Ekadasi book

by Krishna Balarama Swami

Amalakii Ekadasi

King Mandhata once said to Vasishtha Muni, "O great sage,

kindly be merciful to me and tell me of a holy fast that will benefit me

eternally."

Vasishtha

Muni replied. "O king, kindly listen as I describe the best of all fast

days, Amalakii Ekadasi. He who faithfully observes a fast on this

Ekadasi obtains enormous wealth, gets free of the effects of all kinds

of sins, and attains liberation. Fasting on this Ekadasi is 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 hunter who,

though daily engaged in killing innocent animals for his living, achieved

liberation by observing a fast on Amalakii Ekadasi and following the prescribed

rules and regulations of worship.

"There was once a kingdom named VaidishA, where all the

brAhmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were equally endowed with

Vedic knowledge, great bodily strength, and fine intelligence. Oh

lion among kings, the whole kingdom was full of Vedic sounds, not a single

person was atheistic, and no one sinned. The ruler of this kingdom

was King PAshabinduka, a member of the dynasty of Soma, the moon.

He was also known as Chitraratha and was very religious and truthful.

It is said that King Chitraratha had the strength of ten thousand elephants

and that he was very wealthy and knew the

six branches of Vedic wisdom perfectly.

"During the reign of Maharaja Chitraratha, not a single

person in his kingdom attempted to practice another's dharma (duty) so

perfectly engaged in their own dharmas were all the brAhmanas, kshatriyas,

vaisyas, and sudras. Neither miser nor pauper was to be seen throughout

the land, not was there every drought or flood. Indeed, the kingdom

was free of disease, and everyone enjoyed good health. The people

rendered loving devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead,

Lord Vishnu, as did the king, who also rendered special service to Lord

Shiva. Moreover, twice a month everyone fasted on Ekadasi.

"In this way, O best of kings, the citizens of VaidishA

lived many long years in great happiness and prosperity. Giving up

all varieties of materialistic religion, they completely dedicated themselves

to the loving service of the Supreme Lord, Hari.

"Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the

holy fast of Amalakii Ekadasi arrived, conjoined with DvAdasi. King

Chitraratha realised that this particular fast would bestow especially

great benefit, and thus he and all the citizens of VaidishA observed this

sacred Ekadasi very strictly, carefully following all the rules and regulations.

"After bathing in the river, the king and all his subjects

went to the temple of Lord Vishnu, where an Amalakii tree grew. First

the king and his leading sages offered the tree a pot filled with water,

as well as a fine canopy, shoes, gold, diamonds, rubies, pearls, sapphires,

and aromatic incense. Then they worshiped Lord ParashurAma with these

prayers: 'Oh Lord ParashurAma, Oh son of RenukA, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh

liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and

accept our humble obeisances.'

Then they prayed to the Amalakii tree: 'Oh Amalakii, Oh

offspring of Lord BrahmA, you can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions.

Please accept our respectful obeisances and these bumble gifts. O

Amalakii, you are actually the form of Brahman, and you were once worshiped

by Lord RAmachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates you is therefore

immediately freed of all his sins.'

"After offering these excellent prayers, King Chitraratha

and his subjects remained awake throughout the night, praying and worshiping

according to the regulations governing a sacred Ekadasi fast. It

was during this auspicious time of fasting and prayer that a very irreligious

man approached the assembly, a man who maintained himself and his family

by killing animals. Burdened with both fatigue and sin, the hunter

saw the king and the citizens of VaidishA observing Amalakii Ekadasi by

performing an all-night vigil, fasting, and worshiping Lord Vishnu in the

beautiful forest setting, which was brilliantly illuminated by many lamps.

The hunter hid nearby, wondering what this extraordinary sight before him

was.

'What is going

on here?' he thought. What he saw in that lovely forest beneath the

holy Amalakii tree was the Deity of Lord DAmodara being worshiped upon

the Asana of a waterpot, and what he heard were devotees singing sacred

songs describing Lord Shri Krishna's transcendental forms and pastimes.

Despite himself, that staunchly irreligious killer of innocent birds and

animals spent the entire night in great amazement as he watched the Ekadasi

celebration and listened to the glorification of the Lord.

