Glories of Ekadashi
The day of Ekadasi is considered very auspicious. It is a day of fasting. It is meant for practicing austerities for a divine purpose.
The spell of material identity conditions us to a limited conception of life circumscribed by birth and death and replete with interminable problems. The wise humans recognise this constricted state and contemplate freedom. If such thoughtful persons encounter the teachings of Lord Chaitanya through a bonaifed Guru in His lineage, then a path of blissful austerity that leads to the highest dimension of blissful spiritual existence opens up before them.
The specific significance of these incarnations is that to prosecute their ways of self-realization is simply joyful, ‘ānanda-kanda.’ They introduced chanting and dancing…Lord Caitanya, Nityānanda, introduced some process, which is simply joyful: simply chant and dance. Kevalaānanda-kanda.
Purport to ‘ParamaKaruna’ a song written by HDG Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura by HDG A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada
The path shown by Lord Chaitanya is the path of Bhakti or transcendental loving service to Lord Krishna. In his purport to Bhagavad-Gita chapter 9, verse 2, Srila Prabhupada writes,
“The process of devotional service, of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, is the king of all education and the king of all confidential knowledge. It is the purest form of religion, and it can be executed joyfully without difficulty. Therefore one should adopt it.”
Excerpt From: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
“Bhagavad-gita As It Is – Macmillan 1972 Edition –9.2
Ekadasi is one of the blissful austerities that Lord Chaitanya taught as the means to rekindle pure devotional service in the heart. HDG Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura has written in his song ‘Śuddha-bhakata’
mādhava-tithi, bhakti-jananī,
jatanepālanakori
“With great care I observe holy days like Ekādaśī and Janmāṣṭamī, for they are the mother of devotion.”
HDG Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura: ‘Śuddha-bhakata’ verse 2
Ekadasi is calculated by the lunar calendar. The 11th day of the waxing moon and the 11th day of the waning moon are called Ekadasi. From time immemorial these two days of the month are accepted as days of fasting and intensifying spiritual activities.
“One should observe fasting on Ekadasi day, the eleventh day after the full moon and the eleventh day after the new moon, when no grains, cereals or beans are eaten. Simple vegetables and milk are taken in moderate amounts, and chanting of Hare Krishna, reading Scripture, etc. is increased.”
Excerpt From: His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
“Teachings of Lord Chaitanya.”
Part I,
Chapter 12
“In the Brahma-vaivartaPurāṇa it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekādaśī day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life.The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one’s faith and love for Govinda, or Kṛṣṇa.The real reason for observing fasting on Ekādaśī is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly.”
Excerpt From: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
“The Nectar of Devotions.”
Part I,
Chapter 7
“Ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa is also aroused on the days of Ekādaśī, which are other festive days in connection with Kṛṣṇa.”
Excerpt From: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
“The Nectar of Devotion.”
Part II,
Chapter 26
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
11-March-2025
Amalaki Ekadashi
चैत्र
March
Shukla Paksh
About This Ekadashi
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
27-Mar-25
Papamochani Ekadashi
चैत्र
March/April
Krishna Paksh
About This Ekadashi
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
9-Apr-25
Kamada Ekadashi
चैत्र
March/April
Shukla Paksh
About This Ekadashi
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
25-April-2025
Varuthini Ekadashi
वैशाख
April/May
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaj said, “Oh Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You.
Please now describe to me the Ekadasi of the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May), including its specific merits and influence.”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “Oh King, in this world and the next, the most auspicious and magnanimous Ekadasi is Varathini Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaisakha.
Whosoever observes a complete fast on this sacred day has his sins completely removed, obtains continuous happiness, and achieves all good fortune.
Fasting on Varathini Ekadasi makes even an unfortunate woman fortunate.
Upon anyone who observes it, this Ekadasi bestows material enjoyment in this life and liberation after the death of this present body.
It destroys the sins of all and saves people from the miseries of repeated rebirth.
By observing this Ekadasi properly, King Mandhata was liberated
Many other kings also benefited from observing it, kings such as Maharaja Dhundhumara, in the Ikshvaku dynasty, who became free from leprosy resulting from the curse that Lord Shiva had imposed upon him as a punishment.
Whatever merit one obtains by performing austerities and penances for ten thousand years is achieved by a person who observes Varuthinii Ekadasi.
The merit one achieves by donating a great amount of gold during a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra is gained by one who observes this one Ekadasi with love and devotion, and certainly attains his goals in this life and the next.
In short, this Ekadasi is pure and very enlivening and the destroyer of all sins.
Better than giving horses in charity is giving elephants, and better than giving elephants is giving land.
But better still than giving land is the giving of sesame seeds, and better than that is giving of gold.
Still better than giving gold is giving food grains for all the forefathers, demigods (devas), and human beings become satisfied by eating grains.
Thus there is no better gift of charity than this in the past, present or future.
Yet learned scholars have declared that giving away a young maiden in marriage to a worthy person is equal to giving away food grains in charity.
Moreover, Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, has said that giving cows in charity is equal to giving food grains.
Still better than all these charities is teaching spiritual knowledge to the ignorant.
Yet all the merits one can attain by performing all these acts of charity are attained by one who fasts on the Varuthini Ekadasi.
One who lives off the wealth of his daughters suffers a hellish condition until the inundation of the entire universe, Oh Bharata.
Therefore one should be especially careful not to use the wealth of his daughter.
Oh best of kings, any householder who takes his daughter’s wealth out of greed, who tries to sell his daughter, or who takes money from the man to whom he has given his daughter in marriage such a householder becomes a lowly cat in his next life.
Therefore it is said that whoever, as a sacred act of charity, gives away in marriage a maiden decorated with various ornaments, and who also gives a dowry with her, obtains merit that cannot be described even by Chitragupta, the chief secretary of Yamaraja in the heavenly planets.
That very same merit, however, can be easily achieved by one who fasts on the Varuthini Ekadasi.
The following things should be given up on the Dashami, (the tenth phase of the Moon), the day before the Ekadasi:
Eating on bell-metal plates, eating any kind of urad-dahl, eating red-lentils, eating chick-peas, eating kondo (a grain that is primarily eaten by poor people and that resembles poppy seeds or agarpanthas seeds), eating spinach, eating honey, eating in another person’s house/home, eating more than once, and participating in sex of any kind.
On the Ekadasi itself one should give up the following:
gambling, sports, sleeping during the daytime, betal nuts and its leaf, brushing one’s teeth, spreading rumours, faultfinding, talking to the spiritually fallen, anger, and lying.
On the Dwadasi the day after Ekadasi (the twelfth phase of the Moon), one should give up the following:
eating on bell-metal plates, eating urad-dahl, red-lentils, or honey, lying, strenuous exercise or labour, eating more than once, any sexual activity, shaving the body, face or head, smearing oils on one’s body, and eating in another’s home.
Lord Sri Krishna continued, “Whoever observes the Varuthini Ekadasi in this way becomes free from all sinful reactions and returns to the eternal, spiritual abode.
One who worships Lord Janardana (Krishna) on this Ekadasi by staying awake throughout the entire night, also becomes free from all his previous sins and attains to the spiritual abode.
Therefore, Oh king, he who is frightened of his accumulated sins and their attendant reactions, and thus of death itself, must observe Varuthini Ekadasi by fasting very strictly.
“Finally, Oh noble Yudhisthira, he who hears or reads this glorification of the sacred Varuthini Ekadasi obtains the merit earned by donating one thousand cows in charity, and at last he returns home, to the Supreme abode of Lord Vishnu in the Vaikunthas.
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
9-May-2025
Mohini Ekadashi
वैशाख
April/May
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
The glories of Mohini Ekadashi are narrated in the Kurma Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Yudhisthira Maharaja enquired from Lord Krishna. He said, “O Janardana! What is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the bright fortnight (sukla paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May)? What is the process for observing it? Kindly narrate to me.”
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna replied, “Oh blessed son of Dharma, I shall now describe to you what Vasishtha Muni once told Lord Ramachandra. Please hear attentively.
“Lord Ramachandra asked Vasishtha Muni, ‘O great sage, I would like to hear about the best of all fasting days, that day which destroys all sins and sorrows. I have suffered long in separation from My dear Sita, and I wish to learn from you how My suffering may end.’
“Sage Vasishtha replied, ‘O Lord Rama! O One of keen intelligence! Merely by remembering Your name one can cross the ocean of material miseries! You have only questioned me to benefit all humanity and for fulfilling everyone’s desires. Let me describe that day of fasting which purifies the whole world. That auspicious day O Rama is known as Vaisakha-Shukla Ekadashi, which falls on a Dvadasi. This sin eliminating Ekadashi is famous as Mohini Ekadashi.
‘Truly, O Lord, this Ekadashi frees the fortunate soul who observes it, from the network of material illusion. Therefore, if You wish to dispel Your sufferings, observe this auspicious Ekadashi perfectly, for it removes all obstacles from one’s path and allays great miseries.
Kindly listen as I describe its glories, for merely hearing about this auspicious Ekadashi, neutralizes reactions to the greatest sins.
Dhanapala
‘On the banks of the River Sarasvati, there was once a beautiful city named Bhadravati ruled by King Dyutiman. O Rama! That steadfast, truthful, and highly intelligent king was born in the dynasty of the Moon (Chandra-vamsa).
‘In his kingdom was a merchant named Dhanapala, who possessed a great deal of wealth and food grains. He was also very pious. Dhanapala arranged for lakes to be dug, sacrificial arenas to be erected, and beautiful gardens to be cultivated for the benefit of all the citizens of Bhadravati. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu.He had five sons: Sumana, Dyutiman, Medhavi, Sukriti, and Dhrishthabuddhi.
The Sinful Son
‘Unfortunately, Dhrishthabuddhi was very sinful. He slept with
prostitutes and associated with degraded persons.He disrespected demigods (devas), Brahmins, forefathers, community elders, as well as family guests. The evil Dhrishthabuddhi spent his father’s wealth indiscriminately, feasting on untouchable foods and alcohol.
‘One day, Dhanapala saw him walking on the road arm-in-arm with a known prostitute and evicted him from the house. All of Dhrishthabuddhi’s relatives severely criticized him and distanced themselves from him. He sold all his inherited ornaments and become destitute. Even the prostitute insulted him for his poverty and abandoned him.
‘Hungry and gripped with anxiety, he wondered what he would do, where he would go and how he would maintain himself. Eventually, he became a thief. The king’s constables arrested him many times, but on learning that his father was the famous Dhanapala, released him.
‘At last, sick of his arrogance and disrespect for others and their property, the ill-mannered Dhrishthabuddhi was apprehended, handcuffed, and beaten. After having whipped him, the king’s marshals gravely declared, “O Evil minded one! There is no place for you in this kingdom.”
Dhrishthabuddhi Subsists in the Forest
‘However, Dhrishthabuddhi was freed from his tribulation by his father and immediately afterward entered a dense forest. He wandered here and there, hungry and thirsty and suffering greatly. Eventually, he began killing the jungle animals – lions, deer, wild boars, and even wolves for food.
‘Always ready with his bow and a quiver full of arrows, he killed numerous birds, such as chakoras, peacocks, kankas, doves, and pigeons without hesitation. Sinful results accumulated each day. Adding to his previous sinful reactions, he was now immersed in an ocean of sin so vast that he could apparently never escape.
Good Fortune Strikes Dhrishthabuddhi
‘Dhrishthabuddhi was always miserable and anxious, but one day, during the month of Vaisakha, by good fortune, he chanced upon the sacred hermitage of Kaundinya Muni. The great sage had just finished bathing in the Ganges River, and water was still dripping from him. By good fortune, Dhrishthabuddhi touched some of those droplets of water falling from the sage’s wet clothing. Dhrishthabuddhi was instantly freed from his ignorance, and his sinful reactions mitigated.
Offering his humble obeisances unto Kaundinya Muni, Dhrishthabuddhi prayed to him with folded hands, “O great Brahmana! I have committed many sins in my life and now I am very poor. Please prescribe me atonement that I may perform without difficulty.” The great rishi replied, “O son! Listen with attention, for by hearing me you will be free of all your remaining sins and your life will change. In the bright fortnight of this very month, Vaisakha (April-May) there occurs the sacred Mohini Ekadashi, which has the power to nullify sins as great and heavy as Mount Sumeru. If you follow my advice and faithfully observe a fast on this Ekadashi, which is so dear to Lord Hari, you will be freed from all the sinful reactions of many, many births.”
‘Hearing these words with great joy, Dhrishthabuddhi promised to observe a fast on Mohini Ekadashi according to the sage’s instructions. O best of kings! O Ramachandra Bhagavan! By fasting completely on Mohini Ekadashi, the once sinful Dhrishthabuddhi, the prodigal son of the merchant Dhanapala, became sinless. Thereafter he achieved a beautiful transcendental form and, free of all obstacles, rode upon the carrier of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, to the eternal abode of the Supreme Lord.
‘O Ramachandra! Fasting on Mohini Ekadashi removes the darkest illusory attachments to material existence. There is thus no better fast day in all the three worlds than this.’”
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira! there is no place of pilgrimage, no sacrifice, and no charity that can bestow merit comparable to even one-sixteenth the merit a faithful devotee of Mine obtains by observing Mohini Ekadashi. He who hears and studies the glories of Mohini Ekadashi achieves the merit of giving one thousand cows in charity.
Thus ends the Kurma Purana narration of Mohini Ekadashi.
24-May-2025
Apara Ekadashi
ज्येष्ठ
May/June
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is considered very powerful in eliminating sinful reactions. This article describes the benefits of following this Ekadashi as narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira in the Brahmanda Purana.
The following narration of Apara Ekadashi is found in the Brahmanda Purana. King Yudhisthira inquired from Lord Krishna about this most auspicious of Ekadashis. Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “O Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June)? I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari. Please narrate them to me.”
Lord Sri Krishna appreciating the query said, “O king, your question is wonderful because the answer will benefit the entire human society.” He then began to relate the glory of Apara Ekadashi, “This Ekadashi is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be effaced by observing it. O great saintly king, the name of this unlimitedly commendable Ekadashi is Apara Ekadashi.
“One who fasts on this holy day gains universal fame. Even such sins as killing a brahmana, a cow, or an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another’s wife are completely counteracted by observing Apara Ekadashi.” These are all extremely abominable acts in human society, but by fasting for Apara Ekadashi the reactions can be eliminated. When Apara Ekadashi is observed in the right spirit of devotion to Krishna, it burns away sinful reactions. That is the power of devotion to Krishna.
Lord Krishna continued, “O king, those who bear false witness are most sinful. A person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another; one who cheats in weighing on a scale; one who fails to observe the principles of his Varna or Ashrama; one who fabricates scriptures; a charlatan astrologer, a cheating accountant, or a false doctor- all these are surely destined for hellish punishments. But simply by observing Apara Ekadashi, all such sinners are freed of their sinful reactions.” Integrity is a very important aspect of human dealings. Lord Krishna emphasises this in this passage. Observing Apara Ekadashi transforms the consciousness of even the most sinful people to become Krishna’s devotees. Then their sinful reactions are dispelled.
It is a Vedic principle for a kshatriya (person from the military class) to never run away from the battlefield (yuddhe capyapalayanam). Lord Krishna said, “Warriors who flee the battlefield are sent to a ferocious hell. But, O Yudhishthira, even such a fallen Kshatriya freed of that great sinful reaction goes to heaven if he fasts on Apara Ekadashi. A disciple who after receiving transcendental knowledge from the Guru, turns around and blasphemes him, is the greatest sinner. Such a so-called disciple is given unlimited suffering. But even such a rascal can attain the spiritual world by merely observing Apara Ekadashi.” The laws of nature governing warriors and students are very strict. Warriors have to be chivalrous and students extremely respectful towards their spiritual master. The power of observing Apara Ekadashi is the power of devotion that underlies its observance.
Lord Krishna continued, “Listen, to further glories of this amazing Ekadashi. The merit attained by observing Apara Ekadashi is equal to the merit of performing the following activities:
Bathing three times daily in Pushkara-kshetra during Kartika (October-November); bathing at Prayag in the month of Magha (January-February) when the sun is in the zodiac of Capricorn; serving Lord Shiva at Varanasi (Benares) during Shivaratri; offering oblations to one’s forefathers at Gaya; bathing in the sacred Gautami River when Jupiter transits Leo (Simha); having darshan of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath; seeing Lord Badrinath when the Sun transits the
sign of Aquarius (Kumbha); bathing in Kurukshetra at the time of a solar eclipse and giving cows, elephants, and gold in charity. A person who observes Apara Ekadashi gains the merit of performing all these pious acts. One who fasts on this day also attains the merit of donating a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land.” Holy places and astrological calculations are very important in performing Vedic pious activities. The Lord enumerates many pious activities, which are still followed by millions in India. But, the devotional activity of observing Apara Ekadashi bestows all the benefits provided by these pious activities.
The Lord using evocative imagery said, “Apara Ekadashi is an axe that cuts down the forest full of trees of mature sinful deeds, it is a forest fire that burns away trees of sins, it is the glowing sun that removes the darkness of one’s misdeeds, and it is a lion that stalks the meek deer of impiety.” The Lord said in summary, “Therefore, O Yudhishthira, whoever truly fears his past and present sins must observe Apara Ekadashi very strictly.” The Lord mentioned the result of not observing this Ekadashi, “One who does not observe this fast must be born again in the material world, like a bubble among millions in a vast water body, or like a small ant among other species.” The Lord concluded, “Therefore one must faithfully observe the sacred Apara Ekadashi and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Trivikrama. One who does so is freed of all his sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Vishnu. O Bharata, I have thus described to you this the importance of the holy Apara Ekadashi for the benefit of all humanity. Anyone who hears or reads this description is certainly freed from all kinds of sins, oh best of saintly kings, Yudhishthira.”
