Once Yudhisthira Maharaj asked Lord Krishna to tell the tale of Rama Ekadashi. He said, “What is the importance of Rama Ekadashi?”

Upon hearing Yudhisthira’s request, Lord Krishna said that this day is mentioned in the Krishna Paksha in Kartik Month. He further began to tell the tale and significance of this day. So, listen carefully.

Tale of Rama Ekadashi

Once there was a renowned king called Muchakunda, who married his daughter, Chandrabhaga, to Chandrasena’s son, Shobhana. On the day of Ekadashi, Shobhana visited the palace of his father-in-law. Since he was weak, she was not able to bear the fast for the entire day.

Chandrabhaga told Shobhana that nobody eats on the day of Ekadashi at her father’s house. Even the animals are not given grains, straw, leaves, or water. In case you want to eat, you have to leave at once. Shobhana also decided to fast on Ekadashi and was ready to take his fate as it comes. However, he fasted for a while but face excessive thirst and hunger. As a result, he was dead on the Dvadashi when the sun rose. After performing all the rites of her deceased husband, Chandrabhaga started living in her father’s palace.

Lord Krishna continued the tale and told Yudhishthira that even though Shobhana died after observing the fast of Ekadashi, he gained merit. As per that merit, he enabled himself, after his death, to be the ruler of a huge kingdom on the mountain of Mandarachala. This kingdom was no less than a city of demigods but had no food and other amenities and prosperity.

In which Month does this Ekadashi Fall?

According to Padma Purana, Ekadashi falls in Kartik Month because it is dear to Lord Krishna. So, whatever spiritual work one does in this month receives several advantages in terms of good life, wealth and prosperity.

What are the Glories of this Ekadashi

Continuing the tale, Lord Krishna mentioned that Somasharma, a brahmin, in Muchakunda’s kingdom, came to Shobhana’s kingdom while wandering. On seeing King Shobhana, he was stunned.

King Shobhana further told him that he fasted on the Rama Ekadashi, so he was given this kingdom to rule over. However, it was just temporary. Since he observed Rama Ekadashi without any faith, his kingdom was not permanent. He further requested the brahmin to contact Chandrabhaga and tell her whatever he experienced. He believed that she could help him make his temporary kingdom permanent.

As instructed, the brahmin went to Chandrabhaga and told her the entire story. She was extremely happy to hear that her husband is alive. Chandrabhaga further expressed her eagerness to see her husband again. She could make the kingdom permanent, as she used to fast on every Ekadashi all her life.

Somasharma further led Chandrabhaga to her husband’s kingdom. On the way, they stopped at Vamadeva’s ashrama. On hearing their story, Vamadeva chanted some mantras and hymns from the Vedas. He also sprinkled some holy water on Chandrabhaga. By performing these rites, Chandrabhaga’s merits (that she accrued after fasting for so many years) turned her body transcendental.

On seeing his wife in the Mandarachala kingdom, Shobhana was thrilled and overjoyed. Chandrabhaga further told him that she has been fasting on Ekadashi with full faith since she was eight years old. If I transfer the merits that I have accumulated over the years, this kingdom could become permanent.

Hence, Chandrabhaga enjoyed living with her husband in their new kingdom. Thanks to the benefits of Rama Ekadashi, Shobhana also found his kingdom on Mount Mandarachala’s peak and all his desires came true.

This tale depicts the glories of the sacred Kartika Krishna Ekadashi or Rama Ekadashi from Srila Krishna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa’s Brahma-Vaivarta Purana.

Benefits of Observing Fast on Rama Ekadashi?

It is said that there are numerous benefits of Ekadashi fasting. One of the major benefits is that all the sins and sorrows of a person end after observing this fast. It’s also said that giving money to charity on this day is good. If an individual strictly follows the fast with full faith in Rama Ekadashi, his/her all desires get fulfilled.

The best way to keep Ekadashi fast is “Nirjala” (without water). It means one cannot even have water during this fast. If one cannot do that, one can take some water. But if someone cannot even do this, intake of some juice and fruits is also allowed. If a devotee has to eat anything, only cook food that’s related to Ekadashi. First, offer that food to Krisha and then consume it on the day of Ekadashi.

Other rituals to follow on the day of Ekadashi are:

  • Chant more and more
  • Read Scriptures
  • Visit ISKCON temple Delhi for Lord Krishna darshan
  • Attend Mangla Aarti
  • Do Kirtan/Bhajan

With all these efforts, one can make Ekadashi successful.

Why should one Donate on this Ekadashi?

It is said that donating on the day of Ekadashi is fortunate. Generally, people donate and even receive sesame seeds as gifts on this day. So, people observing fast on this day should donate cereals, sesame and other foods for strengthening their fate. For, this day has a major significance for food donation or “anna daana” in Hindu culture.

Conclusion

After reading the whole story and the significance of Rama Ekadashi, we hope you know how beneficial it is to observe fast on this day. Anyone who fasts on this day – both the light and dark hours – is freed from their sins. You must even visit ISKCON temple on this day for the darshan of Lord Krishna. Do check the ISKON temple timings for darshan.