"Soon after sunrise, the king and his royal retinue -

including the court sages and all the citizens - completed their observance

of Ekadasi and returned to the city of VaidishA. The hunter then

returned to his hut and happily ate his meal. In due time the hunter

died, but the merit he had gained by fasting on Amalakii Ekadasi and hearing

the glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as well as by

being forced to stay awake all night, made him eligible to be reborn as

a great king endowed with may chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers.

His name was VasUratha, the son of King VidUratha, and he ruled over the

kingdom of Jayanti.

"King VasUratha was strong and fearless, as effulgent

as the Sun, and as handsome as the Moon. In strength he was like

Shri Vishnu, and in forgiveness like the Earth itself. Very charitable

and every truthful, King VasUratha always rendered loving devotional service

to the Supreme Lord, Shri Vishnu. He therefore became very well versed

in Vedic knowledge. Always active in the affairs of state, he enjoyed

taking excellent care of his subjects, as though they were his own children.

He disliked pride in anyone and would smash it when he saw it. He

performed many kinds of sacrifices, and he always made certain that the

needy in his kingdom received enough charity.

"One day, while hunting in the jungle, King VasUratha

strayed from the footpath and lost his way. Wandering for some time

and eventually growing weary, he paused beneath a tree and, using his arms

as a pillow, fell asleep. As he slept, some barbarian tribesmen came

upon him and, remembering their longstanding enmity toward the king, began

discussing among themselves various ways to kill him. 'It is because

he killed our fathers, mothers, brothers-in-law, grandsons, nephews, and

uncles that we are forced to aimlessly wander like so many madmen in the

forest.' So saying, they prepared to kill King VasUratha with various

weapons, including spears, swords, arrows, and mystic ropes.

"But none of these deadly weapons could even touch the

sleeping king, and soon the uncivilised, dog-eating tribesmen grew frightened.

Their fear sapped their strength, and before long they lost what little

intelligence they had and became almost unconscious with bewilderment and

weakness. Suddenly a beautiful woman appeared from the king's body,

startling the aborigines. Decorated with many ornaments, emitting

a wonderful fragrance, wearing an excellent garland around her neck, her

eyebrows drawn in a mood of fierce anger, and her fiery red eyes ablaze,

she looked like death personified. With her blazing chakra discus

she quickly killed all the tribal hunters, who had tried to slay the sleeping

king.

"Just then the king awoke, and seeing all the dead tribesmen

lying around him, he was astonished. He wondered, 'These are all

great enemies of mine! Who has slain them so violently? Who

is my great benefactor?'

"At that very moment he heard a voice from the sky: 'You

ask who helped you. Well, who is that person who alone can help anyone

is distress? He is none other than Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality

of Godhead, He who saves all who take shelter of Him without any selfish

motive.'

"Upon hearing these words, King VasUratha became over-whelmed

with love for the Personality of Godhead Shri Keshava (Krishna).

He returned to his capital city and ruled there like a second lord Indra

(king of the heavenly regions), without any obstacles at all.

"Therefore, Oh King Mandhata," the venerable Vasishtha

Muni concluded, "...anyone who observes this holy Amalakii Ekadasi will

undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, so great is the religious

merit earned from the observance of this most sacred fast day."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Phalguna-sukla

Ekadasi, or Amalaki Ekadasi, from the Brahmanda Purana.

These stories have been summarised and slightly changed, abbreviated

or added to from how they are found in the celebrated book, "Ekadasi: The

Day of Lord Hari" 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute

Press.

This particular Ekadasi is to be found between Pages 57-61.

NOTE: If the Amarlaki tree isn't available then

worship the sacred Tulasi tree. Also plant

the sacred Tulasi seeds, and offer lamps to her.

AnnadA - Aja Ekadasi

Aja - AnnadA Ekadasi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

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 LohitAshva. 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 he sadly 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

Muni and 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 Harishchandra, I have come here because of your past pious

deeds. Now, all good fortune to you in the future!’ So saying, the great

sage Sri Gautama 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,

when King 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.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of BhAdrapada-krishna Ekadasi,

or Aja Ekadasi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

These stories have been summarised and slightly changed or abbreviated

from how they are found in the celebrated book, "Ekadasi: The Day of Lord

Hari" 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute Press, Pages

113-115.