It is on Apara Ekadashi that Lord Trivikrama (Vamana) took away the whole universe from Bali Maharaja with His gigantic steps.
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
8-June-2025
Nirjala Ekadashi
ज्येष्ठ
May/June
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Narration from the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana
Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi
Ekadashi is an important day in the lives of devotees of Lord Krishna. It’s a day of austerities and intensified devotional practices. These recommended days of fasting are meant for learning to transcend the bodily needs, especially food, and fix one’s consciousness on one’s constitutional position as a loving servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.
Of all Ekadashis, the Jyestha Shukla Ekadashi, which falls in the hottest time of the year called Grishma ritu, is hardest for observing austerities. The summer is at its peak in the northern hemisphere and water is essential. On this Ekadashi one is supposed to fast not only without food but also without water. The glory of this Ekadashi is described in the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana in a conversation between Veda Vyasa and Bhimasena.
Story of Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi
Once Bhimasena, asked the Srila Vyasadeva, the grandfather of the Pandavas, whether it was possible to return to the spiritual world without having observed fasting for Ekadashis.
Bhimasena said to Vyasadeva, “O learned grandfather, my brothers Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, my dear mother Kunti as well as my beloved wife Draupadi, all fast on each Ekadashi, strictly following all the regulative injunctions of that sacred day. They tell me to fast as well. But, learned grandfather, it is impossible for me to live without eating, because being the son of Vayudeva, I am unable to bear hunger. I can give charity and worship Lord Keshava with all kinds of upacharas (items) but I cannot fast on Ekadashi. Please tell me how I may obtain the merits of observing Ekadashis without fasting.”
Vyasadeva said, “If you want to ascend to the spiritual world, you must observe Ekadashi on both the dark and the light fortnights.” Bhima protested, “Learned grandsire, I cannot live if I eat just once a day, then how can I fast? Within my stomach burns the agni (fire) called Vrika – the fire of digestion. Only when I eat heartily at every meal, is this Vrika agni satisfied. O great sage! I would be able to fast only once in a year so I beg you to please tell me about that Ekadashi fasting on which my obligation for fasting on all other Ekadashis is fulfilled. I shall faithfully observe that Ekadashi and become eligible for liberation.”
Vyasadeva replied, “You should fast without drinking even water on the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) at the time of Mithuna Sankranti when the sun travels from the sign of Vrishabha (Taurus ) to Mithuna (Gemini). One must certainly not eat anything, for if he does so he breaks his fast. This rigid fast is in effect from sunrise on the Ekadashi day to sunrise on the Dwadasi day. If a person endeavours to observe this great fast very strictly, he easily achieves the result of observing all twenty-four other Ekadashi fasts throughout the entire year.
“O Vrikodara (voracious eater), whoever fasts on this Ekadashi in one instance receives the merits of bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, giving profuse charities to worthy persons, and fasting on all the dark and light Ekadashis throughout the year. Yamadutas will not approach him at death. Rather, the Vishnu-dutas will take him to the supreme abode of Vishnu.”
When the other Pandavas heard about the benefits of following Jyeshtha-Shukla Ekadashi, they resolved to observe it as well. On this Ekadashi, they would refrain from eating or drinking anything, and thus it came to be known as ‘Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi.’
Srila Vyasadeva instructed Bhima to engage in japa (chanting of the Lord’s holy names) on this Ekadashi day and on the next give charity to brahmanas and serve them prasadam. Bhima could then break his fast, taking prasadam with a brahmana. Vyasadeva extolled this perfomance of Ekadashi saying by observing it as recommended hundred previous generation would be liberated even if they may have been very sinful.
Srila Vyasadeva concluded, “I strongly urge you to fast on this auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring Ekadashi in just the way I have outlined. Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the supreme abode.” He assured Bhima that the performance of this Ekadashi would be very pleasing to the supreme Lord, Keshava.
23-June-2025
Yogini Ekadashi, Vaishnava Yogini Ekadashi
आषाढ़
June/July
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
The glories of Ashada-Krishna Ekadashi, or Yogini Ekadashi, are found in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Yudhishthira’s Question
Yudhisthira Maharaj asked Lord Krishna, “O Supreme Lord, I have heard the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi that occur during the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (May – June). Would you kindly now tell me of the Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Ashada (June – July) O Madhusudana?”
Lord Krishna Replies
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, replied, “O king, I shall certainly relate to you of this, the best day of fasting. It is the Ekadashi that occurs in the dark fortnight of the month of Ashada. It is known as Yogini Ekadashi. It eradicates all kinds of sinful reactions and bestows ultimate liberation.
“O best of kings, this Ekadashi delivers people drowning in the perilous ocean of material existence taking them to the shore of the spiritual world. In the three worlds, it is the chief of sacred fasting days. You will realize this truth by hearing a historical account from the Puranas.
The History of Hemamali
“The king of Alakapuri – Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods – was a steadfast devotee of lord Shiva. He had a servant named Hemamali who was his personal gardener. Hemamali, a Yaksha like Kuvera, however, was deeply attached to his attractive wife, Swarupavati, who had large, enchanting eyes.
“Hemamali’s was tasked with bringing flowers from Lake Manasarovara for his master, Kuvera to worship Lord Shiva. Once after picking flowers, Hemamali instead of going to his master, went to his wife. Absorbed in sense gratification with Swarupavati, he forgot to deliver the flowers to Kuvera.
Hemamali Cursed
“O king, as Hemamali enjoyed his wife, Kuvera began his usual worship of Lord Shiva in his palace. Soon enough he realized the flowers for the midday puja were missing. Unable to perform this important upachara (offering) Kuvera got angry and ordered a messenger to find out why the dirty-hearted Hemamali had not yet returned. The messenger brought back the news that Hemamali was busy enjoying sex with his wife.
“Kuvera, livid with rage demanded the lowly Hemamali come before him at once. In great apprehension, the negligent Hemamali timidly approached his master. The gardener offered obeisances and stood shuddering before his lord whose eyes were blazing and lips trembling with rage. Kuvera screamed at Hemamali, ‘Sinful rascal! Destroyer of religious principles! You are an offense in the name devas! I curse you to suffer white leprosy and be separated from your wife! You deserve only the greatest suffering! Lowborn fool! Leave this place this instant and fall into the nether planets to suffer!’
“Hemamali immediately fell from Alakapuri afflicted with white leprosy. He found himself in a dense fearsome forest, with nothing to eat or drink. In great misery, he was unable to sleep at night due to pain. He suffered in the winter and summer, but worshiping Lord Shiva with faith, his consciousness remained steady. In that condition, he remembered his past life due to piety.
Hemamali Meets Markandeya Rishi
“Wandering over mountains and plains, Hemamali eventually reached the expansive Himalayan mountain range. There, by good fortune, he met the saintly Markandeya Rishi, the best of ascetics, whose is said to have the lifespan of seven days of Brahma (One day of Brahma is 1000 maha yugas or 4, 300,000, 000 earthly years).
“Markandeya Rishi sat peacefully at his Ashrama, effulgent as though a second Brahma. Feeling himself very sinful Hemamali, stood afar and offered humble obeisances and suitable prayers to the exalted sage. Ever the well-wisher, Markandeya Rishi called the leper to approach him and asked, ‘What sinful deeds have brought you to this dreadful condition?’
“Hemamali pained and ashamed replied, ‘Dear sir, I am a Yaksha, a servant of lord Kuvera, and my name is Hemamali. It was my daily service to pick flowers from Manasarovara Lake for my master to worship Lord Shiva, but one day I was negligent and got late in bringing the flowers being overwhelmed with enjoying lusty bodily pleasures with my wife. When my master discovered why I was late, he was angry and cursed me to be as I am before you. I am bereft of home, wife, and service. Fortunately, I found you, and now am hopeful of receiving an auspicious benediction, for I know that devotees like you are as merciful as the Supreme Lord and naturally bear the interest of others uppermost in your hearts. O best of sages, please help me!’
Hemamali Blessed
“The soft-hearted Markandeya Rishi replied, ‘Since you have unhesitatingly spoken the truth, I shall tell you about a day of fasting that will greatly benefit you. If you fast on the Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Ashada, you will be freed from this terrible curse.’ Hearing the remedy of his abysmal woes, Hemamali fell to the ground in deep gratitude and repeatedly offered humble obeisances to the great sage. Markandeya Rishi lifted Hemamali to his feet, filling him with inexpressible joy.
“As instructed by the sage, Hemamali observed the Ekadashi fast and assumed his previous, handsome Yaksha body. He then returned home, where he lived happily with his wife.”
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “You can see, O Yudhishthira, that fasting on Yogini Ekadasi is very auspicious. Whatever merit is earned by feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmanas is obtained simply by observing a strict fast on Yogini Ekadashi. This sacred Ekadashi destroys heaps of past sinful reactions and makes the performer most pious. O King, this is the glory of the pure Yogini Ekadasi.”
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
7-July-2025
Devshayani Ekadashi
आषाढ़
June/July
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Shayana Ekadasi is glorified in the scripture Bhavishyottara Purana.
There Lord Krishna narrates a conversation between Lord Brahma and Narada Rishi to King Yudhishthira.
Lord Brahma told Narada about the pastime of a great king in the Satya Yuga. The king was a very pious person, keenly concerned for the welfare of his citizens. He was a strict follower of the Vedic scriptures and was guided by eminent brahmanas. His piety and religiosity were the cause of great prosperity in his kingdom and there was no pestilence, drought or disease.
The name of this righteous ruler was Mandhata.
Once, however, his kingdom suffered from three years of drought. This led to great hardship among his subjects and many began leaving his kingdom. Some of the citizens approached the king and pleaded with him to mitigate the situation. The king was anxious to know the cause of this problem which had come even though he carefully followed all scriptural directions.
He embarked on a journey into the forests seeking sages who could advise him on the matter. Eventually, he met the great sage Angira Muni in his hermitage. Sage Angira was effulgent as Lord Brahma himself.
The king offered respects to the Sage and said, “O great sage! My kingdom is going through a terrible drought. I strictly follow Vedic injunctions. I am unable to ascertain the reason for this drought. I have come here to seek your help in solving this mystery. Kindly help me relieve the suffering of my subjects.”
The sage replied, “O King! An unqualified, untrained person is performing Vedic sacrifices in your kingdom. This is the cause of the drought. If you want to relieve the kingdom of drought, you must kill this person.”
The righteous king replied, “Learned Sage! How can I kill an inoffensive person engaged in austerity and sacrifice? Could you kindly give me a spiritual solution?”
The great sage Angira Muni then said, “O King! You should observe a fast on the Ekadasi falling in the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the month of Ashadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi, and by its influence, there will be sufficient rains and your kingdom will be abundant with grain and food.”
King Mandhata then observed Ashada Shukla Ekadasi, by fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu. All the denizens of the kingdom also observed this Ekadasi and soon there was sufficient rainfall which brought abundant grains. The kingdom flourished again and everyone became prosperous.
Ashadha Shukla Paksha Ekadasi is known as Devshayani Ekadasi or Shayana Ekadasi. Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on this day and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadasi.
_________________________________________________________________________
The glories of Ashada-Shukla Ekadashi – also known as Padma Ekadashi or Deva-shayana Ekadashi – are found in the Bhavishyottara Purana in a conversation between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira.
Yudhishthira Maharaj, the saintly king, asked Lord Krishna, “O Keshava, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Ashada (June – July)? Who is the presiding Deity of the auspicious day, and what are the observances of this day?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O caretaker of the Earth, I shall narrate to you a historical event that Lord Brahma once related to his son Narada when he asked him about this Ekadashi.
“Lord Brahma said, ‘O exalted seer, best of sages, pure devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is highly beneficial to humanity. There is no day better than Ekadashi, the day of Lord Sri Hari, in this or any other world for it nullifies the greatest sins of the sincere observer.
“’Fasting on this Ekadashi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all one’s desires. Hence, those who neglect to observe this sacred day of fasting are likely candidates for hell. Ashada-Shukla Ekadashi is also famous as Padma Ekadashi. In order to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha-master of the senses-one must fast on this day. Listen carefully, O Narada, as I relate to you a wonderful historical event from the scriptures regarding this Ekadashi. Merely hearing this account destroys all sins, as well as hindrances in the path of spiritual perfection.
“‘O son, there was once a saintly king in the Surya Vamsha (Sun Dynasty) named Mandhata. He always stood for righteousness and was therefore appointed the emperor. He cared for his subjects as family members and children. On account of his piety and devout religiosity, there were no hazards like pestilence, drought, or disease in his entire kingdom. Not only this, the subjects lived in much opulence. His treasury had no ill-gotten monies, and so he ruled happily for many years.
“‘Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three continuous years. The kingdom was beset with famine. Due to lack of food grains citizens were unable to perform prescribed Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations of ghrita (ghee) to forefathers and the devas(demigods), engage in ritualistic worship, or even study Vedic literature. Finally, in a great assembly, they addressed the king thus, “O king, you have always seen to our welfare, so now we humbly beg your assistance. In this world water is an essential need. Without it, almost everything becomes lifeless. The Vedas term water ‘nara’, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps on an ocean of water, He is called Narayana- The Lord who resides on water! It is said three things cannot exist without water-pearls, humans, and dough. The essential quality of a pearl is luster, which is due to water. The essence of man is semen, mainly constituted of water, and without water, flour cannot be made into dough and cooked into various forms of bread. Sometimes water is called ‘Jala-Narayana’- the Supreme Lord as life sustaining water. In His form as clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours rains, from which grow grains that maintain living entities. O king, severe drought has caused a great dearth of essential grains and we are all miserable. Even the population is diminishing as people die or leave the kingdom. O best ruler on Earth, please resolve this crisis and restore peace and prosperity.”
“‘The king replied, “What You say is right, for grains are like Brahman. The Absolute Truth lives within grains and sustains all beings. Scriptures tell why a kingdom suffers from drought. They say that if a king is irreligious both he and his subjects undergo sufferings. I have pondered over this problem for long, but studying my past and present I can honestly say that I have committed no sin. Still, for your good, I will fervently try to remedy the situation.”
“‘King Mandhata then gathered his entourage, paid obeisances to me, and entered the forest. He wandered about, seeking great sages in Ashrams and inquired about resolving his kingdom’s crisis. Eventually, he arrived at the ashram of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence spread in all directions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like another Brahma. King Mandhata was very pleased to see the exalted sage, whose senses were fully controlled. The king dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Angira Muni. With joined palms, he prayed for the Muni’s blessings. The exalted sage blessed the king with sacred mantras and asked him after the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom.’”
The seven limbs of a king’s domain are
1. the king himself;
2. the ministers;
3. his treasury;
4. his military forces;
5. his allies;
6. the Brahmins;
7. the sacrificial performances for fulfilling the needs of the subjects.
“’After telling the sage about the state of the seven limbs of his kingdom King Mandhata inquired after the sage’s own well-being. Then Angira Muni asked the reason why the king had undertaken the difficult journey into the forest. The king told him of the severe drought in his kingdom. He said, “O great sage, I rule my kingdom strictly underVedic injunctions. I do not know why we still suffer from drought. I seek your help in resolving this crisis. Please help me relieve the sufferings of my subjects.”
“‘Angira Rishi said, “The present age, Satya yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age all four legs (Truthfulness, Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness) of Dharma are intact. Brahmins are respected as the topmost members of society, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only the twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penances. Although this is the Vedic standard, O lion among kings, there is a shudra (uninitiated, untrained person) who is unlawfully performing rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom. This is the reason there is no rain in your land. You must punish this person with death, in order to remove the contamination inflicted by his actions and restore peace to your subjects.”
“’The king replied, “I feel incapable of killing an in offesive performer of austerity and sacrifice? I request you to please give me a spiritual alternative.” The great sage Angira Muni then said, “O king, in that case, you must observe a fast on the Ekadashi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Ashada.This auspicious day is called Padma Ekadashi. By performance of the austerities prescribed for this Ekadashi, sufficient rains and abundant grains will return to your kingdom. This Ekadashi bestows life’s perfection upon its faithful observers, removing all obstacles in their spiritual journey. O king, you along with your relatives, and subjects should together observe this sacred Ekadashi fast. Everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal.
22-July-2025
Kamika Ekadashi
श्रावण
July/August
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
The saintly king Yudhisthira maharaj said, “Oh Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the glories of fasting on Deva-sayani Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha.
Now I would like to hear from You the glories of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Shravana (July -August).
Oh Govindadeva, please be merciful to me and explain its glories.
Oh Supreme Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You.
The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, replied, “Oh King, please listen attentively as I describe the auspicious influence of this Holy fast (vrata) day, which removes all sins.
Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma about this same topic.
‘Oh regent of all beings,’ said Naradji, ‘Oh you who sit upon a water born lotus throne, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the sacred month of Shravana.
Please also tell me which Deity is to be worshipped on that Holy day, the process one must follow to observe it, and the merit it awards.’
Lord Brahma replied, ‘My dear son Narada, for the benefit of all humanity I shall happily tell you everything you wish to know, for just hearing the glories of the Kamika Ekadasi bestows merit equal to that obtained by one who performs a horse sacrifice.
Certainly, great merit is attained by one who worships, and who also meditates on the lotus feet of the four-armed Lord Gadadhara, who holds conchshell, disc, club and lotus in His hands and who is also known as Shridhara, Hari, Vishnu, Madhava, and Madhusudana.
