Ekadashi fast story

It is a matter of ancient times. Dharmaraja Yudhishthir asked Lord Krishna, "O Janardan! What is the significance of Ekadashi Tithi? Why is it observed and what is the result of it? Please tell in detail."

Then Lord Shri Krishna said, "O Dharamraj! Ekadashi fast is very virtuous, destroyer of sins and provides salvation. The person who observes Ekadashi fast with devotion, devotion and regularly, all his sins are destroyed and he gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu."

Lord Shri Krishna further said, "In ancient times, there was a very strong and terrible demon named Mur. He defeated the gods and spread terror in the three worlds. The gods went to Lord Shiva in fear, but he said that only Lord Vishnu could solve this crisis. Then all the gods took refuge in Lord Vishnu and prayed to him for their protection."

Lord Vishnu assured the gods and went to fight the demon Mur. There was a fierce war between God and the demon for many days. Mur was extremely powerful. When the war dragged on, Lord Vishnu went to a cave to rest for a while.

The demon Mur also reached there chasing them. Seeing Lord Vishnu resting, he proceeded to kill him. At the same time a divine and radiant girl appeared from the body of Lord Vishnu. She was extremely beautiful, powerful and luminous. She challenged the demon Mur and started fighting with him. In no time that divine girl killed the demon Mur.

When Lord Vishnu woke up, he saw that bright girl and asked, "O Goddess! Who are you? And who killed this demon?"

The girl humbly said, "O Lord! I am born from your body. When this demon tried to kill you while you were sleeping, I killed him."

Lord Vishnu was very pleased with that girl. He said, "You have protected the gods and the world. Therefore, from today onwards you will be famous by the name 'Ekadashi', because you have appeared on the Ekadashi date. Any man or woman who fasts on this day will be free from sins, will attain happiness, peace, virtue and ultimately salvation."

Since then, special worship of Lord Vishnu is done on Ekadashi date. On this day, devotees observe fast, remember God, listen to stories, sing hymns and kirtans and adopt virtuous conduct. It is believed that by fasting on Ekadashi, the mind gets purified, the senses are controlled and one gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

According to another story, a pious king used to rule in a city. He himself followed religion and inspired his people to follow the path of religion. Once upon a time there lived a sinful man in his kingdom, who had committed many sins in his life. Coincidentally, one day due to lack of food he fasted on Ekadashi and spent the whole night in vigil. He died the next day.

When Yamdoot came to take him, it was seen that even unknowingly he had attained the virtue of Ekadashi fast. His sins were reduced and he attained the best speed. This makes the glory of Ekadashi fast even more clear that this fast, knowingly or unknowingly, is going to give great results if the remembrance of God is added to it.

The person who observes Ekadashi fast with devotion, maintains abstinence from Dashami itself, worships Lord Vishnu on Ekadashi day, listens to the story and observes Dwadashi methodically, the troubles of his life go away. There is happiness and peace in his house, sins are destroyed and ultimately one reaches the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Therefore, fasting on Ekadashi is considered extremely sacred, beneficial and gives salvation. This is not only a fast of giving up food, but also of remaining pure in mind, words and deeds. Lord Vishnu showers his special blessings on the devotee who observes Ekadashi with true heart.

Say Jai to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu.