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Pandunandana Arjuna said - "O Lord! What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month and what are the rules for fasting on that day? What benefits can one obtain by observing the fast for this Ekadashi? O Krishna! please explain all of this to me."
Lord Shri Krishna said - "Hey Partha! The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada is known as Jayanti Ekadashi. By simply listening to the story of this Ekadashi, all sins are eliminated, and a person becomes deserving of heaven. Even the most wayward sinners find redemption through the tale of Jayanti Ekadashi. If a righteous person worships me on this day, I grant him the rewards of devotion from the entire world. Those who worship me attain my abode, there is no doubt about it. Worshipping Lord Shri Vamana on this Ekadashi also means honouring the three deities - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha. Hey Parth! Those who observe a fast on this Ekadashi find that there is nothing more required of them in this world. On this day, Lord Vishnu shifts his position, which is why it is also referred to as Parivartini Ekadashi."
On hearing this, Arjuna said - "O Janardana! As I listen to your words, I find myself confused about how you sleep and turn away. Why did you bind Bali and what Lilas did you engage in while taking the form of Vamana? What are the rules regarding Chaturmasya fasting and what should humans do during your period of rest? Please explain everything to me in detail."
Lord Krishna said - "O Arjuna, the son of Kunti! Now listen carefully to this story that dispels all sins. In the Treta Yuga, there was a demon named Bali. He was extremely devoted, generous, truthful, and served the Brahmins. He consistently performed Yajnas and penance. Due to the strength of his devotion, he began to rule in place of Indra in heaven. The other gods, including Indra, could not tolerate this and prayed to Lord Shri Hari for assistance. Ultimately, I took the form of Vamana, a radiant Brahmin boy, and defeated King Bali." Hearing this, Arjuna asked - "O Lilapati! How did you defeat Bali by taking the form of Vamana? Please tell me all this in detail."
Lord Krishna said - "I took the form of Vamana and requested King Bali - O King! Give me three steps of land and you will receive the result of giving the three worlds in charity.
King Bali agreed to my small request and was ready to donate the land. Once he gave me his word, I expanded my size, placing my foot on Bhuloka, my thigh in Bhuvarloka, my waist in Swargaloka, my stomach in Maharloka, my heart in Janaloka, my neck in Tapaloka and my face in Satyaloka, raising my head high. At that moment, the Sun, stars, Indra and other gods began to praise me. Then I asked King Bali, 'O King! Where shall I place my third step now?' Hearing this, King Bali lowered his head.
I placed my foot on his head and, for the benefit of the gods, sent my demon devotee to Patala Loka. He began to plead with me.
I said to him, O Bali! I will always be with you.
On the Ekadashi known as Parivartini, during the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada, one form of mine remains near King Bali while another rests on Sheshanaga in the ocean of milk."
On this Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu turns while sleeping.
On this day, Lord Vishnu, known as Triloki-Natha, is worshipped. It is customary to donate silver, rice and curd. Devotees should also stay awake throughout the night.
By observing this fast, a person is freed from all sins and can attain heaven. Those who listen to the story of this Ekadashi fast, which is said to eradicate sins, receive the merit equivalent to performing an Ashvamedha Yajna.
After making donations, one should remain humble. King Bali became arrogant and ended up in Patala. This teaches us that excess in any activity is inappropriate.
Aarti is one of the most important rituals of worshipping any deity. Ekadashi Aarti is a prayer dedicated to Goddess Ekadashi. This Aarti can be sung during Ekadashi fasting and on various occasions related to Ekadashi.
Here we have listed Ekadashi Timings and all the important FAQs related to the Ekadashi fasting so that devotees can avoid the most common mistakes made while observing Ekadashi Vrat.
Learn about the food during Ekadashi Fasting. Being careful while eating anything during the Ekadashi fast is highly important. Devotees can know here what they can eat and what they should avoid eating during Ekadashi fasting.
A complete list of Ekadashi dates is given here. Go through the Ekadashi fasting dates list here so that you never miss fasting on Ekadashi. Ekadashi fast is observed with great enthusiasm by the devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Goddess Ekadashi is considered as the Yoga Maya of Lord Vishnu. Utpanna Ekadashi is the greatest Ekadashi of all. On this day, Goddess Ekadashi was manifested to kill demon named Mura.
It is believed that Vaikuntha Dwaram is opened on this day and devotees who observe fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi attain salvation. This is a popular Ekadashi in Tamil calendar.
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive the special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. Consumption of water is prohibited during this fast.
Devutthana Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu beliefs, on this day Lord Vishnu wakes up from four months of Yogic sleep.
Utpanna Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi fasting is started from Utpanna Ekadashi.
ISKCON devotees can get the complete list of ISKCON Ekadashi fasting dates here. This list will prove highly informative and useful to those who observe the fast of Ekadashi as per the ISKCON.