And the blessings achieved by such a person / devotee, who worships Lord Vishnu exclusively are far greater than those achieved by one who takes a sacred bath in the Ganges at Kashi (Varanasi), in the forest of Naimisharanya, or at Pushkara, which is the only place on the planet where I am formally worshipped.
But one who observes this Kamika Ekadasi and also worships Lord Shri Krishna achieves greater merit than one who has darshan of Lord Kedaranatha in the Himalayas, or one who bathes at Kurukshetra during a solar eclipse, or one who donates the whole Earth in charity, including its forests and oceans, or one who bathes in the Gandaki River (where the sacred Shaligrams are found) or the Godavari River on a full moon (purnima) day that falls on a Monday when Leo (Simha) and Jupiter (Guru) are conjoined (conjunct).
‘Observing Kamika Ekadasi bestows the same merit as donating a milk-cow and her auspicious calf, along with their feed.
On this all auspicious day, whosoever worships Lord Sri Shridhara-deva, Vishnu, is glorified by all the devas, Gandharvas, Pannagas, and Nagas.
‘Those who are afraid of their past sins and completely immersed in sinful materialistic life should at least observe this best of Ekadasis according to their ability and thus attain liberation.
This Ekadasi is the purest of all days and the most powerful for removing sins of the native.
Oh Narad ji, Lord Shri Hari Himself once said about this Ekadasi, “One who fasts on Kamika Ekadasi attains much more merit than one who studies all the spiritual literatures.
‘Anyone who fasts on this particular day remains awake throughout the night will never experience the anger of Yamaraja, the king of death personified.
It has been seen that whoever observes Kamika Ekadasi will not have to suffer future births, and in the past too, many Yogis of devotion who fasted on this day went to the spiritual world.
One should therefore follow in their auspicious footsteps and strictly observe a fast on this most auspicious of Ekadasis.
‘Whosoever worships Lord Shri Hari with Tulsi leaves is freed from all implication of sin.
Indeed, he lives untouched by sin, as the lotus leaf, although in the water, is untouched by it.
Whosoever offers Lord Shri Hari but a single leaf from the sacred Tulsi tree (occillium basilcum sanctum) attains as much merit as one who gives away in charity two hundred grams of gold and eight hundred grams of silver.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is more pleased by one who offers Him a single Tulsi leaf than by one who worships Him with pearls, rubies, topaz, diamonds, lapis lazuli, sapphires, gomeda stones (gomaz), cat’s eye gems, and coral.
One who offers Lord Keshava newly grown manjari buds from the Tulsi plant gets rid of all the sins he has committed during this or any other lifetime.
Indeed, mere darshana of Tulsi on Kamika Ekadasi removes all sins, and merely touching her and praying to her removes all kinds of disease.
One who waters Tulsi devi need never fear the Lord of death, Yamaraja.
One who plants or transplants Tulsi on this days will eventually reside with Lord Shri Krishna in His own abode.
To Srimati Tulsi devi, who awards liberation in devotional service, one should therefore daily offer one’s full obeisances.
‘Even Chitragupta, Yamaraja’s secretary, cannot calculate the merit obtained by one who offers Shrimati Tulsi-devi a perpetually burning ghee lamp.
So dear is this sacred Ekadasi to the Supreme Personality of Godhead that all the forefathers of one who offers a bright ghee lamp to Lord Shri Krishna on this day ascend to the heavenly planets and drink the celestial nectar there.
Whoever offers a ghee or sesame oil lamp to Shri Krishna on this day is freed from all his sins and enters the abode of Surya, the Sun-god, with a body as bright as ten million lamps.
This Ekadasi is so powerful that if one who is unable to fast simply follows the practices as mentioned herein, s/he is elevated to the heavenly planets, along with all their forefathers.
‘Oh Maharaj Yudhisthira,Lord Shri Krishna concluded, “…these were the words of prajapathi Brahma to his son Narad Muni concerning the incalculable glories of this Kamika Ekadasi, which removes all sins.
This sacred day nullifies even the sin of killing a brahmana or the sin of killing an unborn child in the womb, and it promotes one to the spiritual world by making one supremely meritorious.
One who kills the innocent, i.e., a brahmin (brahmana), a child in the womb, a pious and spotless woman, etc., and then later hears about the glories of Kamika Ekadasi will be relieved of the reaction to one’s sins.
However, one should NOT think beforehand that one can kill a Brahmin or other innocent folk and then go unpunished simply by hearing of this Ekadasi.
Such knowing commission of sin is an abomination.
Whosoever hears these glories of the Kamika Ekadasi with faith becomes free of all sins and returns home, back to Godhead – Vishnu-loka, Vaikuntha.
Thus ends the narration of the glories of the Shravana-krshna Ekadasi, or Kamika Ekadasi, from the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana.
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
6-August-2025
Pavitra Ekadashi
श्रावण
July/August
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Shri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, “Oh Madhusudana, Oh killer of the Madhu demon, please be merciful to me and describe to me the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Shravana (July-August).”
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, replied, “Yes, Oh king, I shall happily narrate its glories to you, for just by hearing about this sacred Ekadasi one attains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice.
“At the dawn of Dvarpara-yuga there lived a king by the name of Mahijita, who ruled the kingdom of Mahismati-puri.
Because he had no son, his entire kingdom seemed utterly cheerless to him.
A married man who has no son gains no happiness in this life or the next.
The Sanskrit word for ‘son’ is putra.
Pu is the name of a particular hell, and tra means ‘to deliver.’
Thus the word putra means ‘a person who delivers one from the hell named Pu.’
Therefore every married man should produce at least one son and train him properly; then the father will be delivered from a hellish condition of life.
But this injunction does not apply to the serious devotees of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, for the Lord becomes their son, father, and mother.
Furthermore, Chanakya Pandita says,
satyam mata pita jnanam
dharmo bhrata daya sakha
santih patni ksama putrah
sadete mama vandhavah
“Truth is my mother, knowledge is my father, my occupational duty is my brother, kindness is my friend, tranquility is my wife, and forgiveness is my son.
These six are my family members.”
Among the twenty-six leading qualities of a devotee of the Lord, forgiveness is the topmost.
Therefore devotees should make an extra endeavor to develop this quality.
Here Chanakya says “forgiveness is my son,” and thus a devotee of the Lord, even though he may be on the path of renunciation, may observe this Ekadasi and pray to attain this kind of “son.”
For a long time this king tried very hard to obtain an heir, but to no avail.
Seeing his years advancing ever onwards, King Mahijita became increasingly anxious.
One day he told an assembly of his advisers: ‘I have committed no sin in this life, and there is no ill-gotten wealth in my treasury.
I have never usurped the offerings to the demigods or brahmanas.
When I waged war and conquered kingdoms, I followed the rules and regulations of the military art, and I have protected my subjects as if they were my own children.
I punished even my own relatives if they broke the law, and if my enemy was gentle and religious I welcomed him.
Oh twice-born souls, although I am a religious and faithful follower of the Vedic standards, still my home is without a son.
Kindly tell me the reason for this.’
“Hearing this, the king’s brahmana advisers discussed the subject among themselves, and with the aim of benefiting the king they visited the various ashrams of the great sages.
At last they came upon a sage who was austere, pure, and self-satisfied, and who was strictly observing a vow of fasting.
His senses were completely under control, he had conquered his anger, and he was expert at performing his occupational duty.
Indeed, this great sage was expert in all the conclusions of the Vedas, and he had extended his life span to that of Lord Brahma himself.
His name was Lomasa Rishi, and he knew part, present, and future.
After each kalpa passed, one hair would fall out of his body (One kalpa, or twelve hours of Lord Brahma, equals 4,320,000,000 years).
All the king’s brahmana advisers very happily approached him one by one to offer their humble respects.
“Captivated by this great soul, King Mahijita’s advisers offered obeisances to him and said very respectfully, ‘Only because of our great good fortune, Oh sage, have we been allowed to see you.’
“Lomasa Rishi saw them bowing down to him and replied, ‘Kindly let me know why you have come here. Why are you praising me?
I must do all I can to solve your problems, for sages like me have only one interest: to help others. Do not doubt this.’
Lomasa Rishi had all good qualities because he was a devotee of the Lord.
As stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (5:18:12),
yasyasti bhaktir bhagavaty akinchana
sarvair gunais tatra samasate surah
harav abhaktasya kuto mahad-guna
manorathenasati dhavato bahih
“In one who has unflinching devotional service to Krishna, all the good qualities of Krishna and the demigods are consistently manifest.
However, he who has no devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead has no good qualifications because he is engaged by mental concoction in material existence, which is the external feature of the Lord.”
“The king’s representatives said, ‘We have come to you, Oh exalted sage, to ask for your help in solving a very serious problem.
Oh sage, you are like Lord Brahma.
Indeed, there is no better sage in the entire world.
Our king, Mahijita, is without a son, though he has sustained and protected us as if we were his sons.
Seeing him so unhappy on account of being sonless, we have become very sad, Oh sage, and therefore we have entered the forest to perform severe austerities.
By our good fortune we happened upon you.
Everyone’s desires and activities become successful just by your darshan.
Thus we humbly ask that you tell us how our kind king can obtain a son.’
“Hearing their sincere plea, Lomasa Rishi absorbed himself in deep meditation for a moment and at once understood the king’s previous life.
Then he said, ‘Your ruler was a merchant in his past life, and feeling his wealth insufficient, he committed sinful deeds.
He traveled to many villages to trade his goods.
Once, at noon on the day after the Ekadasi that comes during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (Trivikrama – May-June), he became thirsty while traveling from place to place.
He came upon a beautiful pond on the outskirts of a village, but just as he was about to drink at the pond a cow arrived there with her new-born calf.
These two creatures were also very thirsty because of the heat, but when the cow and calf started to drink, the merchant rudely shoved them aside and selfishly slaked his own thirst.
This offense against a cow and her calf has resulted in your king’s being without a son now.
But the good deeds he performed in his previous life have given him rulership over an undisturbed kingdom.’
“Hearing this, the king’s advisers replied, ‘Oh renowned rishi, we have heard that the Vedas say one can nullify the effects of one’s past sins by acquiring merit.
Be so kind as to give us some instruction by which our king’s sins can be destroyed; please give him your mercy so that a prince will take birth in his family.’
“Lomasa Rishi said, ‘There is an Ekadasi called Putrada, which comes during the light fortnight of the month of Shravana.
On this day all of you, including your king, should fast and stay awake all night, strictly following the rules and regulations.
Then you should give the king whatever merit you gain by this fast.
If you follow these instructions of mine, he will surely be blessed with a fine son.’
“All the king’s advisers became very pleased to hear these words from Lomasa Rishi, and they all offered him their grateful obeisances.
Then, their eyes bright with happiness, they returned home.
“When the month of Shravana arrived, the king’s advisers remembered the advice of Lomasa Rishi, and under their direction all the citizens of Mahismati-puri, as well as the king, fasted on Ekadasi.
And on the next day, Dvadasi, the citizens dutifully offered their accrued merit to him.
By the strength of all this merit, the queen became pregnant and eventually gave birth to a most beautiful son.
“O Yudhisthira,” Lord Krishna concluded, “the Ekadasi that comes during the light fortnight of the month of Shravana has thus rightfully become famous as Putrada [“bestower of a son”].
Whoever desires happiness in this world and the next should certainly fast from all grains and legumes on this holy day.
Indeed, whoever simply hears the glories of Putrada Ekadasi becomes completely free of all sins, is blessed with a good son, and surely ascends to heaven after death.”
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Shravana-sukla Ekadasi, or Putrada Ekadasi, from the Bhavishya Purana.
20-August-2025
Annada Ekadashi
भाद्रपद
August/September
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, “Oh JanArdana, protector of all living entities, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).”
The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, then replied, “Oh King, hear me attentively. The name of this sin-removing, sacred Ekadasi is Aja. Any person who fasts completely on this day and worships Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, becomes free of all reactions to his sins. Even one who simply hears about this Ekadasi is freed from his past sins. Oh King, there is no better day than this in all the earthly and heavenly worlds. This is true without a doubt.
“There once lived a famous king named Harishchandra, who was the emperor of the world and a person of great truth and integrity. His wife’s name was Chandramati, and he had a son named Lohit Ashva. By the force of destiny, however, Harishchandra lost his great kingdom and sold his wife and son. The pious king himself became a menial servant of a dog-eater, who made him guard a crematorium. Yet even while doing such menial service, he did not forsake his truthfulness and good character, just as soma-rasa,even when mixed with some other liquid, does not lose its ability to bestow immortality.
“The king passed many years in this condition. Then one day hesadly thought, ‘What shall I do? Where shall I go? How can I be delivered from this plight?’ In this way he drowned in an ocean of anxiety and sorrow.
“One day a great sage happened by, and when the king saw him he happily thought, ‘Ah, Lord Brahma has created brahmins just to help others.’ Harishchandra paid his respectful obeisances to the sage, whose name was Gautama Muni. With joined palms the king stood before Gautama Muniand narrated his pitiful story. Gautama Muni was astonished to hear the king’s tale of woe. He thought, ‘How has this mighty king been reduced to collecting clothes from the dead?’ Gautama Muni became very much compassionate toward Harishchandra and instructed him on the process of fasting for purification.
“Gautama Muni said, ‘Oh king, during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada there occurs an especially meritorious Ekadasi named Aja (Annada),which removes all sins. Indeed, this Ekadasi is so auspicious that if you simply fast on that day and perform no other austerity,all your sins will be nullified. By your good fortune it is coming in just seven days. So I urge you to fast on this day and remain awake through the night. If you do so, all the reactions of your past sins will come to an end. Oh Harish chandra, I have come here because of your past pious deeds.Now, all good fortune to you in the future!’ So saying, the great sage SriGautama Muni immediately disappeared for their vision.
“King Harishchandra followed Gautama Muni’s instructions concerning fasting on the sacred day of AjA Ekadasi. Oh Maharaja Yudhisthira, because the king fasted on that day, the reactions to his previous sins were completely destroyed at once. Oh lion among kings, just see the influence of this Ekadasi fast! It immediately vanquishes whatever miseries one may be suffering as a result of past karmik sinful activities.
Thus all Harishchandra’s miseries were relieved. Just by the power of this wonderful Ekadasi, he was reunited with his wife and son, who had died but were now revived. In the heavenly regions the devas (demigods)began beating on their celestial kettledrums and showering down flowers upon Harishchandra, his queen, and their son. By the blessings of the Ekadasi fast, he regained his kingdom without difficulty. Moreover, whenKing Harishchandra left the planet, his relatives and all his subjects too, went with him to the spiritual world.
“Oh Pandava, whoever fasts on Aja Ekadasi is surely freed from all his sins and ascends to the spiritual world. And whosoever hears and studies the glories of this Ekadasi achieves the merit gained by performing a horse sacrifice.”
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
4-September-2025
Parsva Ekadashi
भाद्रपद
August/September
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Sri Yudhishthira Maharaja asked of Lord Sri Krishna, “What is the name of that Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight (shukla paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September “Hrishikesha mase”) ? Who is the worshipable Deity for this Ekadasi, and what merit does one attain in observing it? Kindly reveal all of this to me my Lord.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna addressed His devoted Yudhishthira as follows, “This Ekadasi, Oh Yudhishthira, is called Vamana Ekadasi, and it bestows upon those who observe it both great merit and ultimate liberation from material bondage. Therefore, because it removes all one’s sinful reactions, it is also called Jayanti Ekadasi. Just hearing of its glories frees one from all his past misdeeds. So auspicious is this fast that observing it bestows the same merit as that earned by performing a horse sacrifice. There is no better Ekadasi than this, because it awards liberation so easily. Thus if one truly desires freedom from the punishing material world, one should fast on Vamana Ekadasi. “While observing this holy fast, a Vaishnava should lovingly worship the Supreme Lord in His form as Vamandev, the dwarf incarnation, whose eyes are like lotus petals. By doing so, he worships all other Deities as well, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and at death he undoubtedly goes to that abode of Sri Hari. In all the three worlds there is no fast that is more important to observe.
