En
Arjuna asked, "O Lord of the Universe! What is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the Shukla Paksha of Ashwina month? What are the benefits of observing this fast? Please explain this in detail."
Lord Shri Krishna said - "Kuntinandana! The name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the Shukla Paksha of Ashwina month is Papankusha Ekadashi. By observing this fast, all sins are destroyed, and the person who observes the fast receives eternal merit.
On this Ekadashi, one should worship Lord Vishnu to attain the desired results. By performing this worship, one can earn a heavenly reward. O, Arjuna! Those who achieve fruits through rigorous penances will receive the same benefits by bowing to Lord Vishnu, who reclines on Sheshnaga in the Milky Ocean, on this Ekadashi day. They will not endure the torments of Yama, the god of death. O, Partha! Devotees of Vishnu who criticise Lord Shiva, or devotees of Shiva who criticise Lord Vishnu, will ultimately face the consequences in hell.
The benefits of observing the Papankusha Ekadashi fast far exceed those of performing a thousand Ashwamedha Yajnas and a hundred Rajasuya Yajnas combined. The merit gained from this fast is more than one-sixteenth of their total fruit. Therefore, there is no other fast in the world that can compare to the Papankusha Ekadashi fast.
No day in the world is as sacred as this Ekadashi. Those who do not observe the Ekadashi fast are often burdened by sins. Anyone who, for any reason, observes this particular Ekadashi fast will be spared from facing Yama, the god of death.
Observing the Ekadashi fast leads to a healthy body, a beautiful spouse and wealth and prosperity. Ultimately, it allows one to reach heaven. Those who stay awake during the night of this Ekadashi fast can easily attain heaven.
Observing the Ekadashi fast allows individuals to elevate the spirits of ten ancestors from their mother's side, ten from their father's side and ten from their spouse's side. These ancestors, adorned with beautiful ornaments and taking on the form of Lord Vishnu, are believed to have ascended to the Vishnu Loka.
The one who observe the Papankusha Ekadashi fast during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina, while following the prescribed rituals, will attain Vishnu Loka.
Furthermore, those who donate items such as land, cows, food, water, footwear, clothes and umbrellas on the day of Ekadashi will not have to face Yama, the god of death.
Even individuals with limited financial means should strive to earn merit by making donations according to their capacity.
Those who build ponds, gardens, guest houses, water stations and similar contributions do not suffer the torments of hell. Such people enjoy a healthy and long life, have children and experience wealth and prosperity in this world. Ultimately, they reach heaven and by the grace of Lord Shri Hari, they avoid misfortune."
A person should firmly resolve to stay away from sinful actions. While meditating on and remembering Lord Vishnu in any form is beneficial and helps to remove sins, on the day of Ekadashi, recalling and singing the praises of the Lord alleviates all suffering and eliminates sins.
Aarti is one of the most important rituals of worshipping any deity. Ekadashi Aarti is a prayer dedicated to Goddess Ekadashi. This Aarti can be sung during Ekadashi fasting and on various occasions related to Ekadashi.
Here we have listed Ekadashi Timings and all the important FAQs related to the Ekadashi fasting so that devotees can avoid the most common mistakes made while observing Ekadashi Vrat.
Learn about the food during Ekadashi Fasting. Being careful while eating anything during the Ekadashi fast is highly important. Devotees can know here what they can eat and what they should avoid eating during Ekadashi fasting.
A complete list of Ekadashi dates is given here. Go through the Ekadashi fasting dates list here so that you never miss fasting on Ekadashi. Ekadashi fast is observed with great enthusiasm by the devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Goddess Ekadashi is considered as the Yoga Maya of Lord Vishnu. Utpanna Ekadashi is the greatest Ekadashi of all. On this day, Goddess Ekadashi was manifested to kill demon named Mura.
It is believed that Vaikuntha Dwaram is opened on this day and devotees who observe fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi attain salvation. This is a popular Ekadashi in Tamil calendar.
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive the special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. Consumption of water is prohibited during this fast.
Devutthana Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu beliefs, on this day Lord Vishnu wakes up from four months of Yogic sleep.
Utpanna Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi fasting is started from Utpanna Ekadashi.
ISKCON devotees can get the complete list of ISKCON Ekadashi fasting dates here. This list will prove highly informative and useful to those who observe the fast of Ekadashi as per the ISKCON.
