Parama Ekadashi Vrat Katha | Legends of Parama Ekadashi

Parama Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Arjuna said - "O Kamalanayana! Now, please tell me the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Adhika Masa (Launda month) and the rules for observing its fast. Which deity is worshipped on this day and what are the benefits of observing this fast?"

Lord Shri Krishna said - "O Arjuna! The name of this Ekadashi is Parama. By observing its fast, all sins are destroyed and a person attains happiness in this world and good fortune in the afterlife. This fast should be observed according to the previously mentioned rules and Lord Vishnu should be worshipped with Dhupa, Dipa, Naivedya, Pushpa, etc.

I will now tell you the sacred story of this Ekadashi, which took place in the city of Kampilya with the sages. Listen carefully - In the city of Kampilya, there lived an extremely righteous Brahmin named Sumedha. His wife was very pious and devoted to her husband. Due to some sins done in their past lives, the couple were living a life of extreme poverty.

Despite the Brahmin's pleas for alms, he received nothing. His wife, though she had no clothes, devoted herself to serving him. She prepared food for their guests while going hungry herself, never once asking her husband for anything. Both the husband and wife lived in extreme poverty.

One day, the Brahmin said to his wife - "Dear, when I ask the wealthy for money, they refuse to help me. A household cannot function without wealth. If you agree, I will go abroad to work, as scholars have praised the importance of hard work."

The Brahmani humbly said - "O Lord! I am your servant. A wife should fulfill whatever her husband says whether good or bad. A person reaps the fruits of their actions from previous lives. Even living on Mount Sumeru, one cannot obtain gold without the favour of destiny. Those who donate knowledge and land in their past lives will receive knowledge and land in their next lives. Whatever God has written in a person's destiny cannot be changed.

If a person does not donate, the Lord only provides them with food. Therefore, you should stay here, as I cannot bear the thought of your absence. Without a husband, a wife is criticised by her mother, father, brother, father-in-law and all her relatives. So, O Lord, please do not go anywhere; whatever is meant for us will come our way here."

Following his wife's advice, the Brahmin chose not to go abroad. As time passed, one day, Sage Kaundinya arrived.

On seeing the sage, the Brahmin Sumedha and his wife bowed to him and said - "Today we are truly blessed. Our lives have been fulfilled by your presence." They offered the sage a seat and a meal. After serving the food, the virtuous Brahmani expressed - "O revered sage! Please guide us on how to eliminate our poverty. I have discouraged my husband from going abroad to earn money, believing that your arrival is a sign of good fortune. I have complete faith that our poverty will soon be eradicated, so I kindly ask you to suggest a remedy."

Hearing the Brahmani, Sage Kaundinya said - "O Brahmani! By observing the Parama Ekadashi fast during the Krishna Paksha of Mala Masa (Adhika Masa), all sins, sorrows and poverty are eradicated. The person who observes this fast becomes wealthy. During this fast, one should stay awake at night, engaging in dancing, singing and other religious activities.

Lord Shankara made Kubera the lord of wealth by observing this fast. As a result of this fast, the truthful King Harishchandra regained his son, wife, and kingdom."

Sage Kaundinya then explained the entire procedure for the Ekadashi fast. He said - "O Brahmani! The Pancharatri Vrat is even more excellent than this. On the morning of Parama Ekadashi, after completing your daily rituals, you should begin the Pancharatri fast according to the prescribed procedure. Those who observe a waterless fast for five days will ascend to heaven with their parents and spouses. Those who eat in the evening during these five days will also go to heaven. If you bathe and feed Brahmins for five days, you will attain the merit equivalent to feeding the entire world. Donating horses during this fast grants you the merit of donating to all three worlds. If you donate sesame seeds to a worthy Brahmin, you will reside in Vishnu Loka for as many years as the number of seeds donated. Those who give a pot of Ghee will go to the Surya Loka. Remaining celibate for five days allows you to ascend to heaven alongside celestial nymphs. O Brahmani! You and your husband should observe this fast together. By doing so, you will surely attain success and ultimately, heaven."

According to Sage Kaundinya, the Brahmin and his wife observed the Parama Ekadashi fast for five days. Upon completing the fast, the Brahmin's wife saw a prince coming to their home.

Inspired by Lord Brahma, the prince provided the couple with a well-equipped house containing all the necessities for comfortable living. After that, he granted them a village to support their livelihood. As a result of this generosity, the Brahmin and his wife experienced endless happiness in their life and eventually ascended to heaven.

Lord Krishna said - O Arjuna! The person who observes the Parama Ekadashi fast attains the merit of all pilgrimages, Yajnas and similar deeds. Just as among two-legged beings the Brahmin is supreme, among four-legged beings the cow is revered and among deities, Indra is the best, similarly, among months, Adhika Masa (Launda month) is excellent. In this month, the Pancharatri Vrat is extremely meritorious. The Padmini and Parama Ekadashi fasts are also considered highly beneficial. By observing these fasts, all sins are destroyed. Therefore, even a poor person should definitely observe at least one fast. Those who do not bathe during Adhika Masa and neglect to observe the Ekadashi fast incur the sin of suicide. This human birth is obtained through great merit; hence, one should definitely observe the Ekadashi fast.

O son of Kunti, Arjuna! I have described in detail everything you asked. Now, observe these fasts with devotion. Those who observe the Parama Ekadashi fast during the Adhika Masa (Launda month) will go to heaven, enjoy pleasures like the king of gods, Indra and become revered in all three worlds."

Synopsis (Katha Saar)

The Lord undoubtedly grants grace to those who honour Brahmins, sages and virtuous individuals. Attaining wealth (Shri Lakshmi) does not happen simply by seeking it; it requires diligent effort. When effort is made with sincerity and determination, it is surely rewarded by the grace of God.