Sri Vaikuntha Ekadashi fasting story

॥ Story of Shri Vaikuntha Ekadashi fast. 🏰👉

Story begins:

In mythological times, there was a very powerful and terrible demon named 'Mur'. With his power he defeated the gods of heaven and removed Lord Indra from his throne. Feeling sad, all the gods reached Kshir Sagar to Lord Vishnu and requested for their protection.

Hearing the call of the gods, Lord Vishnu decided to destroy that demon. There was a fierce war between the Lord and the demon Mur for many years. When Lord Vishnu got tired while fighting, he went to a cave (called 'Himavati') of Badrikashram for rest and got absorbed in Yoganidra there.

Demon Mur chased the Lord and reached that cave. He saw that God was sleeping. He thought that this was the right opportunity to kill God. As soon as he raised the weapon to strike, an extremely radiant and powerful goddess (Kanya) appeared from the body of Lord Vishnu.

That goddess fought with the demon Mur and finally killed him. When Lord Vishnu woke up, he saw that the demon was lying dead. He asked the goddess, "Who are you?" The goddess replied, "Lord! I am your power (Yogamaya) and I am born from your body."

Lord Vishnu was extremely pleased with the bravery of that goddess and said - "You have appeared on the Ekadashi date of Margashirsha month, hence your name will be 'Ekadashi'. The person who fasts on this day, all his sins will be destroyed and he will attain my supreme abode 'Vaikuntha'."

Since then this dayis celebrated as Vaikuntha Ekadashi. It is believed that on this day the doors of Vaikuntha remain open for the devotees.

॥ Rules of fasting and method of worship. 📋🌿

1. Type of fasting:This fast is observed completely fasting or fruitless. In the temples of South India, there is a tradition of leaving through 'Vaikuntha Dwar' (special door) on this day.

2. Vishnu worship:Offer yellow clothes, basil leaves, sandalwood and flowers to Lord Vishnu.

3. Silence and meditation:On this day, it is very beneficial to remain silent and meditate on the form of God.

4. Night vigil:Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and lighting a lamp at night is considered auspicious.

5. Dwadashi Parana:Next day after sunrise, break the fast by giving food or charity to a Brahmin.

॥ Religious significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. 🔱🌟

• Door to Heaven:It is believed that the doors of Vaikuntha remain open on this day, hence the person who sacrifices his life or observes fast on this day directly gets salvation.

• Victory over demons:This fast symbolizes victory over the demonic tendencies (evils) within us.

• Rules from Dashami:The rules of this fast start from the night of Dashami, where Tamasic food has to be avoided.

॥ Benefits of fasting. 💎🌈

• Attainment of salvation:This Ekadashi liberates man from the bondage of birth and death and sends him to Vaikuntha world.

• Destruction of troubles:Just as the demon Mur is destroyed, in the same way the biggest enemies and troubles in the life of the devotees come to an end.

• Mental peace:Fasting with devotion purifies the mind and increases concentration.