Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha | Legends of Rama Ekadashi

Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Emotionally overwhelmed, Arjuna exclaimed - "O Shri Krishna! Please share with me the story of the Ekadashi that occurs during Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartika. What is the name of this Ekadashi and which deity is worshipped on this day? What are the benefits of observing the fast on this Ekadashi? I kindly request a detailed explanation."

Lord Shri Krishna said - "O Arjuna! The name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartika is Rama Ekadashi. Observing this fast removes all sins. Listen carefully to its story -

In ancient times, there was a king named Muchukunda who ruled over his kingdom.

Indra, Varuna, Kubera, Vibhishana, and others were his friends. He was known for his unwavering truthfulness and devotion to Lord Vishnu. His kingdom was entirely free of troubles. He had a daughter named Chandrabhaga, who was married to Sobhana, the son of King Chandrasena. King Muchukunda observed the Ekadashi fast with great discipline and everyone in his kingdom strictly followed this practice.

Once, Sobhana visited his in-laws' house during the month of Kartika. This was the time of the highly meritorious Rama Ekadashi, a day when everyone observed a fast. Chandrabhaga, Sobhana's wife, was concerned that her husband might be too weak to observe the Ekadashi fast, especially since her father had mandated that all must fast on this day. In response to her worries, the king declared an order that everyone in the kingdom must strictly observe the Ekadashi fast, particularly since his son-in-law was present. When the Dashami Tithi arrived, the announcement was made throughout the kingdom. Hearing this, Sobhana approached his wife and said - "O dear! Please suggest a solution for me, because I cannot fast. If I attempt to fast, I will surely die."

Listening to her husband, Chandrabhaga replied - "O dear! In my father's kingdom, no one is allowed to eat on the day of Ekadashi. Even the elephants, horses, camels, and other animals don't consume grass, grains, or water, so how can humans eat? If you cannot fast, you should go somewhere else. If you stay here, you will definitely have to observe the fast."

Listening to his wife, Sobhana said - "O dear! Your suggestion is valid, but I will not go anywhere else, even if it means I have to fast. I am determined to observe this fast, regardless of the outcome. After all, who can avoid what is written in destiny?"

Along with everyone else, Sobhana observed the Ekadashi fast and became extremely distressed from hunger and thirst.

When the Sun set, the night for staying awake began. That night brought unbearable suffering to Sobhana and before sunrise the following day, he passed away due to the hunger and thirst.

The king had Sobhana's body released into the water and instructed his daughter not to become a Sati and to have faith in the Lord Vishnu.

Following her father's instructions, Chandrabhaga chose not to become a Sati. Instead, she stayed at her father's house and continued to observe the Ekadashi fast.

Due to the auspicious occasion of Rama Ekadashi, Sobhana was lifted from the water and, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, was granted a magnificent city named Devapura on Mount Mandarachala. This city was filled with wealth and was free from enemies. Sobhana was made the king of Devapura, and his palace was adorned with pillars made of gems and gold. Dressed in beautiful clothes and ornaments, King Sobhana sat on a throne crafted from gold and precious stones. Gandharvas and Apsaras danced and praised him. At that moment, King Sobhana radiated the majesty of another Indra. At this time, a Brahmin named Soma Sharma, hailing from the city of Muchukunda, set out on a pilgrimage. While wandering, he arrived in King Sobhana's kingdom and encountered him. Recognising Sobhana as King's son-in-law, the Brahmin approached the king. Noticing Soma Sharma, King Sobhana rose from his throne to inquire about the well-being of his father-in-law and his wife, Chandrabhaga. Upon hearing Sobhana's questions, Soma Sharma responded - "O King! Our king is fine, and your wife, Chandrabhaga, is also doing well. Now, please tell me your story. You left your body because you could not consume food and water on the day of Rama Ekadashi. I am greatly amased to see such a wondrous and beautiful city, one the likes of which I have never heard of or seen. How did you come to attain this?"

Sobhana replied - "O Lord! This splendid city is the result of observing the Rama Ekadashi fast during the Krishna Paksha of Kartika month. However, this city is unstable."

Upon hearing Sobhana, the Brahmin asked - "O King! Why is it unstable, and how can it be stabilised? Please explain this to me. If there is anything I can do to stabilise it, I will certainly do so." King Sobhana responded - "O Brahmin Deva! I observed the fast unwillingly and without devotion. As a result, I received this unstable city. However, if you convey this account to Chandrabhaga, the daughter of King Muchukunda, she can help stabilise it."

On hearing King Sobhana's words, the Brahmin returned to his city and recounted the entire story to Chandrabhaga. In response, Chandrabhaga asked - "O Brahmin Deva! Did you witness all these events with your own eyes, or are you describing a dream?"

The Brahmin replied - "O princess! I have seen your husband Sobhana and his city with my own eyes, but the city is unstable. You should find a way to make it stable."

Listening to the Brahmin, Chandrabhaga said - "O, learned Brahmin! Please take me to that city. I wish to see my husband. I will stabilize that city with the power of my fast."

On hearing Chandrabhaga, the Brahmin took her to the Ashrama of Vamadeva, located near Mount Mandarachala. After hearing her story, Vamadeva performed a ceremonial ablution with Mantras. Through the power of these Mantras and her fasting, Chandrabhaga acquired a divine form and went to her husband.

Sobhana, upon seeing his wife Chandrabhaga, joyfully welcomed her to sit next to him.

Chandrabhaga said - "O My lord! listen to the merit I have earned. From the age of eight, while living with my father, I faithfully observed the Ekadashi fast with all the prescribed rituals. The merit gained from these fasts will ensure the stability of your city, the stability that will last eternally and fulfill all its purposes." Radiant in her divine form, adorned with divine garments and jewellery, Chandrabhaga happily resided with her husband. O Arjuna, this is the greatness of Rama Ekadashi. All sins are eradicated for those who observe this fast. And those who hear the glorification of Rama Ekadashi will attain Vishnu Loka after death."

Synopsis (Katha-Saar)

Lord Shri Hari is extremely compassionate and forgiving. Even if someone worships Him or observes the Ekadashi fast either devotedly or out of compulsion, He still grants them excellent results. However, one should always worship the God with full devotion.

Sobhana was able to stabilise his kingdom due to the Ekadashi fasts observed by his wife Chandrabhaga with full devotion. Such a virtuous wife can only be obtained by the grace of Lord Shri Hari.