The reason this Ekadasi is so auspicious is that it celebrates the day when the sleeping Lord Vishnu turns over on His other side; thus it is also known as Parivartinii Ekadasi.” Maharaja Yudhishthira then asked of the Lord, “Oh Janardana, please clear up a question I have. How is it that the Supreme Lord sleeps and then turns over on His side? Oh Lord, when You are asleep what happens to all the other living entities? Please also tell me how You bound the king of the demons, Bali Daityaraj (Bali Maharaja), as well as how one may please the brahmanas. How does one observe Chaturmasya, which You mention in the Chaturmasya-mahatmya of the Bhavishya Purana? Kindly be merciful to me and answer these questions.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna replied, “Oh Yudhishthira, lion among Kings, I will gladly narrate to you an historical event that, simply by hearing, eradicates all one’s sinful reactions. “In the TretA-yuga there once was a king of the name Bali. Though born in a family dynasty of demons (daityas), he was very devoted to Me. He sang many Vedic hymns to Me and performed the homa rituals (fire sacrifices) just to satisfy Me. He respected the twice-born brahmins and engaged them in performing sacrifices daily. This great soul had a quarrel with Indra, however, and eventually defeated him in battle. Bali took over his entire celestial kingdom, which I Myself had given to Indra. Therefore Indra and all the other devas (demigods), along with many great sages, approached Me and complained about Bali Maharaja. Bowing their heads to the ground and offering many sacred prayers from the Vedas, they worshipped Me along with their spiritual master, Brihaspati. Thus I agreed to appear on their behalf as a dwarf Vamanadev, My fifth incarnation.” King Yudhishthira further enquired, “Oh Lord, how was it possible for You to conquer such a powerful demon, and only by coming in the form of a dwarf brahmin? Please explain this clearly, for I am Your faithful devotee.” The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna replied, “Though a dwarf, I was a brahmana, and I approached that pious king Bali to ask him for alms in the form of land. I said, ‘Oh Daityraj Bali, please give Me just three steps of land in charity. Such a small piece of land will be good as all the three worlds for Me.’ Bali agreed to grant My request without lengthy consideration. But as soon as he vowed to give Me the land, My body began to expand into a gigantic transcendental form. I covered the entire Earth with My feet, all the Bhuvarloka with My thighs, the Swarga heavens with My waist, Maharloka with My stomach, Janaloka with My chest, Tapoloka with My neck, and Satyaloka with My head and face. I covered the entire material creation. Indeed, all the planets of the universe, including the Sun and the Moon, were encompassed by My gigantic form.” “Seeing this astonishing pastime of Mine, all the demigods, including Indra and Shesha, the king of the snakes, began to sing Vedic hymns and offer prayers to Me. Then I took Bali by the hand and said to him, ‘Oh sinless one, I have covered the whole Earth with one step and all the heavenly planets with the second. Now where shall I place My foot to measure the third step of land you promised Me?’ “Upon hearing this, Bali Maharaja bowed down in humility and offered Me his head to place My third step. Oh Yudhishthira, I placed My foot on his head and sent him all the way to Patalaloka. Seeing him thus humbled, I became very pleased and told Bali that henceforth I would permanently reside in his palace. Thereafter, on Parivartinii Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadra (August-September), Bali, the son of Virochana, grandson of Prahlad, installed a Deity form of Me in his residence. “Oh king, until Haribodhinii Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Karttika, I continue to sleep in the ocean of milk. The merit one accumulates during this period is particularly powerful.
One should therefore observe Parivartinii EkAdasii carefully. Indeed, it is especially purifying and thus cleanses one of all sinful reactions. On this day the faithful devotee should worship Lord Trivikrama, Vamanadeva, who is the supreme father, because on this day I turn over to sleep on My other side. “If possible, on this day one should give a qualified person some yogurt mixed with rice, as well as some silver, and then remain awake throughout the night. This simple observance will free one of all material conditioning. One who observes this sacred Parivartinii Ekadasi in the way I have described will surely attain all kinds of happiness in this world and the kingdom of God in the hereafter. One who simply hears this narration with devotion will go to the abode of the demigods and shine there like the Moon itself, so powerful is observance of this Ekadasi. Indeed, this observance is as powerful as the performance of a thousand horse sacrifices.” Thus ends the narration of the glories of Parivartinii Ekadasi, or Vamana Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadrapada, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.
NOTE: The next day after Ekadashi is Sri Vamana Dvadashi: Appearance day of Lord Vamanadev. Ekadashi fast is observed till noon. The fast is broken after noon with Ekadashi prasadam. Next day (Sri Vamana Dvadashi), observe Lord Vamanadev’s appearance by again fasting till noon and by chanting extra Mahamantra japa praying to the Lord for His shelter. Break this fast with joyful feasting of Lord Vamanadev’s appearance day mahaprasadam!
18-September-2025
Indira Ekadashi
आश्विन
September/October
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Aswina (September-October).
The glory of Indira Ekadashi is related in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. There Lord Krishna extols the Ekadashi to Yudhisthira by narrating the story of a devotee King named Indrasena.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna said, “If a person fasts on the holy Indira Ekadashi, all his sins are eradicated and his forefathers who may have fallen into hell obtain liberation. O best of kings, merely hearing about this sacred Ekadashi delivers the great merit of performing a horse sacrifice.
King Indrasena
“In the Satya-yuga there lived a powerful king named Indrasena, who had vanquished all his enemies. His kingdom was called Mahishmati-puri. The religious King took good care of his subjects. Consequently, he was opulent with gold, grains, sons, and grandsons. He was deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu, constantly chanting His name, ‘Govinda! Govinda!’ He had sincerely dedicated himself to the Absolute Truth.
Narada visits Mahishmati Puri
“One day, as King Indrasena presided over his assembly, the perfect preacher, Sri Narada Muni, descended amidst the gathering. The king greeted the exalted sage with folded palms, offered him a comfortable seat, washed his lotus feet, and spoke welcoming words. Narada Muni enquired from Maharaj Indrasena, ‘O king, are the seven limbs of your kingdom prospering?’”
The seven limbs of a kingdom are the king himself, his ministers, his treasury, his military forces, his allies, the brahmanas, sacrifices, and the subjects.
Lord Krishna continued “Narada further asked ‘Have you deeply contemplated your dharma? Are you advancing in serving the Supreme Lord Vishnu?’
“The king replied, ‘Everything is well by your grace, O greatest of sages. Today, your presence has rendered all performance of sacrifice in my kingdom successful! Kindly tell me the reason for your kind visit.’
King Indrasena’s Father in Yamaloka
“Sri Narada said, ‘O lion among kings when I descended from Brahmaloka to Yamaloka, Lord Yamaraja received me graciously. I glorified his truthfulness and wonderful service to the Supreme Lord. I then noticed your father present in Yamaraja’s assembly. Your father gave me a message for you. He said, “Please tell my son, the ruler of Mahishmati, that because of my past sinful deeds I have been forced to reside in Yamaraja’s kingdom. Please ask him to observe the coming aswina krishna Ekadashi and profusely give in charity so that I may be elevated to heaven.”’
“King Indrasena asked Narada, ‘O great Acharya, mercifully guide me how to observe this fast on aswina krishna Ekadashi.’
“Narada Muni replied, ‘Oh king, listen attentively as I describe to you the complete process of observing this Ekadashi called Indira Ekadashi.
The Method of Fasting on Indira Ekadashi
‘On the Dashami tithi, the day before Ekadashi, rise early in the morning, take a bath and offer faithful service to the Lord. At noon, bathe in running water and sincerely perform shraddha for your forefathers. Eat only once that day and sleep on the floor at night.
‘The next morning on Ekadashi, thoroughly cleanse your teeth and mouth and take this sacred vow with devotion, “Today I shall completely fast giving up all sense enjoyment. O lotus-eyed Supreme Personality of Godhead, O infallible one, please give me shelter at Your lotus feet.” At noon, stand before the sacred Saligram Shila and worship Him faithfully, following rules and regulations. Then offer oblations of ghee into the sacred fire and tarpana to your forefathers. Then feed qualified brahmanas and offer them charity.
‘Take the pindas you offered to your forefathers, smell them, and offer them to a cow. Then worship Lord Hrishikesha with incense and flowers. At night remain awake near the Deity of Lord Sri Keshava.
‘Early next morning on Dvadasi tithi, worship Sri Hari with devotion and invite brahmana devotees for a sumptuous feast. Then feed you relatives, and finally take your meal in silence.
‘Oh king, if you strictly observe a fast on Indira Ekadashi in this way, with controlled senses, your father will certainly be elevated to the abode of lord Vishnu.’ After saying this, Devarishi Narada disappeared from the assembly.
Indrasena Observes Indira Ekadashi
“King Indrasena faithfully followed the great saint’s instructions, observing the fast with relatives and servants. When he broke his fast on the Dvadasi tithi, flowers fell from the sky. The merit that Maharaja Indrasena earned by observing this fast released his father from the kingdom of Yamaraja and caused him to attain a spiritual body. Indrasena could see his father rise to the abode of Lord Hari on the back of Garuda Vahana. Indrasena then ruled his kingdom without obstructions, and in time handed over the kingdom to his son and returned to the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha.
“O Yudhishthira, these are the glories of the Indira Ekadashi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Aswina. Whoever hears or reads this narration enjoys life in this world, is freed of all sinful reactions, and at the time of death goes back to Godhead and lives eternally.”
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
4-October-2025
Pashankusha Ekadashi
आश्विन
September/October
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
The glories of Papankusha Ekadasi or Ashwina-Shukla Ekadasi are narrated in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana in a conversation between Yudhishthira Maharaja and Lord Krishna.
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Madhusudana, by what name is the Ekadasi that falls in the bright fortnight of the month of Ashvina (September – October) known? Please reveal this to me by your kind mercy.”
The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna replied, “O king, please listen attentively to my narration of the glories of this Ekadasi called Papankusha Ekadasi that eradicates all sins.
The Glory of Papankusha Ekadasi
“On this day, one should ritualistically worship Lord Padmanabha by the regulations of archana vidhi. This has the potency to award desired heavenly pleasures and ultimately grant liberation from this world.
Benefits of serving Lord Vishnu
“By merely offering humble obeisances unto Lord Vishnu, the One who travels on the back of Garuda, one can attain the merit of performing prolonged penances with restrained senses. Despite having committed unlimited, abominable sins, one can escape hellish punishment just by offering obeisances to Lord Sri Hari – the remover of sins.
“The merits of visiting places of pilgrimage on earth can also be obtained by merely chanting the Holy names of Lord Vishnu. Chanting the sacred names ‘Rama’, ‘Vishnu’, ‘Janardana’, or ‘Krishna’, especially on Ekadasi, saves one from the clutches of Yamaraj, the lord of death. A devotee who fasts on Papankusha Ekadasi, which is very dear to Me, does not see this plutonic abode meant for punishing the sinful.
Ekadasi is Powerful
“The merit of performing one hundred horse sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices cannot equal even one-sixteenth the merit of fasting on Ekadasi. Indeed, nothing in the three worlds is as capable of purifying one of the accumulated sins as Ekadasi.
Fasting on Papankusha Ekadasi is good for everyone
“O king, until a person fasts on Papankusha Ekadasi, the day of Lord Padmanabha, the reactions of his past sins adhere to him like a chaste wife. Even the one who desires elevation to heavenly planets, good health, beautiful women, wealth, and food grains what to speak of one desiring liberation, should fast on Papankusha Ekadasi. O king, neither the Ganges nor the holy places of Gaya, Kashi, Pushkara or Kurukshetra, can grant as many pious credits as Papankusha Ekadasi.
Benefits of Performing Austerities on Papankusha Ekadasi
“O Maharaj Yudhishthira, protector of the earth, after observing Papankusha Ekadasi during the daytime, the devotee should keep awake through the night, absorbed in hearing, chanting about and serving the Lord – for by this he easily attains to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. Not only that, ten generations of ancestors on his mother’s side, ten on his father’s, and ten on his wife’s are all liberated by just one observance of a fast on this Ekadasi. All these ancestors attain four-armed transcendental Vaikuntha forms. Wearing yellow garments and beautiful garlands, they ride to the spiritual realm on the back of Garuda, the renowned enemy of the snakes. This is the benediction My devotees earn by observing just one Papankusha Ekadasi properly.
“O best of kings, whether a child, a youth or an old person, fasting on Papankusha Ekadasi frees the performer from all sins and renders hellish rebirth impossible. He returns to the spiritual abode of Lord Sri Hari. One who donates gold, sesame seeds, fertile land, cows, grain, drinking water, an umbrella, or a pair of shoes on this auspicious day will never have to visit the abode of Yamaraj, the punisher of sinners. But if a human fails to perform spiritual deeds, like fasting on Ekadasi and other recommended days, his breathing is no better than a blacksmith’s bellows’.
Everyone Should Observe Papankusha Ekadasi
“O best of the kings, even the poor should bathe and give some charity according to their means on Papankusha Ekadasi. They should perform this and other auspicious activities in accordance with their ability.
“One who performs sacrifices or helps by building public ponds, resting places, gardens, or houses does not suffer the punishments of Yamaraj. It should be understood that if a person is long-lived, wealthy, of high birth, or free from disease, he must have performed these pious activities in past lives. But, a person who observes Papankusha Ekadasi achieves the far greater benefit of attaining the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu.”
Lord Sri Krishna thus concluded the narration of the glories of the auspicious Papankusha Ekadasi.
18 October 2025
Rama Ekadashi
कार्तिक
October/November
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
The glories of Kartika-Krishna Ekadasi or Rama Ekadasi have been narrated in the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana of Veda Vyasa in a conversation between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira.
Yudhisthira Maharaj said, “O Janardana, protector of all beings, kindly bestow upon me knowledge of the Ekadasi that falls in the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Kartika (October – November).”
Lord Krishna, the Supreme Lord replied, “O lion among kings, the Ekadasi that occurs in the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika is called Rama Ekadasi. It has the power to eliminate the greatest of sins and award passage to the spiritual realm. Now hear a story that demonstrates the glory of this sacred Ekadasi.
King Muchakunda
“There was once a renowned king of the name Muchakunda. He was friendly with exalted personalities like Lord Indra, the king of the heavens, Yamaraj, the god of Death, Varuna the god of oceans, and Vibhishana, the pious brother of the demon Ravana. Muchakunda was truthful and constantly offered Me devotional service. His kingdom was peaceful because he meticulously observed religious principles.
A Problem
“Muchakunda gave his daughter Chandrabhaga, named after a sacred river, to Prince Shobhana, the son of King Chandrasena in marriage. Once Shobhana visited his father-in-law a few days before Ekadasi. Muchakunda had the practice of having all the citizens fast completely on Ekadasi. Chandrabhaga was anxious about her husband for he was physically weak and incapable of undergoing a day-long fast. She told him, ‘My father is very strict about observing Ekadasi. On the Dasami, the day prior to Ekadasi, he orders the striking of a large kettledrum with the announcement, “Everyone is hereby ordered to fast on Ekadasi, the sacred day of Sri Hari!”’
“On Dasami when Shobhana heard the sound of the kettledrum, he said to his wife, ‘O beautiful one, what am I to do now? How can I obey your father’s edict and also save my life?’ Chandrabhaga replied, ‘My dear husband, in my father’s house not even the elephants or horses – what to speak of human beings – eat on Ekadasi. The animals are not fed grains, leaves, straw or even water! So you cannot avoid fasting if you are here. If you must eat something dear husband, then you must leave at once. Please decide what you wish to do.’
Prince Shobhana Succumbs
“Prince Shobhana then decided to fast on the sacred Ekadasi day and put himself in the hands of fate. The fast on Ekadasi proved unbearable to Shobhana and hunger and thirst took their toll on him. When the sun set in the west, the auspicious night made all the Vaishnavas happy. O Yudhisthira, the devotees joyfully worshiped Me (Sri Hari) and stayed awake all night. For Prince Shobhana, however, that night became excruciating. By sunrise on Dwadasi, Prince Shobhana had died.
“King Muchakunda performed the funeral of his son-in-law over a large stack of wood but instructed his daughter Chandrabhaga not to observe the custom of climbing her husband’s funeral pyre. Chandrabhaga performed the purificatory rituals for her husband and continued to stay with her father.
The Next Life of Shobhana
“O best of the kings, Yudhishthira, By observing Rama Ekadasi, Shobhana was able to acquire great merit and in his next life became the ruler of an opulent kingdom high on Mandarachala Mountain.
“This kingdom resembled an abode of the demigods; lustrous with limitless jewels set in the walls of its buildings and pillars of rubies with inlaid gold and diamonds. Servants fanned King Shobhana with yak-tail whisks as he sat upon an ornate throne beneath a pure white canopy. A jewelled crown rested upon his head, his ears were decorated with exquisite earrings, an ornate golden necklace graced his neck, and the finest armlets and bracelets adorned his arms. When Gandharvas (the best of heavenly singers) and Apsaras (celestial dancers) performed for his pleasure, he seemed like Indra, the king of heaven.
Shobhana Connects With His Past Life
“One day, a brahmin from Muchakunda’s kingdom named Somasharma while on a pilgrimage came to visit Shobhana’s kingdom. The brahmin saw Shobhana in his resplendence and instantly recognized him as the son-in-law of his own king Muchakunda. Seeing the Brahmin approach, Shobhana recognized him too. He rose from his seat and welcomed him. After Shobhana had paid his respectful obeisances, he enquired from the brahmin about his well-being and about the health and welfare of his (Shobhana’s) father-in-law, his wife and all the residents of the city. Somasharma said, ‘O king, all the subjects in your father-in-law’s kingdom are well, and your wife Chandrabhaga and other family members are also well. The kingdom is peaceful and prosperous. But, I am astonished to find you here! Please tell me how you obtained such a beautiful city!’
“King Shobhana then said, ‘Since I observed Rama Ekadasi, I was offered this splendid city to rule over. Yet, for all of its grandeur, it is unstable and could die out any time.’
“The brahmin asked, ‘Why is this kingdom fragile and how can it be made stable? Please explain this to me, and I shall try to help you.’
“Shobhana replied, ‘When I fasted on Rama Ekadasi I did so without faith, hence, this kingdom is infirm. If a pure brahmin like you tells about my city to Chandrabhaga, I know it will become stable.’
Chandrabhaga Overjoyed to Help Her Husband
“Somasharma returned to his city and related the entire episode to Chandrabhaga. She was overjoyed to hear news of her husband. She exclaimed, ‘O brahmana, is this a dream or did you see actually see my husband?’ Somasharma replied, ‘O Princess, I saw your late husband face to face in a kingdom so magnificent that it resembles the planets of heaven. Your husband, however, says his kingdom is unstable and could vanish any moment. He thinks that you could make it endure.’
“Chandrabhaga replied, ‘O sage among the brahmins, I am eager to see my husband, please take me to him at once. With the merit of having fasted on every Ekadasi my entire life, I can bring stability to his kingdom. Please reunite us and you will gain great merit.’
