| VAIKUNTA
EKADASHI |
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| Results of
Fasting : All sins are destroyed and
mind is purified. |
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| Hindu God : Lord Vishnu |
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| Religion : Hindu |
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| In the month
of : December - January |
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| Vaikunta Ekadashi
falls in the month of Margaseersha (December-January). This festival is observed with all
solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. It was on this day that during the "Sagara
Mathana" (churning of the ocean), 'Amrit' (nectar) emerged out of the ocean and was
distributed to the Gods. The Hindus consider this day very auspicious and it is believed
that those who die on this day are freed from the rounds of birth and death; they directly
reach Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is for this reason that the Great King
Bhishma waited long on his bed of arrows, to leave his last breath. |
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Fasting
Fasting is prescribed on all Ekadashis, that is, the 11th day of the lunar fortnight,
twice a month. In this Kali Yuga, even if just one 'Ekadashi' is observed with dispassion,
faith and devotion, and if the mind is wholly fixed on Hari, one is freed from the rounds
of birth and death. There is no doubt about this. The scriptures give us their assurance
on this point. |
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| On Vaikunta
Ekadashi day devotees fast the whole day, observe vigil the whole night and do 'Japa'
(meditation) and 'Hari Kirtan' (devotional songs). Some do not take even a drop of water.
Those who are unable to fast completely can take some light fruit and milk. |
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A Belief
No rice should be taken on Ekadashi days and this is very important. It is said that the
sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and he asked the
Lord to provide him an abode to dwell. Brahma said to the demon to go and dwell in the
rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach. For this
reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi. |
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| If one observes
the Ekadashi fast regularly, Lord Hari is propitiated. All sins are destroyed and the mind
is purified. Devotion gradually develops and love for God becomes intense. Orthodox people
in South India observe complete fasting and vigil even on ordinary Ekadashi days. For the
devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day. |
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Legends
Once there was a demon, 'Mura', who oppressed the gods. The gods approached Lord Hari for
protection. Hari sent Yoga Maya to kill the demon. Yoga Maya carried out the behests of
the Lord successfully. The Lord said to Yoga Maya that those who will observe Ekadashi
will be freed from all sins, and Yoga Maya will be caned by the name Ekadashi. |
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| King Ambarisha
was a great votary of Lord Hari. He practised the Ekadashi Vrata for a year. Ambarisha
obtained His Grace. On one occasion he fasted for three consecutive days. He was about to
break the fast when Rishi Durvasa appeared as his guest. The king received him with due
respect and requested him to take his meals. The Rishi agreed and went to bathe in the
river. The king waited patiently for a long time, but the Rishi did not return. Time was
running out; if the king did not eat anything before the day ended his Vrata would not
bear fruit and if he ate, he would be showing disregard to the Rishi. As a compromise the
king took a little water to serve both the conditions. |
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| When Durvasa
returned from his bath, he knew exactly what had happened, and was angry. He tore a hair
from his tuft and charged him to king Ambarisha. The king was unmoved. The discus of Lord
Vishnu destroyed the power of the hair of Durvasa. It now followed the Rishi wherever he
went and tried to destroy him. |
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| Rishi Durvasa
went to Brahma and Shiva for help, but to no avail. He went to Lord Hari who said that he
is in the possession of his devotees. Lord said that the Rishi should go to Ambaisha abd
beg for his forgiveness. Ambarisha there upon prayed to the charged hair to desist from
its course, and saved the Rishi. Durvasa thanked him from the bottom of his heart. |
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