|
Indira Ekadashi - Mahadhan - Vrat Katha
|
|
Falls on: Ahsvin krishna paksh
| |
|
|
Yudhisthir wants to know about ekadashi
Yudhisthir said, "Madhusudhan, killer of the Madhu demon, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during krishna paksh of Ahsvin? Please describe its glories to me".
|
Power of Ekadashi
Bhagwan Shri Krishna blessingly replied, "This holy day is called Indira Ekadashi. If a person fasts on this day, all his sins are eradicated and his forefathers who have fallen into hell are liberated. Rajan, one who simply hears about this Ekadashi achieves the great merit earned by performing a horse sacrifice".
Bhagwan reveals Satya-yug story
In the Satya-yug there lived a king named Indrasen, who was so powerful that he destroyed all his enemies. His kingdom was called Mahismati-puri. The glorious and highly religious King Indrasen took good care of his subjects, and therefore he was rich in gold, grains, sons, and grandsons. He was greatly devoted to Shri Vishnu as well. He especially enjoyed chanting My name, calling out Govind! Govind! In this way King Indrasen systematically dedicated himself to pure spiritual life and spent much time meditating on the Absolute Truth.
One day, as King Indrasen happily and peacefully presided over his assembly, the perfect orator, Narad Muni, was seen descending from the sky. The king offered Devrisi Narad, the saint among the Devs, great respect by greeting him with joined palms, inviting him into the palace, offering him a comfortable seat, washing his feet, and speaking sweet words of welcome. Then Narad Muni said to Maharaj Indrasen, �Rajan, are the seven limbs of your kingdom prospering? Is your mind absorbed in thinking of how you can properly perform your occupational duty? Are you becoming more and more devoted to the Purna Prushotam Shri Vishnu�?
The king replied, "By your kind grace, 0 greatest Rishiver, everything is quite well. Today, just by your presence all the sacrifices in my kingdom are successful! Please show me mercy and explain the reason for your visit here".
|
Shri Narad reveals the secret of hell
Shri Narad, the sage among the Devs, then said, "0 lion among kings, listen to my astonishing words. When I descended from Brahmalok to Yamalok, Yamaraj praised me very graciously and offered me an excellent seat. As I glorified his truthfulness and wonderful service to the Purna Prushotam, I noticed your father in Yamaraj's assembly. Though he had been very religious, because he broke an Ekadashi fast prematurely, he had to go to Yamalok. Your father gave me a message for you. He said, 'In Mahismati lives a king named Indrasen. Please tell him about my situation here-that because of my past sinful deeds I have some how been forced to reside in Yamaraj's kingdom. Please give him this message from me: 0 son, kindly observe Indira Ekadashi and give much in charity so I can go upward to heaven'.
Narad continued, Just to deliver this message, "0 king, have I come to you. You should help your father by observing the fast of Indira Ekadashi. By the merit you gain, your father will go to heaven".
|
Narad reveals process
King Indrasen asked, �Naradji, please be merciful and tell me specifically how to observe a fast on Indira Ekadashi, and also tell me during what month and on what day it occurs�.
Narad Muni replied, �Rajan, please listen as I describe to you the full process of observing Indira Ekadashi. This Ekadashi occurs during krishna paksh of Ahsvin. On Dashami, the day before Ekadashi rise early in the morning, bathe, and then do some service for Bhagwan with full faith. At noon, bathe again in running water and then offer oblations to your forefathers with faith and devotion. Be sure not to eat more than once on this day and at night sleep on the floor.
"When you awaken on Ekadashi morning, cleanse your mouth and teeth thoroughly and then with deep devotion for the Bhagwan take this sacred vow: 'Today I shall fast completely and give up all kinds of sense enjoyment. Hai Kamal-Naiyan, Purna Prushotam Bhagwan, please give me shelter at Your lotus feet'. At noon, stand before Shi Salegram and worship Him faithfully, following all the rules and regulations; then offer oblations to your forefathers. Next, feed qualified Bahmins and offer them some charity according to your means. Now take the food you offered to your forefathers, smell it, and then offer it to a cow. Next, worship Bhagwan Hrishi kesh with incense and flowers, and finally, remain awake all night near the Swaroop of Shri Keshav".
"Early in the morning of the next day, Duvadashi, worship Shri Hari with great devotion and invite Brahmins to a sumptuous feast. Then feed your relatives, and finally take your meal in silence. Rajan, if you strictly observe a fast on Indira Ekadashi in this way, with controlled senses, your father will surely be elevated to the abode of Bhagwan Vishnu". After saying this, Devrishi Narad immediately disappeared.
King Indrasen followed the great saint's instructions perfectly, observing the fast in the association of his relatives and servants. As he broke his fast on Duvadashi, flowers fell from the sky. The merit Indrasen earned by observing this fast released his father from the kingdom of Yamraja and caused him to attain a completely spiritual body. Indeed, Indrasen saw him rising to the abode of Bhagwan Hari on the back of Garud. Indrasen himself was able to rule his kingdom without any obstacles, and in time he handed over the kingdom to his son and also went to Vaikunth.
|
Shri Krishna concluded
�Yudhisthir, these are the glories of Indira Ekadashi, which occurs during krishna paksh of Ahsvin. Whoever hears or reads this narration certainly enjoys life in this world, is freed of all his past sins, and at death returns home, back to Purna Prushotam, where he lives eternally�.
|
|
