Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha | Legends of Jaya Ekadashi

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Gandivadhari Arjuna said - "O Lord! Kindly elaborate and tell me about the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. Which deity should be worshipped on this Ekadashi? What is the story of observing the fast on this Ekadashi and what benefits does one attain from doing so?"

Lord Krishna said - "O Arjuna! The Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha is known as Jaya Ekadashi. Observing a fast on this Ekadashi liberates a person from taking birth as the spirits, ghosts and similar entities. Therefore, this fast should be observed as per the prescribed rituals. Now, I shall narrate to you the story associated with Jaya Ekadashi. Listen attentively - Once, Indra, the king of gods, was wandering in Nandanvana. The atmosphere was filled with festivity. Gandharvas were singing and Gandharva Kanyas were dancing. Among them, a Gandharva Kanya named Pushpavati saw a Gandharva named Malyavana. Infatuated by him, she tried to captivate him with her gestures. Malyavana, equally enamoured by Pushpavati, lost his rhythm and tune in singing. Consequently, the harmony of the music was disrupted and the joy of the performance diminished. This lapse greatly displeased the Gods present in the assembly. Seeing this, Lord Indra also became angry. Music is a sacred practice and disrupting it is deemed sinful. In his wrath, Lord Indra cursed Pushpavati and Malyavana - 'Malyavana and Pushpavati, you have desecrated the sanctity of music and insulted Goddess Saraswati. Thus, you must descend to the mortal realm. By acting improperly and shamefully in the assembly of elders, you have also disrespected them. Therefore, your presence is no longer welcome in Indraloka. You shall now lead the life of degraded, wandering spirits.'

Hearing Lord Indra's curse, both Malyavana and Pushpavati became extremely sorrowful. They began to live in the Himalayas in the pitiable form of wandering spirits (Pisacha Yoni), enduring a life of immense suffering. They had no perception of smell, taste or touch, and were subjected to unbearable pain. Sleep eluded them both day and night. The environment around them was exceptionally cold, causing their hair to stand on end, their hands and feet to go numb and their teeth to chatter incessantly.

One day, the spirit said to his wife - 'I wonder what sins we committed in our past lives that have resulted in this miserable existence as wandering spirits. This form as a Pisacha is so agonizing that even the torments of hell would be preferable.' With such thoughts and lamentations, they continued to spend their days in sorrow and regret.

By the grace of the Lord, on the auspicious day of Jaya Ekadashi in the Shukla Paksha of Magha, both Malyavana and Pushpavati unknowingly observed a fast. They refrained from consuming any cooked food or engaging in any sinful deeds. Instead, they sustained themselves with only fruits and spent the day in sorrow under a Peepal tree. As the Sun set, they endured the bitter cold, clinging to each other to survive the night, which passed with great difficulty.

Next day, by the grace of God, both Malyavana and Pushpavati were freed from their form as Pisacha Yoni at dawn. They regained their beautiful celestial forms as an Apsara and a Gandharva, adorned in splendid garments and ornaments. They ascended to the Swargaloka, where the Gods and Gandharvas in the sky sang their praises. Afterwards, they went to Nagaloka and humbly bowed before Lord Indra, expressing their gratitude.

Lord Indra, upon seeing them restored to their original celestial forms, was greatly astonished. He asked - 'How were you freed from the Pisacha Yoni? Tell me each and every detail about it.'

Listening to Lord Indra's inquiry, Malyavana replied - 'O King of the Gods, Indra! By the grace of Lord Shri Hari and the merit earned by observing the fast of Jaya Ekadashi, we were liberated from the Pisacha Yoni.'

Lord Indra said - 'O Malyavana! By observing the Ekadashi fast and receiving the grace of Lord Shri Hari, you have both been purified and freed from the Pisacha Yoni. This makes you venerable to us as well, for devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are worthy of reverence from gods like us. Therefore, you are both blessed. Now, you may reside happily in Devaloka.'

O Arjuna! Observing the fast on Jaya Ekadashi easily liberates a person from inferior births. Whoever observes this Ekadashi fast is considered to have performed all austerities, Yajnas and charitable acts. Those who faithfully observe the Jaya Ekadashi fast will undoubtedly reside in heaven for a thousand years."

Synopsis (Katha Saar)

Music is a divine gift bestowed by Goddess Saraswati. It is a sacred practice and a profound art. Maintaining its sanctity is essential. Especially in a gathering where elders and teachers are present, one must exercise discipline and adhere to the decorum to ensure respect for the teachers. Disrespecting one's elders is considered a grave offense, leading one to endure the severest of punishments, even hell.