Sage Vamadeva Purifies Chandrabhaga
“The humble brahmin Somasharma then led Chandrabhaga to Shobhana’s radiant kingdom. They, however, stopped at the foot of Mount Mandaracala, at the sacred ashrama of Vamadeva. Upon hearing their story, Vamadeva chanted Vedic hymns and sprinkled holy water upon Chandrabhaga. By the influence of the great Rishi’s rites, her merit of fasting on Ekadasis made her body transcendental. Ecstatic, Chandrabhaga then continued on her journey.
Chandrabhaga Saves Shobhana
“When Shobhana saw his wife approach Mount Mandarachala, he called out to her in great elation. When she arrived, he seated her on his left and she spoke, ‘O dearest husband, please listen as I tell you something of immense value. I have fasted with complete faith one every Ekadasi since I was eight years old. If I transfer to you all the merit I have accumulated, your kingdom will prosper and endure till the coming of the great inundation!’”
Potency of Rama Ekadasi
Lord Sri Krishna then turned to Yudhishthira and said, “O Yudhisthira, Chandrabhaga with an exquisite transcendental body beautifully decorated with the finest ornaments enjoyed peace and happiness with her husband. By the potency of Rama Ekadasi, Shobhana obtained a magnificent kingdom on the Mount Mandarachala and was able to fulfill his desires and find everlasting happiness, like that achieved from the transcendental Kamadhenu cow.
“O greatest of kings, these are the glories of Rama Ekadasi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika. Anyone who observes Ekadasis during both the light and the dark fortnight of each month is undoubtedly freed from the sinful reactions of even killing a brahmin. Anyone who even hears this narration of the glories of Rama Ekadasi is freed from all kinds of sin and attains the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu.”
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
3-November-2025
Devotthana Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi
कार्तिक
October/November
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
It has four names: Haribodhini – Prabodhini – Devotthani – Utthana Ekadasi and it is the second Ekadasi (Kartik Shukla, light fortnight) in the month of Kartik.
Lord Brahma said to Narada Muni, “Dear son, O best of the sages, I shall narrate to you the glories of Haribodhini Ekadasi, which eradicates all kinds of sins and bestows great merit, and ultimately liberation, upon the wise persons who surrender unto the Supreme Lord.
“O best of the brahmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the Ganges remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadasi does not come.
This Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Kartika, is much more purifying than a bath in the ocean, at a place of pilgrimage, or in a lake.
This sacred Ekadasi is more powerful in nullifying sin than one thousand Asvamedha sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices.”
Narada Muni inquired, “O father, please describe the relative merits of fasting completely on Ekadasi, eating supper (without grains or beans), or eating once at midday (without grains or beans).”
Lord Brahma replied, “If a person eats once at midday on Ekadasi, the sins of his previous birth are erased, if he eats supper, the sins acquired during his previous two births are removed, and if he fasts completely, the sins accumulated during his pervious seven births are eradicated.
“O son, whatever is only rarely achieved within the three worlds is obtained by him who strictly observes Haribodhini Ekadasi.
A person whose sins equal Mount Sumeru in volume sees them all reduced to nothing if he simply fasts on Papaharini Ekadasi (another name for Haribodhini Ekadasi).
The sins a person has accumulated over a thousand previous births are burned to ashes if he not only fasts but also remains awake throughout Ekadasi night, just as a mountain of cotton can be burned to ashes if one lights a small fire in it.
O Narada, a person who strictly observes this fast achieves the results I have mentioned.
Even if one does a small amount of pious activity on this day, following the rules and regulations, one will earn merit to Mount Sumeru in volume; however a person who does not follow the rules and regulations given in the Scriptures may perform pious activity equal to Mount Sumeru in volume, but he will not earn even a small amount of merit.
One who does not chant the Gayatri mantra three times a day, who disregards fast days, who does not believe in God, who criticises the Vedic Scriptures, who thinks the Vedas bring only ruination to one who follows their injunctions, who enjoys another’s wife, who is utterly foolish and wicked, who does not appreciate any service that has been rendered to him, or who cheats others – such a sinful person can never perform any religious activity effectively.
Be he a brahmana or a shudra, whoever tries to enjoy another man’s wife, particularly the wife of a twice-born person, is said to be no better than a dog-eater.
“O best of the sages, any brahmana who enjoys sex with a widow or a brahmana lady married to another man brings ruin to himself and his family.
Any brahmana who enjoys illicit sex will have no children in his next life, and any past merit he may have earned is ruined.
Indeed, if such a person displays any arrogance toward a twice-born brahmana or a spiritual master, he loses all his spiritual advancement immediately, as well as his wealth and children.
“These three kinds of men ruin their acquired merits: he whose character is immoral, he who has sex with the wife of a dog-eater, and he who appreciates the association of rogues.
Whoever associates with sinful people and visits their homes without a spiritual purpose will go directly to the abode of Lord Yamaraj, the superintendent of death.
And if someone eats in such a home, his acquired merit is destroyed, along with his fame, duration of life, children, and happiness.
“Any sinful rascal who insults a saintly person soon loses his religiosity, economic development, and sense gratification, and he at last burns in the fire of hell.
Anyone who likes to offend saintly persons, or who does not interrupt someone who is insulting saintly persons, is considered no better than an ass.
Such a wicked man sees his dynasty destroyed before his very eyes.
“A person whose character is unclean, who is a rogue or a swindler, or who always finds fault with others does not achieve a higher destination after death, even if he gives charity generously or performs other pious deed.
Therefore one should refrain from performing inauspicious acts and perform only pious ones, by which one will acquire merit and avoid suffering.
“However, the sins of one who, after due consideration, decides to fast of Haribodhini Ekadasi are erased from one hundred previous lives, and whoever fasts and remains awake overnight on this Ekadasi achieves unlimited merit and after death goes to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, and then thousand of his ancestors, relatives, and descendants also reach that abode.
Even if one’s forefathers were implicated in many sins and are suffering in hell, they still attain beautifully ornamented spiritual bodies and happily go to Vishnu’s abode.
O Narada, even one who has committed the heinous sin of killing a brahmana is freed of all stains on his character by faster on Haribodhini Ekadasi and remaining awake that night.
The merit that cannot by won by bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, performing a horse sacrifice, or giving cows, gold, or fertile land in charity can easily be achieved by fasting on this holy day and remaining awake throughout the night.
“Anyone who observes Haribodhini Ekadasi is celebrated as highly qualified and makes his dynasty famous.
As Death is certain, so losing one’s wealth is also certain.
Knowing this, O best of sages, one should observe a fast on this day so dear to Hari – Sri Haribodhini Ekadasi.
“All places of pilgrimage in the three worlds at once come to reside in the house of a person who fasts on this Ekadasi.
Therefore, to please the Lord, who holds a disc in His hand, one should give up all engagements, surrender, and observe this Ekadasi fast.
One who fasts on this Haribodhini day is acknowledged as a wise man, a true yogi, an ascetic, and one whose senses are truly under control.
He alone enjoys this world properly, and he will certainly achieve liberation.
This Ekadasi is very dear to Lord Vishnu, and thus it is the very essence of religiosity.
Even one observance of it bestows the topmost reward in all the three worlds.
“O Naradaji, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi will definitely not enter a womb again, and thus faithful devotees of the Supreme Godhead give up all varieties of religion and simply surrender to fasting on this Ekadasi.
For that great soul who honours this Ekadasi by fasting and remaining awake throughout the night, the Supreme Lord, Sri Govinda, personally terminates the sinful reactions that soul has acquired by the actions of his mind, body, and words.
“O son, for anyone who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, gives charity, chants the holy names of the Supreme Lord, undergoes austerities, and performs sacrifices for God on Haribodhini Ekadasi, the merit thus earned all becomes imperishable.
A devotee who worships Lord Madhava on this day with first-class paraphernalia becomes free from the great sins of a hundred lifetimes.
A person who observes this fast and worships Lord Vishnu properly is freed from great danger.
“This Ekadasi fast pleases Lord Janardana so much that He takes the person who observes it back to His abode, and while going there the devotee illuminates then ten universal directions.
Whoever desires beauty and happiness should try to honour Haribodhini Ekadasi, especially if it falls on Dvadasi.
The sins of one’s past hundred births – the sins committed during childhood, youth and old age in al those lifetimes, whether those sins are dry or wet – are nullified by the Supreme Lord Govinda if one fasts on Haribodhini Ekadasi with devotion.
Haribodhini Ekadasi is the best Ekadasi.
Nothing is unobtainable or rare in this world for one who fasts on this day, for it gives food grains, great wealth, and high merit, as well as eradication of all sin, the terrible obstacle to liberation.
Fasting on this Ekadasi is a thousand times better than giving charity on the day of the solar or lunar eclipse.
Again I say to you, O Naradaji, whatever merit is earned by one who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, performs sacrifices, and studies the Vedas is only one then-millionth the merit earned by the person who fasts but one on Haribodhini Ekadasi.
Whatever merit one has acquired in his life by some pious activities becomes completely fruitless if one does not observe the Ekadasi fast and worship Lord Vishnu in the month of Kartika.
Therefore, you should always worship the Supreme Lord, Janardana, and render service to Him.
Thus you will attain the desired goal, the highest perfection.
“On Haribodhini Ekadasi, a devotee of the Lord should not eat in another’s house or eat food cooked by a non devotee.
If he does so, he achieves only the merit of fasting on a full moon day.
Philosophical discussion of Scriptures in the month of Kartika pleases Sri Vishnu more than if one gives elephants and horses in charity or performs a costly sacrifice.
Whoever chants or hears descriptions of Lord Vishnu’s qualities and pastimes, even if but a half or even a fourth of a verse, attains the wonderful merit derived from giving away a hundred cows to a brahmana.
O Narada, during the month of Kartika one should give up all kinds or ordinary duties and devote one’s full time and energy especially while fasting, to discussing the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Lord.
Such glorification of Sri Hari on the day so dear to the Lord, Ekadasi, liberates a hundred previous generations. One who spends his time enjoying such discussions, especially in the month of Kartika, achieves the results of performing ten thousand fire sacrifices and burns all his sins to ashes.
“He who hears the wonderful narrations concerning Lord Vishnu, particularly during the month of Kartika, automatically earns the same merit as that bestowed upon someone who donates a hundred cows in charity.
O great sage, a person who chants the glories of Lord Hari on Ekadasi achieves the merit earned by donating seven islands.”
Narada Muni asked his glorious father, “O universal sire, I best of all demigods, please tell me how to observe this most sacred Ekadasi.
What kind of merit does it bestow upon the faithful?”
Lord Brahma replied, “O son, a person who wants to observe this Ekadasi should rise early on Ekadasi morning, during the brahma-muhurta hour (an hour and a half before sunrise until fifty minutes before sunrise).
He should then clean his teeth and bathe in a lake, river, pond, or well, or in his own home, as the situation warrants.
After worshipping Lord Sri Keshava, he should listen carefully to the sacred descriptions of the Lord.
He should pray to the Lord thus: ‘O Lord Keshava, I shall fast on this day, which is so dear to You, and tomorrow I shall honour Your sacred prasadam.
O lotus-eyed Lord, O infallible one, You are my only shelter. Kindly protect me.’
“Having spoken this solemn prayer before the Lord with great love and devotion, one should fast cheerfully.
O Narada, whoever remains awake all night on this Ekadasi, singing beautiful songs glorifying the Lord, dancing in ecstasy, playing delightful instrumental music for His transcendental pleasure, and reciting the pastimes of Lord Krishna as records in bona-fide Vedic literature – such a person will most assuredly reside far beyond the three worlds, in the eternal, spiritual realm of God.
“On Haribodhini Ekadasi one should worship Sri Krishna with camphor, fruits, and aromatic flowers, especially the yellow agaru flower.
One should not absorb oneself in making money on this important day.
In other words, greed should be exchanged for charity.
This is the process for turning loss into unlimited merit.
One should offer many kinds of fruits to the Lord and bathe Him with water from a conchshell.
Each of these devotional practices, when performed on Haribodhini Ekadasi, is ten million times more beneficial than bathing in all the places of pilgrimage and giving all forms of charity.
“Even Lord Indra joins his palm and offers his obeisances to a devotee who worships Lord Janardana with first-class agastya flowers of this day.
The supreme Lord Hari is very pleased when he is decorated with nice agastya flowers.
O Narada, I give liberation to one who devotedly worships Lord Krishna on this Ekadasi in the month of Kartika with leaves of the bel tree.
And for one who worships Lord Janardana with fresh tulasi leaves and fragrant flowers during this month, O son, I personally burn to ashes all the sins he has committed for then thousand births.
“One who merely sees Tulsi Maharani, touches her, mediates on her, narrates her history, offers obeisances to her, prays to her for her grace, plants her, worships her, or waters her lives in the abode of Lord Hari eternally.
O Narada, one who serves Tulsi-devi in these nine ways achieves happiness in the higher world for as many thousands of yugas as there are roots and subroots growing from a mature tulasi plant.
When a full grown tulasi plant produces seeds, many plants grow from those seeds and spread their branches, twigs, and flowers, and these flowers also produce numerous seeds.
For as many thousands of kalpas as there are seeds produced in this way, the forefathers of one who serves tulasi in these nine ways will live in the abode of Lord Hari.
“Those who worship Lord Keshava with kadamba flowers, which are very pleasing to Him, get is mercy and do not see the abode of Yamaraj, death personified.
What is the use of worshipping someone else if all desires can be fulfilled by pleasing Lord Hari?
For example, a devotee who offers Him bakula, ashoka, and patali flowers is freed from misery and distress for as long as the sun and moon exist in this universe, and at last he achieves liberation. O best of the brahmanas, an offering of kannera flowers to Lord Jagannatha brings as much mercy upon the devotee as that earned by worshipping Lord Keshava for four yugas.
One who offers tulasi flowers (manjaris) to Sri Krishna during the month of Kartika receives more merit than can be obtained by donating ten million cows.
Even a devotional offering of newly grown sprouts of grass brings with it a hundred times the benefit obtained by ordinary ritualistic worship of the Supreme Lord.
“One who worships Lord Vishnu with the leaves of the samika tree is freed from the clutches of Yamaraja, the lord of death.
One who worships Vishnu during the rainy season with champaka or jasmine flowers never returns to the planet earth again.
One who worships the Lord with but a single kumbhi flower achieves the boon of donating a pala of gold (two hundred grams).
If a devotee offers a single yellow flower of the ketaki, or wood-apple, tree to Lord Vishnu, who rides on Garuda, he is freed from the sins of ten million births.
Furthermore, one who offers Lord Jagannatha flowers and also a hundred leaves anointed with red and yellow sandalwood paste will certainly come to reside in Svetadvipa, far beyond the coverings of this material creation.
“O greatest of brahmanas, Sri Narada, after thus worshipping Lord Keshava, the bestower of all material and spiritual happiness, on Haribodhini Ekadasi, one should rise early the next day, bathe in a rive, chant japa of Krishna’s holy names, and render loving devotional service to the Lord at home to the nest of one’s ability.
To break the fast, the devotee should first offer some prasadam to brahmanas and only then, with their permission, eat some grains.
Thereafter, to please the Supreme Lord, the devotee should worship his spiritual master, the purest of the Lord’s devotees, and offer him sumptuous food, nice cloth, gold, and cows, according to the devotee’s means.
This will certainly please the Supreme Lord, the holder of the disc.
“Next the devotee should donate a cow to a brahmana, and if the devotee has neglected some rules and regulation of spiritual life, he should confess them before brahmana devotees of the Lord.
Then the devotee should offer them some dakshina (money).
O king, those who have eaten supper on Ekadasi should feed a brahmana the next day.
That is very pleasing to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
“O son, if a man has fasted without asking the permission of his priest, or if a woman has fasted without asking her husband’s permission, he or she should donate a bull to a brahmana.
Honey and yoghurt are also proper gifts for a brahmana.
Someone who has fasted from ghee should donate milk, one who has fasted from grains should donate rice, one who has slept on the floor should donate a bedstead with a quilt, one who has eaten on a leaf plate should donate a pot of ghee, one who as remained silent should donate a bell, and one who has fasted from sesame should give gold in charity and feed a brahmana couple with sumptuous food.
A man who wants to prevent baldness should donate a mirror to a brahmana, one who has second-hand shoes should donate shoes, and one who has fasted from salt should donate some sugar to a brahmana.
During this month everyone should regularly offer a ghee lamp to Lord Vishnu or to Srimati Tulsidevi in a temple.
“An Ekadasi fast is complete when one offers a qualified brahmana a gold or copper pot filled with ghee and ghee wicks, along with eight waterpots containing some gold and covered by cloths.
One who cannot afford these gifts should at least offer a brahmana some sweet words.
One who does so will surely attain the full benefit of fasting on Ekadasi.
“After offering his obeisances and begging permission, the devotee should eat his meal.
On this Ekadasi, Chaturmasya ends, so whatever one gave up during Chaturmasya should now be donated to brahmanas.
One who follows this process of Chaturmasya receives unlimited merit, O king of kings, and goes to the abode of Lord Vasudeva after death.
O king, anyone who observes the complete Chaturmasya without a break attains eternal happiness and does not receive another birth.
But if someone breaks the fast, he becomes either a blind man or a leper.
“Thus I have narrated to you the complete process for observing Haribodhini Ekadasi.
Someone who reads or hears about this achieves the merit earned by donating cows to a qualified brahmana.”
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Karttika-sukla Ekadasi – also known as Haribodhini Ekadasi or Devotthaani Ekadasi – from the Skanda Purana.