Apara Ekadasi

Apara

Ekadasi

Apara Ekadasi: from the BrahmANDa

Purana

Sri Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “Oh JanArdana, what is

the name of the Ekadasi 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 everything to

me”

Lord Sri Krishna said, “Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful

because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadasi

is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased

by its purity.

“Oh great saintly king, the name of this unlimitedly meritorious

Ekadasi is Apara Ekadasi. Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous

all over the universe. Even such sins as killing a brAhmana, a cow, or

an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another man’s wife are completely

eradicated by observing Apara Ekadasi.

“Oh king people who bear false witness are most sinful.

A person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another; one who cheats

while weighing something on a scale; one who fails to execute the duties

of his varna or Ashrama (an unqualified man’s posing as a brahmin, for

example, or a person’s reciting the Vedas wrongly); one who invents his

own scriptures; one who cheats others; one who is a charlatan astrologer,

a cheating accountant, or a false Ayurvedik doctor – all these are surely

as bad as persons who bears false witness, and they are all destined for

hellish punishments. But simply by observing Apara Ekadasi, all such sinners

become completely free of their sinful reactions.

“Warriors who fall from their kshatriya-dharma and flee

the battlefield go to a ferocious hell. But, Oh Yudhishthira, even such

a fallen kshatriya, if he observes fasting on the Apara Ekadasi, is freed

of that great sinful reaction and goes to heaven.

“That disciple is the greatest sinner who, after receiving

a proper spiritual education from his spiritual master, turns around and

blasphemes him. Such a so-called disciple suffers unlimitedly. But even

he, rascal though he be, if he simply observes Apara Ekadasi, can attain

to the spiritual world. Listen, Oh king, as I describe to you further glories

of this amazing Ekadasi.

“The merit attained by one who performs all of the following

acts of piety is equal to the merit achieved by one who observes Apara

Ekadasi: bathing three times daily in Pushkara-kshetra

during Kartika (October-November); bathing at Prayag

in the month of Magh (January-February) when the sun is in the zodiac of

Capricorn; rendering service to Lord Shiva at VarANasi (Benares) during

Shiva-ratri;

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 KedArnAtha; seeing Lord BadrinAth when the Sun transits the sign

of Aquarius (Kumbha); and bathing at the time of a solar

eclipse at Kurukshetra and giving cows, elephants, and gold there in

charity. All the merit one gets from performing these pious acts is gained

by a person who observes the Apara Ekadasi fast. Also, the merit attained

by one who donates a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land, is

attained by one who fasts on this day.

“In other words, Apara Ekadasi is an axe that cuts down

the fully matured forest full of trees of sinful deeds, it is a forest

fire that burns sins as if they were kindling firewood, it is the sun blazing

before one’s dark misdeeds, and it is a lion stalking the meek deer of

impiety.

“Therefore, Oh Yudhishthira, whoever truly fears his past

and present sins must observe Apara Ekadasi very strictly. One who does

not observe this fast must be born again in the material

world, like one bubble among millions in a huge body of water, or like

a small ant among all other species. NOTE

“Therefore one must faithfully observe the sacred Apara

Ekadasi 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.

“Oh BhArata, for the benefit of all humanity I have thus

described to you this the importance of the holy Apara Ekadasi.

“Anyone who hears or reads this description is certainly

freed from all kinds of sins, oh best of saintly kings, Yudhishthira.

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Jyeshtha-krishna Ekadasi,

or Apara Ekadasi, from the BrahmANDa Purana.

These stories have been summarised and slightly changed or abbreviated

from how they are found in the celebrated book, "Ekadasi: The Day of Lord

Hari" 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute Press. page

83-85.

NOTEs:

1/. Pushkara-kshetra, in western India, is the

only place on Earth where a bona-fide temple of Lord BrahmA is to be found.

2/. The Vedas declare, narAh budbudA samAh: “The human

form of life is like a bubble in water”. In water, many bubbles form and

then suddenly burst a few seconds later. Thus if a person does not utilize

his rare human body to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna,

his life has no more value or permanence than a bubble in water. Therefore,

as the Lord herein recommends, we should serve Him by fasting on Hari-vAsara,

or Ekadasi.

