☰
Search
Mic
En
Android Play StoreIOS App Store
Setting
Clock

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha | Legends of Aja Ekadashi

DeepakDeepak

Aja Ekadashi Katha

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The Story of King Harishchandra and Sage Gautama

Arjuna said - "O Pundarikaksha! Kindly tell me about the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. What is the name of this Ekadashi and what is the procedure for its observance? What are the benefits of observing this fast?"

Lord Krishna said - "O Son of Kunti! The Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month is known as Aja Ekadashi. Observing this fast eliminates all sins. Those who sincerely worship the Lord on this day will have all their sins forgiven. In this world and the next, there is no other fast as significant as this Ekadashi, which benefits both realms.

Listen carefully to the significance of this Ekadashi - In ancient times, there was an emperor named Harishchandra who ruled the city of Ayodhya. He was known for being extremely brave, powerful and truthful. By the will of the Lord, he donated his kingdom to a sage in a dream. As a result of his circumstances, he was forced to sell his wife and son and eventually became a servant to a Chandala. He collected fees for performing final rites for the deceased at the Chandala's place. Despite facing such dire situations, he never deviated from the path of truth. Years went by and he became increasingly distressed by this lowly work and sought a way to free himself from it. He was constantly troubled by thoughts of how to get rid of this evil deed. One day, while in deep distress, sage Gautam approached him. Harishchandra greeted him and began to narrate his sorrowful tale.

Upon hearing the sorrowful tale of King Harishchandra, sage Gautam felt a deep sadness. He said to the king - "O King, the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month is known as Aja. Observe the fast of this Ekadashi with the proper rituals and stay awake throughout the night. By doing so, all your sins will be erased."

After saying this, sage Gautam disappeared. On Aja Ekadashi, King Harishchandra observed a fast and performed Jagarana by staying awake throughout the night, as instructed by the sage. As a result of this fast, all his sins were erased. At that moment, drums began to play in heaven and flowers started to rain down. He saw Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahesha and Lord Indra, along with other deities, standing before him. To his astonishment, he found his deceased son alive and his wife adorned in royal clothing and jewelery.

Due to the power of the fast, the king regained his kingdom. In reality, a sage had created this entire situation to test the king. However, the influence of the Aja Ekadashi fast dispelled all the illusions created by the sage. In the end, Harishchandra, along with his family, ascended to heaven.

O King! This was all a result of the effects of the Aja Ekadashi fast.

Those who observe this fast with devotion and remain awake during the night will have all their sins erased and will ultimately attain heaven. Simply listening to the story of this Ekadashi Vrat provides the same merit as performing an Ashwamedha Yajna."

Synopsis (Katha Saar)

One must have complete faith in God. Even in difficult circumstances, those who do not abandon the path of truth ultimately attain heaven. The test of truth occurs in the most challenging situations.


Kalash
Copyright Notice
PanditJi Logo
All Images and data - Copyrights
Ⓒ www.drikpanchang.com
Privacy Policy
Drik Panchang and the Panditji Logo are registered trademarks of drikpanchang.com
Android Play StoreIOS App Store
Drikpanchang Donation