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maandag 1 december 2025

Wisdom of today whilst fasting on Ekadashi.

“By reciting or hearing all eighteen chapters on Gita Jayanti, one attains great spiritual benefit.”
— Srila Prabhupada, Gita Jayanti Address, Vrindavan, 28th November 1971

The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha destroys many kinds of sins. In the world, it is known as Mokshada Ekadashi. On this Ekadashi, Lord Shri Damodara should be worshipped devoutly with incense, lamps, offerings and other rituals. O son of Kunti! By the virtue of observing the fast of this Ekadashi, parents, ancestors and relatives who have fallen into hell attain salvation and reach heaven."

The story, as mentioned in the Purana, begins like this - There was a king named Vaikhanasa who ruled over an ancient city. In his kingdom resided Brahmins who were well-versed in all the four Vedas. The king cared for his subjects as though they were his own children. One night, the king saw his father enduring the torments of hell in a dream. This vision deeply troubled him and he anxiously waited for the morning. As soon as dawn broke, he summoned the Brahmins and recounted his entire dream to them - 'O Brahmins! Last night, in a dream, I saw my father suffering the torments of hell. He said to me, 'O son! I am enduring extreme suffering in hell. Please rescue me from here.' Since hearing these words, I have been deeply disturbed. I no longer find any joy in my kingdom, wealth, luxuries, elephants, horses, riches, wife or children. What should I do now? Where should I go? My body is burning with anguish because of this sorrow. Please suggest some penance, charity, fast or any other way by which my father can attain liberation. If I do not make an effort to free my father from the torments of hell, my life will be meaningless. A person whose father is suffering in hell has no right to enjoy any happiness on this earth. O venerable Brahmins, I kindly request you to suggest a remedy at the earliest.'

Listening to the words of Sage Parvata, the king returned to his kingdom and, along with his family, observed the Mokshada Ekadashi fast with proper rituals. The king dedicated the merits of this fast to his father. As a result of the virtuous effect of the fast, the king's father attained liberation with ease. While ascending to heaven, the king's father said - 'O son! May you be blessed!' With these words, the king's father departed for heaven. O son of Pandu! Those who observe the fast of Mokshada Ekadashi, which falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Margashirsha month, destroy all their sins and ultimately attain the heavenly abode. There is no other fast superior to this, which bestows liberation. Simply listening to or reciting this story yields immense rewards. This fast is akin to the divine Chintamani that fulfills all the desires of the observer. O Arjuna! Every human harbors a strong desire for liberation. For those seeking salvation, the fast of Mokshada Ekadashi holds immense significance. No other example of a son's duty towards his father surpasses this story. Hence, this fast should be observed with complete devotion and faith, dedicated to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu."

Synopsis (Katha-Saar)

This is a sacred and noble tale of devotion towards one's father and the offering of merits for the benefit of others. Observing this fast not only brings blessings to the one observing it but also contributes to the welfare of their ancestors. By dedicating the merits of this fast to any close relative, friend or companion, their sins and suffering are also eradicated.


https://drikpanchang.com/ekadashis/mokshada/legends/mokshada-ekadashi-vrat-katha.html

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