 In this regard, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada writes

in the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 2:1:4 purport) “The great ocean of material

nature is tossing with the waves of time, and the so-called living conditioned

are something like foaming bubbles, which appear before us as bodily self,

wife, children, society, countrymen, etc. Due to a lack of knowledge of

self, we become victimised by the force of ignorance and thus spoil the

valuable energy of human life in a vain search after permanent living conditions,

which are impossible in this material world.”

3/. Persons who are sick should consult with health

specialists before they take to fasting. After consulting in a practical

way, fast according to your situation. More on Ekadasi

fasting here.

Bhaimi Ekadasi

Jaya - Bhaimi Ekadasi

Bhaimi or Jayaa Ekadasi:

It is said that if one observes upavasa on this day then

one receives entrance to Visnu's abode, even though one has not performed

the other vratas of the year.

NOTE: The half day fast (vrata) for the appearance of Lord Varahadev

is also observed on this Ekadasi day, and the utsav (festival celebration

- pujas and feasting, etc.) is oserved on the Dvaadasii, which is when

He appeared.

Jaya Ekadasi from the Bhavishya-uttara

Purana.

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Lord of the lords, Sri Krishna,

all glories unto You! Oh Master of the universe, You alone are the source

of the four types of living entities - those born from eggs, those

born from perspiration, those born from seeds and those born from embryos.

You alone are the root cause of all, Oh Lord, and therefore You are the

creator, maintainer and destroyer.

"My Lord, You have so kindly explained to me the auspicious

day known as Sat-tilA Ekadasi, which occurs

during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Magma (January

- February). Now please explain to me the Ekadasi that occurs in the light

fortnight (shukla or Gaura paksha)

of this month. By what name is it known, and what is the process for observing

it? Who is the presiding Deity that is to be worshipped on this sublime

day, which is so very dear to You?

Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh Yudhisthira, I shall gladly

tell you about the Ekadasi that occurs during the light half of this month

of Magma. This Ekadasi obliterates all kinds of sinful reactions and demoniac

influences that may be affecting the spirit soul. It is known as Jaya Ekadasi,

and the fortunate soul who observes a fast on this sacred day is relieved

of the great burden of ghostly existence.

Thus there is no better Ekadasi than this, for it truly bestows freedom

from birth and death. It is to be honoured very carefully and diligently.

So I as you to listen to Me very attentively, Oh Pandava, as I explain

a wonderful historic episode regarding this Ekadasi, an episode that

I have already related in the Padma Purana.

"Long, long ago in the heavenly planets, Lord Indra ruled

his celestial kingdom very nicely, and all the devas (demigods) living

there were very happy and content. In Nandana Forest, which was beautifully

graced with Parijata Flowers, Indra drank ambrosia whenever he liked and

enjoyed the service of fifty million celestial maidens, the Apsaras, who

danced in ecstasy for his pleasure.

"Many singers, led by Pushpadanta, sang in sweet voices

beyond compare. Chitrasena, Indra's chief musician was there in the company

of his wife MAlini and his handsome son Mayavan. An Apsara named Pushpavati

became very much attracted to Mayavan; indeed Cupid's

sharp arrows pierced the core of her heart. Her beautiful body and

complexion, along with the enchanting movements of her eyebrows, captivated

Mayavan.

"Oh King, listen as I describe the splendid beauty of

Pushpavati: She has incomparably graceful arms with which to embrace a

man like a fine silken noose; her face resembles the Moon; her lotus eyes

reached almost to her lovely ears, which were adorned with wonderful and

costly ear-rings; her thin, ornamented neck looked like a conch, having

three lines; her waist was very slender, the size of a fist; her hips were

broad, and her thighs like the trunks of banana trees; her naturally beautiful

features were complemented by gorgeous ornaments and garments; her breasts

were highly raised emphasizing her prime of youth; and to look upon her

feet was to behold newly grown red lotuses.