From Hari-Bhakti-Vilas:
PRABODHINIM UPOSYA EVA NA GARBHE VISATE NARAH SARVA DHARMAN PARITYAJYA TASMAT KURVITA NARADA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/289 from SKANDA PURANA spoken by Lord Brahma)
Oh Narada Muni, one who fasts on Prabodhini (when the Lord gets up) Ekadasi, does not enter again into the womb of another mother.
Therefore, a person should give up all varieties of occupation and fast on this particular Ekadasi day.
DUGDHABDHIH BHOGI SAYANE BHAGAVAN ANANTO YASMIN DINE SVAPITI CA ATHA VIBHUDHYATE CA TASMINN ANANYA MANASAM UPAVASA BHAJAM KAMAM DADATY ABHIMATAM GARUDANKA SAYI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/293 from PADMA PURANA)
One who fasts with one pointed intelligence on the day when the Supreme Lord Sri Hari, Who sleeps on a bed of the enemy of Garuda (snake) goes to take rest in the Milk ocean on the bed of Ananta Sesa and also the day He gets up, gets all of his desires fulfilled.
BHAKTIPRADA HAREH SATU NAMNA KSATA PRAVODHINI YASA VISNOH PARA MURTIR AVYAKTA ANEKA RUPINI SA KSIPTA MANUSE LOKE DVADADI MUNI PUNGAVA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/301 from VARAHA PURANA conversation between Yamaraja and Narada Muni)
This Prabodhini Ekadasi is famous for rewarding devotion to Lord Sri Hari.
Oh best of the sages (Narada Muni), the personality of Ekadasi is present on this earthly planet in an unmanifested form of Lord Hari.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that one who exactly observes the Ekadasi fast by observing this, he directly worships Lord Sri Hari.
This is the meaning of this verse.
Therefore, Ekadasi is said to be equal to Lord Sri Hari Himself.
CATUR DHA GRAHYA VAI CIRNAM CATUR MASYA VRATAM NARAH KARTIKE SUKLAPAKSE TU DVADASYAM TAT SAMACARET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/412 from MAHABHARATA)
A person who observed Caturmasya fast stated in four different ways should end his fast on the Dvadasi day on the light fortnight of the month of Karttika.
(Of course in ISKCON we do Caturmasya & Kartika-vrata from Purnima to Purnima.)
EKADASYAM PARER DATTAM DIPAM PRAJVALYA MUSIKA MANUSYAM DURLABHAM PRAPYA PARAM GATIM AVAPA SA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/129 from SKANDA PURANA)
One rat (female mouse) had once burnt a ghee lamp which was offered by someone else on Ekadasi day.
By doing so, she achieved a rarely achievable human form and at last attained the topmost destination.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami writes in his Digdarsini-tika, “In this verse it is found that it is possible to attain the results of directly offering a lamp on Ekadasi.
This history of the mouse is very famous in the Padma Purana, Kartika Mahatmya.
(In a temple of Lord Visnu, there was a mouse living who was eating the ghee from the extinguished ghee lamps which had been offered by others to Him.
One day when she felt hungry to eat ghee, she tried to eat the ghee from a lamp which was not yet extinguished.
While eating ghee from the lamp, the cotton wick got stuck in her teeth.
Since the ghee wick had a flame, the mouse started jumping in front of the Lord’s Deity form and thus died due to fire.
But Lord Sri Visnu accepted the jumping of that mouse with a lit ghee wick in her mouth as His aratik.
In the end He gave her liberation, the topmost destination.)
Glories of Remaining Awake on the night of Prabodhini Ekadasi: (Padma Purana, Kartika Mahatmya)
The sins accumulated in thousands of previous births burn like a mass of cotton for someone who remains awake during Prabodhani-ekadasi.
Even if guilty of the most heinous sins, such as killing a brahmana, O sage a person shakes away his sins by remaining awake in Visnu’s honour throughout Prabodhani-ekadasi.
All his mental, vocal, and physical sins will be washed away by Sri Govinda.(388-390)
Results that are difficult to obtain even with great yajnas, such as Asvamedha, effortlessly accrue to those who remain awake during Prabodhani-ekadasi. (391)
The Lord should be taken out on a grand Ratha-yatra festival on this day after awakening Him from His sleep for the four months of Caturmasya i.e from Sayani Ekadasi when the Lord had taken rest on the Milk Ocean.
This festival has been elaborately described in the Padma Purana.
16-November-2025
Utpanna Ekadashi
मार्गशीर्ष
November/December
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Suta Goswami said, “O learned brahmanas, long ago Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, explained the auspicious glories of Sri Ekadasi and the rules and regulations governing each observance of fasting on that holy day. O best of the brahmins, whosoever hears about the origins and glories of these sacred fasts on the Ekadasi days goes directly to the abode of Lord Vishnu after enjoying many different kinds of happiness in this material world.
“Arjuna, the son of Prithaa, asked the Lord, ‘O Janardana, what are the pious benefits of complete fasting, eating only supper, or eating but once at midday on Ekadasi, and what are the regulations for observing the various Ekadasi days? Kindly narrate all this to me’.
“‘The Supreme Lord Krishna replied, ‘O Arjuna, in the beginning of winter (northern hemisphere), on the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Margasirsha (November-December), a novice should begin his practice of observing a fast on Ekadasi. On Dasami, the day before Ekadasi, he should clean his teeth nicely. Then during the eight portion of Dasami, just as the Sun is about to set, he should eat supper.
” ‘The next morning the devotee should make a vow, according to the rules and regulations, to observe fasting. At midday he should bathe properly in a river, lake or small pond. A bath in a river is most purifying, thsat taken in a lake is less so, and a bath in a small pond is the least purifying. If neither a river, lake nor pond is accessible, he may bathe with well-water.
“‘The devotee should chant this prayer containing the names of Mother Earth: “O Asvakrante! O Rathakrante! O Vishnukrante! O Vasundhare! O Mrttike! O Mother Earth! Kindly remove all the sins I have accumulated throughout my many past lives so that I may enter the sacred abode of the Supreme Lord.” As the devotee chants, he should smear mud over his body. “‘During the day of fasting the devotee should not speak to those who are fallen from their religious duties, to dog-eaters, to thieves, or to hypocrites. He should also avoid speaking with slanderers; with those who abuse the demigods, the Vedic literatures, or brahmanas; or with any other wicked personalities, such as those who have sex with forbidden women, those who are known plunderers, or those who rob temples. If any such person is spoken to or even seen during Ekadasi, one must purify oneself by looking directly at the sun.
“Then the devotee should respectfully worship Lord Govinda with first- class food, flowers, and so forth. In his home he should offer the Lord a lamp in pure devotional consciousness. he should also avoid sleeping during the daytime and should completely abstain from sex. Fasting from all food and water, he should joyfully sing the Lord’s glories and play musical instruments for His pleasure throughout the night. After remaining awake all night in pure consciousness, the worshipper should give charity to qualified brahmanas and offer his humble obeisances unto them, begging their forgiveness for his offences”.
“‘Those who are serious about devotional service should consider the Ekadasis that occur during dark fortnights to be as good as those that occur during bright fortnights. O king, one should never discriminate between these two kinds of Ekadasi.
Please listen as I now describe the results obtained by one who observes Ekadasi in this way. Neither the merit one receives by taking a bath in the sacred place of pilgrimage known as Sankhoddhara, where the Lord killed the Sankhasura demon, nor the merit one receives upon seeing Lord Gadadhara directly is equal to one sixteenth of the merit one obtains by fasting on Ekadasi. It is said that by giving charity on a Monday when the moon is full, one obtains a hundred thousand times the results of ordinary charity. O winner of wealth, one who gives charity on the day of the sankranti (equinox) attains four hundred thousand times the ordinary result. Yet simply by fasting on Ekadasi one obtains all these pious results, as well as whatever pious results one gets at Kurukshetra during an eclipse of the sun or moon. Furthermore, the faithful soul who observes complete fasting on Ekadasi achieves a hundred times more merit than one who performs an Asvamedha-yajna (horse sacrifice). One who observes Ekadasi just once earns ten times more merit than a person who gives a thousand cows in charity to a brahmana learned in the Vedas.
“‘A person who feeds just one brahmacari earns ten times more merit than one who feeds ten good brahmanas in his own house. But a thousand times more merit than is earned by feeding a brahmacari is achieved by donating land to the needy and respectable brahmana, and a thousand time more than that is earned by giving away a virgin girl in marriage to a young, well- educated, responsible man. Ten times more beneficial than this is educating children properly on the spiritual path, without expecting any reward in return. Ten times better than this, however, is giving food grains to the hungry. Indeed, giving charity to those in need is the best of all, and there never has been or ever will be a better charity than this. O son of Kunti, all the forefathers and demigods in heaven become very satisfied when one gives food grains in charity. But the merit one obtains by observing a complete fast on Ekadasi cannot be measured. O Arjuna, best of all Kurus, the powerful effect of this merit is inconceivable even to the demigods, and half this merit is attained by one who eats only supper on Ekadasi.
“‘One should therefore observe fasting on Lord Hari’s day either by eating only once at midday, abstaining from grains and beans; or by fasting completely. The processes of staying in places of pilgrimage, giving charity, and performing fire sacrifices may boast only as long as Ekadasi has not arrived. Therefore anyone afraid of the miseries of material existence should observe Ekadasi. On Ekadasi one should not drink water from a conch-shell, kill living entities such as fish or pigs, or eat any grains or beans. Thus I have described to you, O Arjuna, the best of all methods of fasting, as you have inquired from Me.’
“Arjuna then asked, ‘O Lord, according to You, a thousand Vedic sacrifices do not equal even one Ekadasi fast. How can this be? How has Ekadasi become the most meritorious of all days?’
“Lord Sri Krishan replied, ‘I will tell you why Ekadasi is the most purifying of all days. In the Satya-Yuga there once lived an amazingly fearsome demon called Mura. Always very angry, he terrified all the demigods, defeating even Indra, the king of heaven; Vivasvan, the sun-god; the eight Vasus; Lord Brahma; Vayu. the wind-god; and Agni, the fire-god. With his terrible power he brought them all under his control.
“‘Lord Indra then approached Lord Shiva and said, “We have all fallen from our planets and are now wandering helplessly on the earth. O lord, how can we find relief from this affliction? What will be the fate of us demigods?’ “‘Lord Shiva replied, “O best of the demigods, go to that place where Lord Vishnu, the rider of Garuda, resides. He is Jagannatha, the master of all the universes and their shelter as well. He is devoted to protecting all souls surrendered to Him.'”
“Lord Krishna continued, ‘O Arjuna, winner of wealth, after Lord Indra heard these words of Lord Shiva’s, he proceeded with all the demigods to the place where Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of the universe, the protector of all souls, was resting. Seeing the Lord sleeping upon the water, the demigods joined their palms and, led by Indra, recite the following prayers: “‘”O Supreme Personality of Godhead, all obeisances to You. O Lord of lords, O You who are praised by the foremost demigods, O enemy of all demons, O lotus-eyed Lord, O Madhusudana (killer of the Madhu demon), please protect us. Afraid of the demon Mura, we demigods have come to take shelter of You. O Jagannatha, You are the doer of everything and the creator of everything. You are the mother and the father of all universes. You are the creator, the maintainer, and the destroyer of all. You are the supreme helper of all the demigods, and You alone can bring peace to them. you alone are the earth, the sky, and the universal benefactor. “‘”You are Shiva, Brahma, and also Vishnu, the maintainer of the three worlds. You are the gods of the sun, moon, and fire. You are the clarified butter, the oblation, the sacred fire, the mantras, the rituals, the priests, and the silent chanting of japa. You are the sacrifice itself, its sponsor, and the enjoyer of its results, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Nothing within these three worlds, whether moveable or immovable, can exist independent of You. O Supreme Lord, Lord of lords, You are the protector of those who take shelter of You. O supreme mystic, O shelter of the fearful, please rescue and protect us. We demigods have been defeated by the demons and have thus fallen from the heavenly realm. Deprived of our positions, O Lord of the universe, we are now wandering about this earthly planet.”‘
“Lord Krsna continued, ‘Having heard Indra and the other demigods speak these words, Sri Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, replied, “What demon possesses such great powers of delusion that he has been able to defeat all the demigods? What is his name, and where does he live? Where does he get his strength and shelter? Tell Me everything, O Indra, and do not fear.”
“‘Lord Indra replied, “O Supreme Godhead, O Lord of lords, O You who vanquish the fear in Your pure devotees’ hearts, O You who are so kind to your faithful servants, there was once a powerful demon of the Brahma dynasty whose name was Nadijangha. he was extraordinarily fearsome and wholly dedicated to destroying the demigods, and he begot an infamous son named Mura.
“‘”Mura’s great capital city is Chandravati. From that base the terribly evil and powerful Mura demon has conquered the whole world and brought all the demigods under his control, driving them out of their heavenly kingdom. He has assumed the roles of Indra, the king of heaven; Agni, the fire-god; Yama, the lord of death; Vayu, the wind-god; Isha, or Lord Shiva; Soma, the moon-god; Nairrti, the lord of the directions; and Pasi, or Varuna, the water-god. He has also begun emanating light in the role of the sun-god and has turned himself into the clouds as well. It is impossible for the demigods to defeat him. O Lord Vishnu, please kill tis demon and make the demigods victorious.”
“‘Hearing these words from Indra, Lord Janardana became very angry and said, “O powerful demigods, all together you may now advance on Mura’s capital city of Chandravati.” Encouraged thus, the assembled demigods proceeded to Chandravati with Lord Hari leading the way.
“‘When Mura saw the demigods, that foremost of demons started roaring very loudly in the company of countless thousands of other demons, who were all holding brilliantly shining weapons. The mighty-armed demons struck the demigods, who began abandoning the battlefield and fleeing in the ten directions. Seeing the Supreme Lord Hrsikesha, the master of the senses, present on the battlefield, the furious demons rushed toward Him with various weapons in their hands. As they charged the Lord, who holds a sword, disk, and club, He immediately pierced all their limbs with His sharp, poisonous arrows. thus many hundred of demons died by the Lord’s hand.
“‘At last the chief demon, Mura, began fighting with the Lord. Mura used his mystic power to render useless whatever weapons the Supreme Lord Hrsikesa unleashed. Indeed, to the demon the weapons felt just like flowers striking him. When the Lord could not defeat the demon even with various kinds of weapons – whether those that are thrown or those that are held – He began fighting with His bare hands, which were as strong as iron-studded clubs. The Lord wrestled with Mura for one thousand celestial years and then, apparently fatigued, left for Badarikashrama. There Lord Yogeshvara, the greatest of all yogis, the Lord of the universe, entered a very beautiful cave named Himavati to rest. O Dhananjaya, winner of wealth, that cave was ninety-six miles in diameter and had only one entrance. I went there out of fear, and also to sleep. There is no doubt about this, O son of Pandu, for the great fight made me very tired. the demon followed Me into that cave and, seeing Me asleep, started thinking within his heart, “Today I will kill this slayer of all demons, Hari.”
“‘While the wicked-minded Mura was making plans in this way, from My body there manifested a young girl who had a very bright complexion. O son of Pandu, Mura saw that she was equipped with various brilliant weapons and was ready to fight. Challenged by that female to do battle, Mura prepared himself and then fought with her, but he became very astonished when he saw that she fought him without cessation. The king of the demons then said, “Who has created this angry, fearsome girl who is fighting me so powerfully, just like a thunderbolt falling upon me?’ After saying this, the demon continued to fight with the girl.
“‘Suddenly that effulgent goddess shattered all of Mura’s weapons and in a moment deprived him of his chariot. He ran toward her to attacker with his bare hands, but when she saw him coming she angrily cut off his head. Thus the demon at once fell to the ground and went to the abode of Yamaraja. The rest of the Lord’s enemies, out of fear and helplessness, entered the subterranean Patala region.
“‘Then the Supreme Lord woke up and saw the dead demo before Him, as well as the maiden bowing down to him with joined palms. His face expressing His astonishment, the Lord of the universe said, “Who has killed this vicious demon? He easily defeated all the demigods, Gandharvas, and even Indra himself, along with Indra’s companions, the Maruts, and he also defeated the Nagas (snakes), the rulers of the lower planets. He even defeated Me, making Me hide in this cave out of fear. Who is it that has so mercifully protected Me after I ran from the battlefield and went to sleep in this cave?”
“‘The maiden said, “It is I who have killed this demon after appearing from Your transcendental body. Indeed, O Lord Hari, when he saw You sleeping he wanted to kill You. Understanding the intention of this thorn in the side of the three worlds, I killed the evil rascal and this freed all the demigods from fear. I am Your great maha-sakti, Your internal potency, who strikes fear into the hearts of all Your enemies. I have killed this universally terrifying demon to protect the three worlds. Please tell me why You are surprised to see that this demon has been killed, O Lord.” “‘The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, “O sinless one, I am very satisfied to see that it is you who have killed this king of the demons. In this way you have made the demigods happy, prosperous, and full of bliss. Because you have given pleasure to all the demigods in the three worlds, I am very pleased with you. Ask any boon you may desire, O auspicious one. I will give it to you without a doubt, though it be very rare among the demigods.”
“”The maiden said, “O Lord, if You are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver from the greatest sins that person who fasts of this day. I wish that half the pious credit obtained by one who fasts will accrue to one who eats only in the evening (abstaining from grains and beans), and that half of this pious credit will be earned by one who eats only at midday. Also, may one who strictly observes a complete fast on my appearance day, with controlled senses, go to the abode of Lord Vishnu for one billion kalpas after he has enjoyed all kinds of pleasures in this world. This is the boon I desire to attain by Your mercy, my Lord, O Lord Janardana, whether a person observes complete fasting, eats only in the evening, or eats only at midday, please grant him a religious attitude, wealth, and at last liberation.”
