Aja Ekadashi is a significant fasting day in the Hindu tradition, observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) during the month of Bhadrapada, which typically falls in August or September. This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it is believed to offer immense spiritual benefits, including the washing away of sins and the attainment of moksha (liberation).

In Sanskrit, Ekadashi means eleven. According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the two lunar cycles of the moon, after a new and full moon. On this auspicious day, the devotees of the Hindu god of preservation, Vishnu, go on a fast, offer prayers and chant mantras of praises.

Aja Ekadashi is a revered observance in the Hindu tradition, observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector in the Hindu trinity, and is considered highly auspicious for those seeking spiritual upliftment and the purification of sins. Devotees fast on this day, offering prayers and performing rituals to please Lord Vishnu, with the belief that such devotion will lead to liberation (moksh) and the washing away of all sins.

Significance of Aja Ekadashi:

• Spiritual Cleansing: Aja Ekadashi is known for its power to cleanse the soul of all sins, including the most grievous ones. Devotees believe that by observing this fast with devotion and sincerity, they can achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Devotion to Lord Vishnu: On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu with great reverence, offering prayers, flowers, and other rituals to please the deity. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Vishnu) and reading scriptures related to Lord Vishnu are also common practices.
• Fasting Rituals: Observing a fast on Aja Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious. Devotees abstain from consuming grains, rice, beans, and certain other foods. Some observe a strict fast without food and water, while others may consume fruits, milk, and nuts. The fast is typically broken the next day after performing morning rituals.

The Legend of Aja Ekadashi:

The story associated with Aja Ekadashi is about King Harishchandra, a ruler known for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Despite his virtues, King Harishchandra faced immense suffering and lost his kingdom, wealth, and family due to a curse. He was even forced to work as a cremation ground attendant to pay off his debts.

Desperate and despondent, King Harishchandra met the sage Gautama, who advised him to observe the fast of Aja Ekadashi with full devotion. Following the sage’s advice, the king observed the fast, worshipped Lord Vishnu, and performed all the rituals associated with Aja Ekadashi.

Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before King Harishchandra and restored his kingdom, wealth, and family. The king’s suffering ended, and he was granted a place in heaven after his death. This story highlights the immense power of Aja Ekadashi in granting liberation from worldly sufferings and securing a place in the divine realm.

Story Behind Aja Ekadashi

The legend associated with Aja Ekadashi centers around King Harishchandra, a renowned ruler known for his unwavering dedication to truth and justice. Despite his virtuous nature, King Harishchandra encountered a series of severe trials and tribulations.

The Trials of King Harishchandr:

King Harishchandr was a just and righteous king who was known for never straying from the path of truth. However, due to a curse and the play of destiny, he lost his kingdom, wealth, and even his family. Stripped of all his worldly possessions, the king was forced to work as an attendant at a cremation ground to pay off a debt. This job required him to oversee the cremation of dead bodies, a task that was considered impure and humiliating for a king.

Throughout these hardships, King Harishchandr remained steadfast in his commitment to truth, never once compromising his principles. Despite his dedication to righteousness, his suffering continued unabated, leaving him in a state of deep despair.

The Sage’s Advice:

In his dire situation, King Harishchandr met the sage Gautam, who took pity on the king’s plight. The sage advised him to observe the fast of Aja Ekadashi with full devotion and sincerity. He explained that this sacred fast had the power to cleanse the soul of all sins and to bring divine blessings that could change one’s destiny.

Following the sage’s counsel, King Harishchandr observed the fast on Aja Ekadashi with deep devotion. He worshipped Lord Vishnu, performed the rituals with utmost sincerity, and dedicated the day to spiritual activities.

Divine Intervention:

Pleased with his devotion and unwavering commitment to truth, Lord Vishnu appeared before King Harishchandr. The Lord, moved by the king’s piety and perseverance, restored everything that the king had lost. His kingdom, wealth, and family were all returned to him, and his suffering was brought to an end.

In recognition of his devotion and adherence to truth, King Harishchandr was granted a place in heaven after his death, where he continued to enjoy eternal peace and happiness.

Moral of the Story:

The story of Aja Ekadashi highlights the power of sincere devotion and the observance of Ekadashi fasting. It teaches that even in the face of severe trials, staying true to one’s principles and maintaining faith in the divine can lead to the fulfillment of desires and ultimate liberation. The story also emphasizes the mercy and compassion of Lord Vishnu, who is ever ready to bless and protect his devotees when they turn to him with a pure heart.

Observance:

• Morning Rituals: Devotees take a holy bath early in the morning and perform prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu. They spend the day in devotion, chanting mantras, reading scriptures, and engaging in charitable activities.
• Evening Rituals: Lamps are lit in the evening, and the day concludes with more prayers and devotional songs dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Many devotees also stay awake throughout the night, continuing their prayers and meditations.

Benefits:

Observing Aja Ekadashi is believed to offer numerous spiritual benefits, including the destruction of sins, the purification of the mind and body, and the attainment of moksh. It is also said to bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to the devotees and their families.

Aja Ekadashi is a day of deep spiritual significance, where devotees seek to connect with the divine, cleanse themselves of past sins, and move closer to the ultimate goal of liberation.