 "Seeing Pushpavati in all her heavenly beauty, Mayavan

was bewitched at once. They had come with the other performers to please

Lord Indra by singing and dancing enchantingly, but because they had become

so enamored of each other, pierced through the heart by the arrows of Cupid,

lust personified, they were utterly unable to sing or dance properly before

the lord and master of the heavenly realms.

Their pronunciation was wrong and their rhythm careless.

Lord Indra understood the source of the errors at once. Offended at the

discord in the musical performance, he became very angry and screamed,

"You useless fools! You pretend to sing for me while in a stupour of infatuation

with each other! You are mocking me! I curse you both to suffer henceforth

as pisAchas (hobgoblins). As husband and wife, go to the earthly regions

and reap the reactions of your offenses.'

"Struck dumb by these harsh words, Mayavan and Pushpavati

at once became morose and fell from the beautiful Nandana Forest in the

kingdom of heaven to a Himalayan peak here on planet Earth.

 Immeasurably distressed, and their celestial intelligence

vastly diminished by the effects of lord Indra’s fierce curse, they lost

their sense of taste and smell, and even their sense of touch. It was so

cold and miserable high on the Himalayan wastes of snow and ice that they

could not even enjoy the oblivion of sleep.

"Roaming aimlessly hither and thither in those harsh altitudes,

Mayavan and Pushpavati suffered more and more, from one moment to the

next. Even though they were situated in a cave, because of the snowfall

and cold their teeth chattered ceaselessly, and their hair stood on end

because of their fright and bewilderment.

"In this utterly desperate situation, Mayavan said to

Pushpavati, 'What abominable sins did we commit to have to suffer in these

pisAcha bodies, in this impossible environment? This is absolutely hellish!

Though hell is very ferocious, the suffering we are undergoing here is

even more abominable. Therefore it is abundantly clear that one should

never commit sins".

"And so the forlorn lovers trudged onward in the snow

and ice. By their great good fortune, however, it so happened that very

day was the all auspicious Jaya Ekadasi, the Ekadasi of the light fortnight

of the month of Magma. Because of their misery they neglected to drink

any water, kill any game, or even eat whatever fruits and leaves were available

at that altitude, they unknowingly observed Ekadasi by fasting completely

from all food and drink. Sunk in misery Mayavan and Pushpavati collapsed

beneath a Pipal tree and did not even try to get up. The Sun had set by

that time.

"The night was even colder and more miserable than the

day. They shivered in the frigid snowfall as their teeth chattered in unison,

and when they became numb, they embraced just to keep warm. Locked in each

other’s arms, they could enjoy neither sleep nor sex. Thus they suffered

through the whole night under the powerful curse of the deva Indra.

 “ Still, Oh Yudhisthira, by the mercy of the fast

they had by chance (unknowingly) observed on Jaya Ekadasi, and because

they had remained awake all night, they were blessed.

 Please hear what happened on the next day. As DwAdasii

dawned, Mayavan and Pushpavati had given up their demoniac forms and were

once again beautiful heavenly beings wearing lustrous ornaments and exquisite

garments. As they both looked at each other in amazement, a celestial airplane

(vimana) arrived on the spot for them. A chorus of heavenly denizens sang

their praises as the reformed couple stepped into the beautiful aircraft

and proceeded directly to the heavenly regions, buoyed up by the good wishes

of everyone. Soon Mayavan and Pushpavati arrived at AmarAvati, Lord Indra’s

capital city, and then they immediately went before their lord (Indradev)

and offered him their cheerful obeisances.

 “Lord Indra was astonished to see that they had

been transformed, restored to their original status and forms so soon after

he had cursed them to suffer as demons far, far below his celestial kingdom.

Indradev ask of them, ‘What extraordinary meritorious deeds have you performed

so that you could give up your pisAcha bodies so quickly after I cursed

you? Who released you from my irresistible curse?

“Mayavan replied, ‘Oh lord, it was by the extreme mercy

of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna (Vasudeva) and

also by the powerful influence of the Jaya Ekadasi, that we were released

from our suffering condition as pisAchas. This is the truth, Oh master:

Because we executed devotional service to Lord Vishnu (even performed unknowingly

– by ajnAta sukriti) by observing the day most dear to Him, we have happily

been restored to our former status.”