“‘The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, “O most auspicious lady, what you have requested is granted. All My devotees in this world will surely fast on your day, and thus they will become famous throughout the three worlds and finally come and stay with me in My abode. Because you, My transcendental potency, have appeared on the eleventh day of the waning moon, let your name by Ekadasi. If a person fasts on Ekadasi, I will burn up all his sins and bestow upon him My transcendental abode. “‘”These are the days of the waxing and waning moon that are most dear to Me: Tritiya (the third day), Ashthami (the eighth day), Navami (the ninth day), Chaturdasi (the fourteenth day), and especially Ekadasi (the eleventh day).
“‘”The merit one attains by fasting on Ekadasi is greater than that achieved by observing any other kind of fast or by going to a place of pilgrimage, and even greater than that achieved by giving charity to brahmanas. I tell you most emphatically that this is true.” “‘Having thus given the maiden His benediction, the Supreme Lord suddenly disappeared. From that time onward the Ekadasi day became most meritorious and famous all over the universe. O Arjuna, if a person strictly observes Ekadasi, I kill all his enemies and grant him the highest destination. Indeed, if a person observes this great Ekadasi fast in any of the prescribed way, I remove all obstacles to his spiritual progress and grant him the perfection of life.
“‘Thus, O son of Prtha, I have described to you the origin of Ekadasi. This one day removes all sins eternally. Indeed, it is the most meritorious day for destroying all kinds of sins, and it has appeared in order to benefit everyone in the universe by bestowing all varieties of perfection. “‘One should not discriminate between the Ekadasis of the waxing and waning moons; both must be observed, O Partha, and they should not be differentiated from Maha-Dvadasi. Everyone who fasts of Ekadasi should recognise that there is no difference between these two Ekadasis, for they comprise the same tithi.
“‘Whoever completely fasts on Ekadasi, following the rules and regulations, will achieve the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, who rides upon Garuda. They are glorious who devote themselves to Lord Vishnu and spend all their rime studying the glories of Ekadasi. One who vows not to eat anything on Ekadasi but to eat only on the next day achieves the same merit as one who executes a horse sacrifice. Of this there is no doubt.
“‘On Dvadasi, the day after Ekadasi, one should pray, “O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat. Please shelter me.” After saying this, the wise devotee should offer some flowers and water at the Lord’s lotus feet and invite the Lord to eat by chanting the eight-syllable mantra thrice. If the devotee wants to gain the fruit of his fast, he should then drink water taken form the sanctified vessel in which he offered water at the Lord’s lotus feet.
“‘On Dvadasi one must avoid sleeping during the day, eating in another’s home, eating more than once, having sex, eating honey, eating from a bell- metal plate, eating urad-dal, and rubbing oil on one’s body. The devotee must give up these eight things on Dvadasi. If he wants to speak to an outcaste on that day, he must purify himself by eating a Tulasi leaf or an amalaki fruit. O best of kings, from noon on Ekadasi until dawn on Dvadasi, one should engage himself in taking baths, worshipping the Lord, and executing devotional activities, including the giving of charity and the performance of fire sacrifices. If one finds himself in difficult circumstances and cannot break the Ekadasi fast properly on Dvadasi, one can break it by drinking water, and then one is not at fault if he eats again after that.
“‘A devotee of Lord Vishnu who day and night hears these all-auspicious topics concerning the Lord from the mouth of another devotee will be elevated to the Lord’s planet and reside there for ten million kalpas. And one who hears even one sentence about the glories of Ekadasi is freed from the reactions to such sins as killing a brahmana. There is no doubt of this. For all eternity there will be no better way of worshiping Lord Vishnu than observing a fast on Ekadasi.'”
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Margasirsa-krsna Ekadasi, or Utpanna Ekadasi, from the Bhavisya-uttara Purana.
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
2-December-2025
Mokshada Ekadashi, Vaikuntha Ekadashi
मार्गशीर्ष
November/December
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadasi is a very special Ekadasi in two regards; the all auspicious day on which Lord Sri Krishna spoke the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, at the place now known as Jyotisha tirtha.
Anyone who gifts a Bhagavad Gita away to a deserving person on this day is bestowed profuse blessings by the Sri Krishna Bhagavan.
The Ancient History of Mokshada Ekadasi from Brahmanda Purana:
Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “O Vishnu, master of all, O delight of the three worlds, O Lord of the entire Universe, O creator of the
world, O oldest personality, O best of all beings, I offer my most respectful obeisances unto You.
“O Lord of lords, for the benefit of all living entities, kindly answer some questions that I have. What is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Margashirsha (November-December) and removes all sins?
How does one observe it properly, and which Deity is worshipped on that holiest of days?
O my Lord please explain this to me in full.”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O dear Yudhishthira, your enquiry is very auspicious in itself and will bring you fame.
Just as I previously explained to you about the dearest Utpannaa Maha-Dwadasi – which occurs during the dark part of the month of Margashirsha, which is the day when Ekadasi-devi appeared from My body to kill the demon Mura, and which benefits everything animate and inanimate in the three worlds – so I shall now relate to you regarding this Ekadasi that occurs during the light part of the month of Margashirsha.
This Ekadasi is famous as Mokshadaa because it purifies the faithful devotee of all sinful reactions and bestows liberation upon him.
The worshipable Deity of this all auspicious day is Lord Damodara.
With full attention one should worship Him with incense, a ghee lamp, fragrant flowers, and Tulsi manjaris (buds).
“O best of saintly kings, please listen as I narrate to you the ancient and auspicious history of this wonderful Ekadasi.
Simply by hearing this history one can attain the merit earned by performing a horse sacrifice.
By the influence of this merit, one’s forefathers, mothers, sons, and other relatives who have gone to hell can turn around and go to the heavenly kingdom.
For this reason alone, O king, you should listen with rapt attention to this narration.
“There once was a beautiful city named Champaka-nagar, which was decorated with devoted Vaishnavas.
There the best of saintly kings Maharaj Vaikhaanasa, ruled over his subjects as if they were his very own dear sons and daughters.
The brahmins in that capital city were all expert in four kinds of Vedik knowledge.
The king, while ruling properly, had a dream one night in which his father was seen to be suffering the pangs of hellish torture in one of the hellish planets ruled over by the Yamaraj.
The king was overwhelmed with compassion for his father and shed tears.
The next morning, Maharaj Vaikhaanasa described what he had seen in his dream to his council of twice born learned brahmins.
” ‘ O brahmanas,’ the king addressed them, ‘in a dream last night I saw my father suffering on a hellish planet.
He was crying out in anguish, “O son, please deliver me from this torment of this hellish condition !”
Now I have no peace in my mind, and even this beautiful kingdom has become unbearable to me.
Not even my horses, elephants, and chariots and my vast wealth in my treasury that formerly brought so much pleasure, gives me no pleasure at all.
” ‘Everything, O best of the brahmins, even my own wife and sons, have become a source of unhappiness since I beheld my father suffering the tortures of that hellish condition so.
Where can I go, and what can I do, O brahmins, to alleviate this misery?
My body is burning with fear and sorrow ! Please tell me what kind of charity, what mode of fasting, what austerity, or what deep meditation, and in service upon which Deity I may have to perform to deliver my father from that agony and bestow upon liberation upon my forefathers.
O best among the brahmins, what is the use of one’s being a powerful son if one’s father must suffer on a hellish planet?
Truly, such a son’s life is utterly useless, to him and to his forefathers.
” The twice born brahmins replied, ‘O king, in the mountainous forest not far from here is the ashram where a great saint Parvata Muni resides.
Please go to him, for he is tri-kala-jnani (he knows the past, the present, and the future of everything) and can surely help you in your gaining relief from your misery.’
“Upon hearing this advise, the distressed king immediately set out on a journey to the ashram of the famous sage Parvata Muni.
The ashram was indeed very big and housed many learned sages expert in chanting the sacred hymns of the four Vedas (Rg, Yajur, Sama, and Arthava).
Approaching the holy ashram, the king beheld Parvata Muni seated among the assembly of sages adorned with hundreds of tilaks (from all the authorised sampradayas) like another Brahmaa or Vyaas.
“Maharaj Vaikhaanasa offered his humble obeisances to the muni, bowing his head and then prostrating his entire body before him.
After the king had seated himself among the assembly Parvata Muni asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his extensive kingdom (his ministers, his treasury, his military forces, his allies, the brahmins, the sacrificial offerings performed, and the needs of his subjects).
The muni also asked him if his kingdom was free of troubles and whether everyone was peaceful, happy and satisfied.
To these enquiries the king replied, ‘By your mercy O glorious and great sage, all seven limbs of my kingdom are doing very well.
Yet there is a problem that has recently arisen, and to solve it I have come to you, O brahmana for your expert help and guidance’.
“Then Parvata Muni, the best of all sages, closed his eyes and meditated on the king’s past, present and future.
After a few moments he opened his eyes and said, ‘Your father is suffering the results of committing a great sin, and I have discovered what it is.
In his previous life he quarrelled with his wife and forcibly enjoyed her sexually during her menstrual period.
She tried to protest and resist his advances and even yelled out, “Someone please save me! Please, O husband, do not interrupt my monthly period in this way!”
Still he did not stop or leave her alone. It is on account of this grievous sin that your father now has fallen into such a hellish condition of suffering.’
“King Vaikhaanasa then said, ‘O greatest among sages, by what process of fasting or charity may I liberate my dear father from such a condition?
Please tell me how I can relieve and remove the burden of his sinful reactions, which are a great obstacle to his progress toward ultimate release (salvation – liberation – going back home).’
“Parvata Muni replied, ‘During the light fortnight of the month of Margashirsha there occurs an Ekadasi called Mokshadaa.
If you observe this sacred Ekadasi strictly, with a full fast, and give directly to your suffering father the merit you thus attain/obtain, he will be freed from his pain and instantly liberated’.
“Hearing this, Maharaj Vaikhaanasa profusely thanked the great sage and then returned to his palace to perform his vrata (austere rite).
O Yudhishthira, when the light part of the month of Margashirsha at last arrived, Maharaj Vaikhaanasa faithfully waited for the Ekadasi tithi to arrive.
He then perfectly and with full faith observed the Ekadasi fast with his wife, children, and other relatives.
He dutifully gave the merit from this fast to his father, and as he made the offering, beautiful flower petals showered down from the devas who peered out from behind the clouds in the sky.
The king’s father was then praised by the messengers of the demigods (devas) and escorted to the celestial region.
As he passed his son, as he traversed the lower to middle to higher planets, the father said to the king, ‘My dear son, all auspiciousness unto you!’
At last he reached the heavenly realm from where he can again with his newly acquired merit perform devotional service to Krishna or Vishnu and in due course return back to home back to Godhead.
“O son of Pandu, who so ever strictly observes the sacred Mokshadaa Ekadasi, following the established rules and regulations, achieves full and perfect liberation after death.
There is no better fasting day than this Ekadasi of the light fortnight of the month of Margashirsha, O Yudhishthira, for it is a crystal-clear and sinless day.
Whoever faithfully observes this Ekadasi fast, which is like chinta-mani (a gem that yields all desires), obtains special merit that is very hard to calculate, for this day can elevate one from hellish life to the heavenly planets, and for one who observes Ekadasi for his own spiritual benefit, this elevates one to go back to Godhead, never to return to this material world.”
Thus end the narration of the glories of Margashirsha-shukla Ekadasi or Mokshada Ekadasi, from the Brahmanda Purana.
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
01-January-2026
Putrada Ekadashi
पौष
December/January
Shukla Paksha
About This Ekadashi
Mokshada Ekadasi is a very special Ekadasi in two regards; the all auspicious day on which Lord Sri Krishna spoke the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, at the place now known as Jyotisha tirtha.
Anyone who gifts a Bhagavad Gita away to a deserving person on this day is bestowed profuse blessings by Sri Krishna Bhagavan.
🌻The Ancient History of Mokshada Ekadasi from Brahmanda Purana🌻
Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “O Vishnu, master of all, O delight of the three worlds, O Lord of the entire Universe, O creator of the Yet there is a problem that has recently arisen, and to solve it I have come to you, O brahmana for your expert help and guidance’.
“Then Parvata Muni, the best of all sages, closed his eyes and meditated on the king’s past, present and future.
After a few moments he opened his eyes and said, ‘Your father is suffering the results of committing a great sin, and I have discovered what it is.
In his previous life he quarrelled with his wife and forcibly enjoyed her sexually during her menstrual period.
She tried to protest and resist his advances and even yelled out, “Someone please save me! Please, O husband, do not interrupt my monthly period in this way!”
Still he did not stop or leave her alone. It is on account of this grievous sin that your father now has fallen into such a hellish condition of suffering.’
“King Vaikhaanasa then said, ‘O greatest among sages, by what process of fasting or charity may I liberate my dear father from such a condition?
Please tell me how I can relieve and remove the burden of his sinful reactions, which are a great obstacle to his progress toward ultimate release (salvation – liberation – going back home).’
“Parvata Muni replied, ‘During the light fortnight of the month of Margashirsha there occurs an Ekadasi called Mokshadaa.
If you observe this sacred Ekadasi strictly, with a full fast, and give directly to your suffering father the merit you thus attain/obtain, he will be freed from his pain and instantly liberated’.
“Hearing this, Maharaj Vaikhaanasa profusely thanked the great sage and then returned to his palace to perform his vrata (austere rite).
O Yudhishthira, when the light part of the month of Margashirsha at last arrived, Maharaj Vaikhaanasa faithfully waited for the Ekadasi tithi to arrive.
He then perfectly and with full faith observed the Ekadasi fast with his wife, children, and other relatives.
He dutifully gave the merit from this fast to his father, and as he made the offering, beautiful flower petals showered down from the devas who peered out from behind the clouds in the sky.
The king’s father was then praised by the messengers of the demigods (devas) and escorted to the celestial region.
As he passed his son, as he traversed the lower to middle to higher planets, the father said to the king, ‘My dear son, all auspiciousness unto you!’
At last he reached the heavenly realm from where he can again with his newly acquired merit perform devotional service to Krishna or Vishnu and in due course return back to home back to Godhead.
“O son of Pandu, who so ever strictly observes the sacred Mokshadaa Ekadasi, following the established rules and regulations, achieves full and perfect liberation after death.
There is no better fasting day than this Ekadasi of the light fortnight of the month of Margashirsha, O Yudhishthira, for it is a crystal-clear and sinless day.
Whoever faithfully observes this Ekadasi fast, which is like chinta-mani (a gem that yields all desires), obtains special merit that is very hard to calculate, for this day can elevate one from hellish life to the heavenly planets, and for one who observes Ekadasi for his own spiritual benefit, this elevates one to go back to Godhead, never to return to this material world.”
Thus end the narration of the glories of Margashirsha-shukla Ekadasi or Mokshada Ekadasi, from the Brahmanda Purana.
26-January-2025
Shat Tila Ekadashi
माघ
January/February
Krishna Paksha
About This Ekadashi
🌻Sat-Tila Ekadashi is also known as Trisprisha Ekadashi.🌻
This Ekadashi occurs in the dark fortnight of the month of Magha(January/February). The glories of Sat-tila (pronounced ṣaṭ-tila, शट तिल) Ekadashi are narrated in the Bhavisyottara Purana in a conversation between the sage Dalbhya and Pulastya muni.
🌻Conversation between Dalbhya Rishi and Palastya Muni🌻
Sri Dalbhya Rishi said to Palastya Muni, “When the spirit soul comes in contact with the material energy, he becomes sinful and performs such heinous acts as stealing, killing, and illicit sex. He may even go to the extent of killing a brahmana.
“O purest of personalities! Please tell me how these unfortunate souls may escape hellish punishments by just simple austerities as offering a little charity.” Pulastya Muni replied, “O fortunate sage, you have asked me an important, confidential question. Please listen very carefully as I reply.
🌻Observing Sat-tila Ekadashi🌻
“At the arrival of the month of Magha (January – February), one should carefully control his senses by giving up lust, anger, pride, jealousy, fault-finding, and greed, and meditate on the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna. On the day when the constellation of Purvashadha nakshatra arrives, he should bathe, collect some cow dung before it touches the ground and after mixing it with sesame seeds and cotton, prepare 108 balls from it. Then he should strictly observe magha krishna Ekadashi as I will now describe.
“After bathing, the aspirant should worship the Supreme Lord. Praying to Lord Sri Krishna by chanting His holy name, he should vow to observe the Ekadashi fast. The devotee should perform an Arati to the Lord – the holder of the conch, disk, club, and lotus – which includes applying sandalwood paste to his feet and offering incense, camphor and a bright ghee lamp. Naivedya (an offering of tasteful food preparations) should be then offered to the Lord. He should keep awake all night and perform a fire sacrifice (homa). The devotee should offer the 108 balls of cow dung, sesame seeds, and cotton wool into the sacrificial fire of the homa while chanting the Purusha sukta hymns and the Lord’s holy names. He should then offer the Lord – pumpkin, coconut, and guava. If these items are unavailable, betel nut may be substituted. Throughout the day and night, the devotee should observe the standard Ekadashi vrata of fasting from all grains and beans.
“The devotee should pray to Lord Sri Janardana, the benefactor of all living beings, thus: ‘O Lord Sri Krishna, You are the most merciful Personality of Godhead and the giver of liberation to the fallen souls. O Lord, we have fallen into the ocean of material existence. Please be kind to us. O lotus-eyed Lord, please accept our humble, affectionate and respectful obeisances. O Supreme Spirit, origin of all forefathers, may You and Srimati Laxmi-devi, Your eternal consort kindly accept our humble offerings.’
