'However, Dhrstabuddhi was freed from his tribulation by his father and immediately thereafter entered the dense forest. He wandered here and there, hungry and thirsty and suffering greatly. Eventually he began killing lions, deer, boars, and wolves for food. Always ready in his hand was his bow, always on his shoulder his quiver full of sharp arrows. He also killed many birds, such as cakoras, peacocks, kankas, doves, and pigeons. He unhesitatingly slaughtered many species of birds and animals, and thus his sins mounted day by day. On account of his previous sins, he was now immersed in an ocean of great sin.
"'Dhrstabuddhi was always miserable and anxious, but one day, during the month of Vaisakha, by the force of some of his past merit he chanced upon the sacred asrama of Kaundinya Muni. The great sage had just finished bathing in the Ganges River, and water was dripping from him. Dhrstabuddhi had the great good fortune to touch some of those drops falling from the sage's clothes. Instantly Dhrstabuddhi was freed of ignorance, and his sinful reactions were reduced. Offering his humble obeisances to Kaundinya Muni, Dhrstabuddhi prayed to him with joined palms: "0 great brahmana, please describe some kind of atonement I may perform without too much endeavor. I have committed so many sins in my life, and these have now made me very poor."
"'The great risi replied, "0 son, listen with great attention, for by hearing me you will become free of all your remaining sins. In the light fortnight of this month, Vaisakha, there occurs the sacred Mohini Ekadasi, which has the power to nullify sins as vast and weighty as Mount Sumeru. If you follow my advice and faithfully observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is so dear to Lord Hari, you will be freed from all the sinful reactions of many, many births."
"'Hearing these words with great joy, Dhrstabuddhi promised to observe a fast on Mohini Ekadasi, according to the sage's instructions. 0 best of kings, 0 Rama, by fasting completely on Mohini Ekadasi, the once-sinful Dhrstabuddhi, the prodigal son of the merchant Dhanapala, became sinless. Afterward he achieved a beautiful transcendental form and, free at last of all obstacles, rode upon Garuda, the carrier of Visnu, to the Lord's supreme abode.
'0 Rama, the fast day of Mohini Ekadasi removes the darkest illusory attachments to material existence. There is thus no better fast day in all the three worlds."'
Lord Krsna concluded, "And so, 0 Yudhisthira, there is no place of pilgrimage, no sacrifice, and no charity that can bestow merit equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a faithful devotee of Mine obtains by observing Mohini Ekadasi, And He who hears and studies the glories of Mohini Ekadasi achieves the merit of giving away one thousand cows in charity."
List of Ekadshi
Lord Sri Krsna replied, "0 blessed son of Dharma, what Vasistha Muni once told Lord Ramacandra I shall now describe to you. Please hear Me attentively.
"Lord Ramacandra asked Vasistha Muni, '0 great sage, I would like to hear about the best of all fasting days-that day which destroys all kinds of sins and sorrows. I have suffered long enough in separation from My dear Sita, and so I wish to hear from you about how My suffering can be ended.'
"The sage Vasistha replied, '0 Lord Rama, 0 You whose intelligence is so keen, simply by remembering Your name one can cross the ocean of this material world. You have questioned me in order to benefit all of humanity and fulfill everyone's desires. I shall now describe that day of fasting which purifies the whole world.
'0 Rama, that day is Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, which falls on Dvadasi. It removes all sins and is famous as Mohini Ekadasi, Truly, 0 Rama, the merit of this Ekadasi frees the fortunate soul who observes it from the network of illusion. Therefore, if You want to relieve Your suffering, observe this auspicious Ekadasi perfectly, for it removes all obstacles from one's path and relieves the greatest miseries. Kindly listen as I describe its glories, because for one who even just hears about this auspicious Ekadasi, the greatest sins are nullified.