 “Indradev then said, ‘Because you served the Supreme

Lord Sri Keshava by observing Ekadasi, you have become worshippable even

by me, and I can see that you are now completely purified of sin. Whosoever

engages in devotional service to Lord Sri Hari or Lord Shiva becomes praiseworthy

and worshippable even by me. Of this there is no doubt.’ Lord Indradev

then gave Mayavan and Pushpavati free rein to enjoy each other and wander

about his heavenly planet as they wished.

 “Therefore, Oh Maharaj Yudhisthira, one should strictly

observe a fast on the sacred day of Lord Hari, especially on this Jaya

Ekadasi, which frees one from the sin of killing even a twice born brahmin.

A great soul who observes this fast with full faith and devotion has in

effect given all kinds of charity, performed all kinds of sacrifice, and

bathed in all the Holy places of pilgrimage. Fasting on Jaya Ekadasi qualifies

one to reside in Vaikuntha and enjoy unending happiness for billions of

yugas – indeed, forever as the soul is eternal. Oh great king, Lord Sri

Krishna continued, one who even hears or reads these wonderful glories

of Jaya Ekadasi achieves the blessed merit attained by performing an Agnistoma

fire sacrifice, during which the hymns from the Sama-veda

are recited.”

Notes:KAmadeva,

lust personified, has five names according to the Amara-kosha dictionary:

kandarpa darpako ‘nanga kAmah pancha-sharaih smarah “Cupid has five names;

(1) Cupid; (2) Darpaka, ‘he who prevents future events’; (3) Ananga, ‘he

who has no physical body’; (4) KAma, ‘lust personified’; and (5) Pancha-sharaih,

‘he who holds five arrows’ “.

Kandarpa: In the tenth chapter of the Bhagavad

Gita (BG 10:28.) Lord Sri Krishna says, prAjanash cAsmi kandarpah; “Of

causes for procreation, I am Kandarpa”. The word Kandarpa also means “very

beautiful”. Kandarpa appeared as Lord Krishna’s son Pradyumna in DwArakA.

Darpaka: This name indicates that Cupid can perceive

what is to take place and prevent it from happening. Specifically, he tries

to impede pure spiritual activity by alluring one’s mind and forcibly engaging

one in material sense enjoyment.

Ananga: Once, when Cupid disturbed the meditation

of Lord Shiva, that powerful deva (demigod) burned him (Cupid) to ashes.

Still, Shiva gave Cupid the benediction that he would act in the world

even without a physical body - like a ghost.

KAma: In Bhagavad Gita BG 7:11.) Lord Sri Krishna

says, dharmAviruddho bhuteshu kAmo’smi: “I am sex life which is not contrary

to religious principles.”

Pancha-sharaih: The five arrows with which Cupid

pierces the mind of the living entities are taste, touch, sound, smell,

and sight.

These are the five names of the empowered deva Cupid,

who enchants all living entities and makes them do whatever he wants. Without

receiving the mercy of Guru and Krishna one cannot resist his power.

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Magma-shukla Ekadasi,

or Jaya Ekadasi, from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana.

These stories have been summarised and slightly changed, abbreviated

or added to from how they are found in the celebrated book, "Ekadasi: The

Day of Lord Hari" 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute

Press.

This particular Ekadasi is to be found between Pages 45-50.

Deva-sayana

- Padma Ekadasi

Sayan Ekadasi – Deva Sayani Ekadasi – Padma Ekadasi from the

Bhavishya-uttara Purana.

The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “Oh Keshava, what is the

name of that Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month

of AshADha (June – July)? Who is the worshippable Deity for the auspicious

day, and what is the process for observing this event?”

Lord Sri Krishna replied, “Oh caretaker of this Earthly planet, I shall

gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that the deva lord BrahmA

once narrated to his son Narad Muni.

 “One day Narad Muni asked his father, ‘What is the name of the

Ekadasi that comes during the light part of the month of AshADha’, much

as you did? ‘Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadasi and thus

please the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.’

“Lord BrahmA replied, ‘Oh great saintly orator, O best of all sages,

Oh purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is as usual excellent for

all mankind. There is nothing better than Ekadasi, the day of Lord Sri

Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst sins if observed

properly. For this reason I shall tell you about this AshADha-shukla Ekadasi.