“The devotee should then try to please a qualified brahmana with a warm welcome, a pot full of water (purna kumbha), an umbrella, a pair of shoes, and clothes (dhoti, and anga vastra). The devotee should request the brahmana to bestow his blessings for developing unalloyed love of Godhead. If means permit one must also donate a black cow to the brahmana, particularly if he is well versed in the injunctions of Vedic scripture. One should also offer him a pot of sesame seeds.
🌻Why Sat-tila Ekadashi is so named🌻
“O exalted Dalbhya Muni, black sesame seeds are especially suitable for formal worship and fire sacrifices while white or brown ones are meant to be eaten by a qualified brahmana. One who can arrange to give both kinds of sesame seeds (black and white or brown) on this Sat-tila Ekadashi day will be promoted at least to the heavenly planets after leaving this present body and will live there for as many thousands of years as the number of seeds that would be produced if the seeds he donated were sown in the ground and grew into mature, seed bearing plants. On this Ekadashi a faithful person should:
bathe in the water mixed with sesame seeds,
rub sesame seed paste on his body,
offer sesame seeds into the fire in sacrifice,
eat sesame seeds,
give sesame seeds away in charity,
accept charitable gifts of sesame seeds.
These are the six (sat) ways in which sesame seeds (tila) are utilised for spiritual purification on this Ekadashi. Therefore it is called Sat-tila Ekadashi.”
🌻Lord Krishna’s Narration to Narada Muni🌻
Palastya Muni continued, “The great Devarishi Narada Muni once asked the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, about the result one obtains by observing Sat-tila Ekadashi. Lord Krishna replied, ‘O best of the twice born, I shall narrate to you an incident I personally witnessed.
“‘Long ago on earth there lived an old brahmana lady who worshipped Me every day with controlled senses. She faithfully observed many a fast, especially on the days honouring Me (Janmasthami, Rama-navami, Vaman Dwadasi, Nrisimha Chaturdasi, Varaha Dwadasi, Gaura Purnima, etc.) and selflessly served Me with full devotion. Her austerities made her quite emaciated and weak. She gave charity to brahmanas and to young maidens (kanyas), and even planned to give away her house in charity. Yet, although the spiritually minded woman gave charity to worthy people, oddly, she never offered food to the brahmanas or devas (demigods).
“’I reflected, about the woman and felt she had purified herself by offering Me strict devotional worship by fasting on all auspicious occasions. She certainly had become eligible to enter My personal abode, which is a rare achievement. So I came down to this planet to understand her queer behaviour. Disguising Myself as a follower of Lord Shiva, complete with a garland of skulls draped around My neck and a begging pot (bhiksha patra) in My hand, I approached her.
“’She said, “O respectful one, please tell me truthfully, why you have come here.” I replied, “O beautiful one, I have come to beg for some alms.” Hearing this, she got angry and threw a lump of mud into My begging pot! O Narada Muni astonished at the miserliness of this otherwise magnanimous lady, I wordlessly returned to My personal abode.
“’Eventually this austere lady reached the spiritual world without discarding her earthly body. So great was her fasting and charity! I transformed the lump of mud she had offered Me into a beautiful home for her. However, O Narada, this house was just like the mud devoid of any edible grains. It had no furniture or ornamentation, and when she entered it was only a bare structure. She approached Me and said, “I have fasted on so many auspicious occasions, making my body weak and thin. I have worshipped You and prayed to You in so many different ways for You are truly the master and protector of all the universes. Yet despite all this there is no food or wealth to be seen in my new home, O Janardana, please tell me why?”
“‘I replied, “Please return home. The wives of the demigods will pay you a visit out of curiosity to see the new arrival. Do not open your door until they have described to you the glories of Sat-tila Ekadashi.”
“‘The wives of the devas arrived at her home in due course as I had foretold and called out to her, “O beautiful one, we devapatnis have come to see you, please open the door.”
“’The lady replied, “O dear ones, if you want me to open the door, please narrate to me the merit of observing the sacred fast of Sat-tila Ekadashi.” One of the wives beautifully related the sublime nature of this sacred Ekadashi. And when the brahmana lady finally opened her door, they saw that she was not a celestial being like a demigoddess, a Gandharvi, an asuri, or even a Naga-patni. She was just an ordinary human being.
“’The lady observed Sat-tila Ekadashi, which awards both material enjoyment and liberation at the same time. She finally received the beautiful furnishings and grains she had expected for her spiritual home. Her ordinary material body was transformed into a beautiful, spiritual sac-cid-ananda form with a fine complexion. By the grace of Sat-tila Ekadasi, both the lady and her new home in the spiritual world were radiant with gold, silver, jewels, and diamonds.
🌻Lord Krishna’s Advice on observing Sat-tila Ekadashi🌻
“’O Narada, a person should not ostentatiously observe Ekadashi out of greed, with the hope of attaining wealth dishonestly. He should selflessly donate sesame seeds, clothes, and food according to his capacity, for by doing so he will achieve good health and exalted spiritual consciousness, birth after birth. Ultimately, he will be released from the bonds of this world (liberation) and granted admittance into the Lord’s supreme abode. That is my opinion, O best of devarishis.’
🌻Conclusion🌻
“O Dalbhya Muni,” Pulastya Rishi concluded, “One who properly observes this wonderful Sat-tila Ekadashi with great faith becomes free of all kinds of poverty – physical, mental, intellectual, social, and spiritual – as well as all kinds of ill luck and evil omens. Indeed, observing this Ekadashi fast by donating, sacrificing, or eating sesame seeds, undoubtedly frees one of all past sins. One need not wonder how this happens. The rare soul who properly performs these acts of charity in the right devotional mood, following the Vedic injunctions, will become free of all sinful reactions and go back home back to Godhead!”
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna.
Referring to this conversation to some great sages of the universe, Sri Suta Goswami said, “O sages, let me offer respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, whose mercy allows me to describe the day of fasting that removes all kinds of sins. It was the great devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira to whom Lord Krishna narrated the glories of the twenty-four primary Ekadashi, which destroy sin. Exalted sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime. Now I shall recount to you one of them.”
Following is the narration of Sri Shukadeva Goswami.
Inquiries about Kamada Ekadashi
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Lord Krishna, O Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. I desired to know from you of the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is it named, and what are its glories?”
Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhishthira, listen attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi which Vasishtha Muni once narrated to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
“King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, ‘O wise brahmana, please educate me about the Ekadashi that comes during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.’
“Pleased with the query Vasishtha Muni replied, ‘O king, your inquiry is glorious. I am happy to narrate that which you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It destroys all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. Extremely purifying, it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. O king, I will now relate to you an incident from ancient history so admirable that it removes all sins merely on being heard.
A Historical Incident
“‘Long ago, there once existed a city-state named Ratnapura. Steeped in opulence, it was bedecked with gold and jewels. Here, sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy getting intoxicated. King Pundarika was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom, which had numerous Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Lalit and his wife Lalita were Gandharvas. Lalita was a celebrated danseuse. The two were intensely attracted to each other and their home was abundant with wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and Lalit likewise always held her within his heart.
Gandharva Lalit Cursed
“‘Once, at the court of King Pundarika, some Gandharvas danced while Lalit sang. On this occasion, Lalita was not present. Due to his strong affection, he was lost in thoughts of her. Distracted, he lost track of meter and melody. He even spoilt the ending of the song, and one of the envious snakes in attendance complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“‘Suddenly he shouted, “Foolish knave, lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverentially thinking of your king you have grossly neglected your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!” O king, Lalit immediately became a fearsome cannibal with a terrifying appearance. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth big as a huge cave, his eyes were tremendous as the sun and the moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood sixty-four miles high. Poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, thus suffered the terrible results of his offense to King Pundarika.
Lalita Laments Her Husband’s Fate
“‘Seeing her husband so grotesquely transformed, Lalita was grief-stricken. She wailed miserably, “Now that my dear husband is in such suffering, woe is my lot. What am I to do? Where am I go?’
“‘Lalita grieved day and night wandering in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband instead of enjoying the lavish life of a Gandharva wife. Her husband Lalit, under the spell of the king’s curse, engaged in horribly sinful acts. He roamed fitfully in the forbidden regions, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to a ghastly man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer in his dreadful condition, Lalita piteously cried as she followed him in his manic wanderings.
Good Fortune Arrives
“‘However, good fortune struck one day when they came upon the great sage Shringi who was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, Lalita immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances. The sage noticing her bowing down before him said, “O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? Why have you come here? Tell me in truth.”
“‘Lalita replied, “O great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my unfortunate husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. O Brahmana, I am deeply aggrieved to see his ferocious form and intolerably sinful activities. O master, please guide me on what the atonement for my husband is. O best of Brahmanas, what pious acts can I perform to free him from his demonic form?”
“‘The sage replied, “Heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe the fasting for this Ekadashi, strictly following its rules and regulations and then transfer the merit you earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.”
“‘Overjoyed to hear these words from the sage, Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi strictly following the instructions of the sage Shringi. On the following day, Dvadasi, she appeared before the sage and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, “I have faithfully observed Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit I earned by observing this fast, may my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demonic cannibal. May the merit I have gained free him from his misery.”
Lalita Frees Her Husband From His Curse
“‘No sooner had Lalita finished speaking, her husband, standing nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with beautiful ornaments.
“‘Thereafter with his wife Lalita, he enjoyed an opulence even greater than before.
“‘All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. In the end, the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.’
Lord Krishna Concludes
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability for the great merit it bestows upon the faithful devotee. I have thus described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a Brahmana, and also nullify demonic curses. It purifies the consciousness. In all the three worlds, for movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day.”
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?”
Lord Sri Krishna, replied,
“O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”
Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee, it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one’s life of all sinful reactions.
Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadashi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Many sages were also present; performing their austerities and penance. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakha [April-May].
A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.
Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana’s thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi’s staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.
She began to sing seductively, and the small bells around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant, Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
Manjughosha slowly approached Medhavi and embraced the sage with her arms. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her – and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.
Seeing that the young yogi’s sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”
Medhavi replied, “But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.”
Fearful of the sage’s yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi, all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, “Please permit me to leave.”
Medhavi replied, “O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayathri mantra. Please wait until then.”
Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage’s great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, “How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.”
The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, “Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!” His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. “You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!” He cursed Manjughosha “O degraded one! May all terrible fortune be yours! I curse you to become an evil pishacha!”
Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, “O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, so please be kind to me!”
Medhavi Muni replied, “You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, there is an all auspicious Ekadashi that removes all of one’s sins. Its name is Papamochani, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.”
With these words, the sage left at once for his father’s ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, “O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.”
Medhavi replied, “O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha.”
Chyavana Muni answered, “Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.”
Medhavi followed his father’s advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadashi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the pishacha curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.
Lomasa Rishi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’
Sri Krishna concluded,
“O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashhi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
11-March-2025
Amalaki Ekadashi
फाल्गुन
February/March
Shukla Paksh
About This Ekadashi
🌻 Amalaki Ekadashi 🌻
The glories of Phalguna-Shukla Ekadashi, or Amalaki Ekadashi, are found in the Brahmanda Purana in a conversation between sage Vasishtha and the great King Mandhata.
King Mandhata’s Query
King Mandhata asked Vasishtha Muni, “O great sage, kindly be merciful and tell me of a holy fast that will bestow me eternal benefit.”
Vasishtha Muni replied, “O king, listen as I describe the best of all days of fasting, Amalaki Ekadasi. One who faithfully observes a fast on this Ekadashi obtains wealth, is freed from the effects of all kinds of sins, and attains liberation. Fasting on this Ekadasi is even more purifying than donating one thousand cows in charity to a pure brahmana. So please hear me attentively as I tell you the story of a cruel hunter who, though killing innocent animals daily for his living, achieved liberation by inadvertently observing the fast of Amalaki Ekadashi.”
The Kingdom of Vaidisha
“There was once a kingdom named Vaidisha, where all the brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and Shudras were equally endowed with Vedic knowledge, bodily strength, and fine intelligence. O lion among kings, the whole kingdom reverberated with Vedic chants, there was no atheist or sinner. The ruler of this kingdom was King Pashabinduka of the lunar Soma dynasty. Also known as Chitraratha he was truthful and religious. He was known to possess the strength of ten thousand elephants. He was wealthy and learned in the six branches of the Vedas.”
“In his kingdom everyone engaged in executing their own dharmas strictly. They were ideal brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, or Sudras. Misers and paupers did not exist in that land. There were no droughts or floods. The citizens were health and the kingdom was disease free. Following their king, they all engaged themselves in devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu. The king also offered special service to Lord Shiva. In the kingdom, everyone fasted on the two Ekadasis of every month.
“In this way, O best of kings, the citizens of Vaidisha lived long years in happiness and prosperity. Avoiding materialistic religion, they completely dedicated themselves to the loving service of the Supreme Lord, Hari.”
King Chitraratha Observes Amalaki Ekadashi
“Once, in the month of Phalguna (February – March), the holy fast of Amalaki Ekadashi arrived, conjoined with Dvadasi. Realizing this particular Ekadasi to be especially auspicious, King Chitraratha and the citizens of Vaidisha carefully observed the fast, meticulously following the rules and regulations.”
“After bathing in the river, the king and his subjects went to the temple of Lord Vishnu, where an Amalaki tree grew. First, the king and his leading priests offered the tree a pot filled with water, a fine canopy, shoes, gold, diamonds, rubies, pearls, sapphires, and aromatic incense. Then they worshiped Lord Parashurama with these prayers: ‘O Lord Parashurama, O son of Renuka, O all-pleasing one, O liberator of the worlds, please come beneath this holy Amalaki tree and accept our humble obeisances.’ Then they prayed to the Amalaki tree: ‘O Amalaki, O offspring of Lord Brahma, you can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions. Please accept our respectful obeisances and these humble gifts. O Amalaki, you are the form of Brahman and were once worshiped by Lord Ramachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates you is immediately freed from all sins.’
“After offering these excellent prayers, King Chitraratha and his subjects stayed awake throughout the night, praying and worshiping in accordance with the regulations of a sacred Ekadashi fast. At this auspicious time of fasting and prayer, an irreligious man approached the assembly. He maintained himself and his family by killing animals. Saddled with fatigue as well as sin, the hunter saw the king and the citizens of Vaidisha perform their all-night vigil, fasting, and worshiping Lord Vishnu in the beautiful forest setting, brilliantly illuminated with lamps. He hid nearby, marveling the extraordinary sight before him.
The Fortunate Hunter
“‘What is going on here?’ he thought. He saw in that lovely forest beneath the holy Amalaki tree was a Deity of Lord Damodara being worshiped on a water pot asana and heard devotees singing sacred hymns extolling Lord Krishna’s transcendental forms and pastimes. Despite himself, that unholy killer of innocent birds and animals spent the entire night in amazement watching the Ekadasi rituals and hearing the glorification of the Lord.
“At dawn, the king with his royal retinue – including the court priests and citizens – concluded their observance of Ekadashi and returned to the city of Vaidisha. The hunter returned to his hut and ate his meal. In due course, the hunter died. However, by the merit he had gained by fasting on Amalaki Ekadashi and hearing the glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as well as remaining awake all night, he became eligible to be reborn as a great king endowed with chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers. His name was Vasuratha, the son of King Viduratha, and he ruled over the kingdom of Jayanti.
King Vasuratha
“King Vasuratha, strong and fearless, was effulgent as the Sun, and handsome as the Moon. In strength, he was like Sri Vishnu, and in forgiveness like the Earth. Charitable and truthful, King Vasuratha constantly offered loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu. He was well versed in Vedic knowledge. Dynamic in affairs of the state, he enjoyed caring for his subjects as his own children. He disliked pride and would crush it in anyone he saw proud. He performed many sacrifices and ensured that the needy received charity.”
“Once, while hunting in the jungle, King Vasuratha lost his way. Wandering around he eventually grew weary. Using his arms as a pillow, he fell asleep beneath a tree. Meanwhile, some barbarian tribesmen arrived there. Long inimical to the king, they began discussing ways of killing him. One of them said, ‘He has killed our fathers, mothers, brothers-in-law, grandsons, nephews, and uncles, and so we are forced to aimlessly wander like madmen in the forest.’
The King Saved
They then attempted to kill King Vasuratha with various deadly weapons, including spears, swords, arrows, and mystic ropes. However, none of these weapons could even touch the sleeping king. Out of sheer fright, the uncivilized, dog-eating tribesmen were sapped of all strength. Losing whatever little intelligence they had, they were rendered almost unconscious with bewilderment and weakness.
“Suddenly a beautiful woman effulgent with ornaments, emitting a wonderful fragrance, with an excellent garland around her neck, eyebrows drawn in fierce anger, and eyes fiery red, leaped out of the king’s body. She looked like death personified. With her blazing chakra discus, she quickly killed all the tribal hunters.”
“The king awoke and was astonished to see dead tribesmen lying all around him. He wondered, ‘Who has slain these great enemies of mine so violently? Who is my benefactor?’ At that moment a voice from the sky spoke, ‘You wanted to know who helped you! Who is that person who alone can help one is distress? It is none other than Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is the one who protects all who take complete shelter of Him without a tinge of selfish motive.’ King Vasuratha was overwhelmed with love for the Personality of Godhead Sri Keshava (Krishna).
“He returned to his capital and ruled like Lord Indra without any obstacles.
Conclusion
“Therefore, O King Mandhata,” the venerable Vasishtha Muni concluded, “anyone who observes this holy Amalaki Ekadasi will undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. Such is the unfathomable religious merit earned by observing this sacred day of fasting.”