Welcome!

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha -
- Ekadashi Vrat Kathas

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The Kahta or story of this Aja Ekadashi Vrat is as follows:

King Yudhisthira asked, "Hey Janardana, the protector of everyone, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that happens during the dark part of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September)."

The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, answered, "Oh King, listen carefully. This Ekadasi is called Aja, and it's very special. Anyone who fasts completely on this day and worships Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, gets rid of the consequences of their sins. Even if someone simply hears about this Ekadasi, their past sins are forgiven. There's no better day than this in both the earthly and heavenly realms, without a doubt.

Once there was a famous king named Harishchandra. He was a very truthful and honest emperor of the world. His wife's name was Chandramati, and they had a son named Lohitashva. Due to destiny's twist, Harishchandra lost his kingdom, had to sell his wife and son, and became a servant guarding a cremation ground. Despite his tough situation, he never abandoned his honesty and good character, just like soma-rasa, even when mixed with something else, still retains its power to grant immortality. He lived like this for many years, drowned in sorrow and worry.

One day, a wise sage named Gautama Muni passed by. When King Harishchandra saw him, he thought, 'Brahmins like Gautama Muni are created by Lord Brahma to help others.' Harishchandra showed deep respect to the sage, who listened to the king's sad story. Gautama Muni was shocked to hear what had happened to the king. He thought, 'How did this mighty king end up collecting clothes from the dead?' Gautama Muni felt compassion for Harishchandra and taught him about the purification fasting process.

Gautama Muni said, 'Oh king, during the dark part of the month of Bhadrapada, there's a highly meritorious Ekadasi called Aja (Annada), which cleanses all sins. If you simply fast on that day and do nothing else, all your sins will be wiped away. Fortunately, it's just seven days away. So, I encourage you to fast on that day and stay awake through the night. By doing so, all the consequences of your past sins will be erased. Oh Harishchandra, I'm here because of your past virtuous actions. May good fortune be with you in the future!' Saying this, the great sage Gautama Muni vanished from his sight.

King Harishchandra followed Gautama Muni's advice and fasted on the sacred day of Aja Ekadasi. As a result, all the effects of his past sins were completely destroyed.

Look at the power of this Ekadasi fast! It immediately relieves any suffering caused by past sinful deeds. Harishchandra's miseries vanished. By the grace of this amazing Ekadasi, his wife and son, who had died, were revived. In the heavenly realms, the gods celebrated by playing their celestial instruments and showering flowers on Harishchandra, his queen, and their son. Thanks to the blessings of the Ekadasi fast, he easily regained his kingdom.

Furthermore, when King Harishchandra departed from this world, his relatives and subjects also accompanied him to the spiritual realm. Anyone who fasts on Aja Ekadasi is indeed freed from all their sins and goes to the spiritual world. And those who hear and study the glories of this Ekadasi gain the merits of performing a horse sacrifice."

This concludes the story of the greatness of Bhadrapada-Krishna Ekadasi, or Aja Ekadasi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

Advaita

Texts

Masters

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha -
- Ekadashi Vrat Kathas

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha

My Office

Seva Hours

02:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Closed

Quick Links

Quick Links (2)

Useful External Links

Donate:

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha - - Ekadashi Vrat Kathas

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha

My Office

Seva Hours

02:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Closed

Quick Links

Quick Links (2)

Useful External Links

Donate:

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha -
- Ekadashi Vrat Kathas