 “ ‘Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills

all ones desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast

day is a good candidate for entering into hell. AshADha-shukla Ekadasi

is also famous as Padma Ekadasi. Just to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha,

the master of the senses, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully,

Oh Narad, as I relate to you a wonderful historical event that was recorded

in the scriptures regarding this Ekadasi. Just hearing this account destroys

all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.

“ ‘Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the Surya Vamsha (Sun dynasty)

whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up for the truth, he was

appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though they were his

very own family members and children. On account of his piety and great

religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in

his entire kingdom. All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of

disturbances but also were very wealthy. The king’s own treasury was free

of any ill-gotten moneys, and thus he ruled happily for many years.

“ ‘Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought

for three years. The subjects found themselves beset by famine also. The

lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the prescribed

Vedik sacrifices, offer oblations of grita (ghee) to their forefathers

and to the devas, engage in any ritualistic worship, or even study the

Vedik literatures. Finally, they all came before their beloved king in

a great assembly and addressed him thus, ‘Oh king, you always see to our

welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now. Everyone and everything

in this world needs water. Without water, almost everything is rendered

useless or dead. The Vedas call water nAra, and because the Supreme Personality

of Godhead sleeps upon water, His another name is Narayana. God makes His

own abode on water and takes His rest there.

 It is said that three things cannot exist without water; pearls,

human beings, and flour. The essential quality of a pearl is its luster,

and that is due to water. The essence of a man is his semen, whose main

constituent is water. And without water, flour cannot be made into dough

and then be cooked into various forms of bread, offered and eaten. Sometimes

water is called jala-Narayana, the Supreme Lord in the form of this life

sustaining substance – water.

 In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout

the sky and pours forth rains, from which grow the grains that maintain

every living entity.

“ ‘ “Oh king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable

grains; thus we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing as

people die off or leave your kingdom. Oh best ruler on Earth, please find

some solutions to this problem and bring us to peace and prosperity once

again.”

 “ ‘The king replied, “You speak the truth, for grains are like

Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains

all beings. Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives.

Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom? The Holy Scriptures

discuss this subject very thoroughly. If a king (or head of the country)

is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer. I have meditated upon

the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and

present character I can honestly say that I find no sin. Still, for the

good of all your subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation.”

 Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage.

Paid his obeisances to me, and then entered the forest. He wandered here

and there, seeking great sages in their Ashrams and inquiring about how

to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At last he came upon the ashram of

one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions.

Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second BrahmA. King Mandhata

was very pleased to see that exalted sages, whose senses were completely

under control.

“ ‘The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful

obeisances at the lotus feet of Angira Muni. Then the king joined his palms

and prayed for the Muni’s blessings. That saintly person reciprocated by

blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare

of the seven limbs of his kingdom. The seven limbs of a king’s domain are

the king himself; the ministers; his treasury; his military forces; his

allies; the brahmins; the sacrificial performances performed in the kingdom

and the needs of the subjects under his care.

 “ ‘After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were

situated, King Mandhata asked the sage about his own situation, and if

he was happy. Then Angira Muni asked the king why he had undertaken such

a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction

his kingdom was suffering. The king said, “Oh great sage, I am ruling and

maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedik injunctions, and thus

I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have

approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects.”

“ ‘Angira Rishi said tot he king, ‘The present age, Satya yuga, is the

best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs (Truthfulness,

Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness). In this age everyone respects Brahmins

as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his occupational

duties, and only twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedik austerities

and penances. Although this is a standard, Oh lion among kings, there is

one shudra (uninitiated, untrained person) who is thus unlawfully performing

the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom. This is why there is

no rain in your land. You should therefore punish this labourer with death,

for by so doing you will remove the contamination inflicted by his actions

and restore peace to your subjects.”

“ ‘The king then replied, “How can I kill an offenseless performer of

austerity and sacrifice? Please give me some spiritual solution.”

“ ‘The great sage Angira Muni then said, “Oh king, you should observe

a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month

of AshADha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi, and by its influence