"'On the banks of the Sarasvati River there was once a beautiful city named Bhadravati, which was ruled by King Dyutiman. 0 Rama, that steadfast, truthful, and highly intelligent king was born in the dynasty of the moon. In his kingdom was a merchant named Dhanapala, who possessed a great wealth of food grains and money. He was also very pious. Dhanapala arranged for lakes to be dug, sacrificial arenas to be erected, and beautiful gardens to be cultivated for the benefit of all the citizens of Bhadravati. He was an excellent devotee of Visnu and had five sons: Sumana, Dyutiman, Medhavi, Sukrti, and Dhrstabuddhi.
"'Unfortunately, his son Dhrstabuddhi always engaged in greatly sinful activities, such as sleeping with prostitutes and associating with degraded persons. He enjoyed illicit sex, gambling, and many other varieties of sense gratification. He disrespected the demigods; brahmanas; forefathers and other elders; and his family's guests. The evilhearted Dhrstabuddhi spent his father's wealth indiscriminately, always feasting on untouchable foods and drinking wine to excess.
"'One day Dhanapala kicked Dhrstabuddhi out of the house after he saw him walking along the road arm-in-arm with a prostitute. From then on all Dhrstabuddhi's relatives were highly critical of him and distanced themselves from him. After he had sold his ornaments and become destitute, the prostitutes also abandoned him and insulted him because of his poverty.
"'Dhrstabuddhi was now full of anxiety, and also hungry. He thought, "What should I do? Where should I go? How can I maintain myself?" He then began to steal. The king's constables arrested him, but when they learned that his father was the famous Dhanapala, they released him. He was caught and released many times. But at last the ill-mannered Dhrstabuddhi was apprehended, handcuffed, and then beaten. After whipping him, the king's marshals warned him, "0 evil one! There is no place for you here."
"'However, Dhrstabuddhi was freed from his tribulation by his father and immediately thereafter entered the dense forest. He wandered here and there, hungry and thirsty and suffering greatly. Eventually he began killing lions, deer, boars, and wolves for food. Always ready in his hand was his bow, always on his shoulder his quiver full of sharp arrows. He also killed many birds, such as cakoras, peacocks, kankas, doves, and pigeons. He unhesitatingly slaughtered many species of birds and animals, and thus his sins mounted day by day. On account of his previous sins, he was now immersed in an ocean of great sin.
"'Dhrstabuddhi was always miserable and anxious, but one day, during the month of Vaisakha, by the force of some of his past merit he chanced upon the sacred asrama of Kaundinya Muni. The great sage had just finished bathing in the Ganges River, and water was dripping from him. Dhrstabuddhi had the great good fortune to touch some of those drops falling from the sage's clothes. Instantly Dhrstabuddhi was freed of ignorance, and his sinful reactions were reduced. Offering his humble obeisances to Kaundinya Muni, Dhrstabuddhi prayed to him with joined palms: "0 great brahmana, please describe some kind of atonement I may perform without too much endeavor. I have committed so many sins in my life, and these have now made me very poor."
"'The great risi replied, "0 son, listen with great attention, for by hearing me you will become free of all your remaining sins. In the light fortnight of this month, Vaisakha, there occurs the sacred Mohini Ekadasi, which has the power to nullify sins as vast and weighty as Mount Sumeru. If you follow my advice and faithfully observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is so dear to Lord Hari, you will be freed from all the sinful reactions of many, many births."
"'Hearing these words with great joy, Dhrstabuddhi promised to observe a fast on Mohini Ekadasi, according to the sage's instructions. 0 best of kings, 0 Rama, by fasting completely on Mohini Ekadasi, the once-sinful Dhrstabuddhi, the prodigal son of the merchant Dhanapala, became sinless. Afterward he achieved a beautiful transcendental form and, free at last of all obstacles, rode upon Garuda, the carrier of Visnu, to the Lord's supreme abode.
'0 Rama, the fast day of Mohini Ekadasi removes the darkest illusory attachments to material existence. There is thus no better fast day in all the three worlds."'
Lord Krsna concluded, "And so, 0 Yudhisthira, there is no place of pilgrimage, no sacrifice, and no charity that can bestow merit equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a faithful devotee of Mine obtains by observing Mohini Ekadasi, And He who hears and studies the glories of Mohini Ekadasi achieves the merit of giving away one thousand cows in charity."
List of Ekadshi
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