Satyatma Tirtha Swamiji Telugu pravachanam

Satyatma Tirtha Telugu Discource at Nizamabad 2003

Tomorrow is Prabodhani Ekadashi

Prabodhini Ekadashi / प्रबोधनी एकाद्शी
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Prabhodhini Ekadashi, also known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Utthana Ekadashi, Bodhini Ekadashi and Dev Utthana Ekadashi, is observed in the month of Kartik in the traditional Hindu lunar calendar. The Hindu devotees believe that Lord Vishnu woke up from his Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) on this day, thereby marking the end of the Chaturmaas vrat.
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Legends state that the consort of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi was unsatisfied with the way Lord Vishnu slept. Sometimes, he remained awakened for days and sometimes, he slept continuously for several days. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi visited Lord Vishnu and complained about his indiscipline followed. She also informed him that several lords, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Devas and Saints, are forced to wait for many days in order to meet him. Hence, they returned disappointed without having Lord Vishnu’s Darshan. Furthermore, this neutral situation of Lord Vishnu is highly taken advantage of by the demons. They make the most of this opportunity in causing pain to human beings, thereby leading to the spread of Adharma on earth.

After patiently listening to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu replied that he would soon come up with a solution. Meanwhile, the Devas and Saints visit Lord Vishnu and inform him about the robbery of the Vedas by a Demon named Shankhyayan. The demon had committed this act in order to deprive the human beings about the knowledge of the Vedas and spread Adharma all around. On hearing this, Lord Vishnu promised the sages that he would get back the Vedas. After fighting for several days with Demon Shankhyayan, he was successful in getting the Vedas back. He returned the Vedas to Goddess Lakshmi, Devas and Saints. Additionally, he insisted on continuing with a long sleep but only for four months.

This sleep started from Ashadha Shuddha Ekadashi until Kartik Shuddha Ekadashi, which is also known as Prabhodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Various pujas and prayers are carried on this day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The important Pandarpur Yatra also takes place on this day in Lord Vithal Temple. The most popular Tulsi Vivah Festival and Shaligram Puja rituals also commence on Prabhodhini Ekadashi in some regions while in other communities, they take place on the day after Ekadashi. By observing the Prabhodhini Ekadashi vrat, devotees believe that they would be able to get rid off their sins and attain salvation, or Moksha.
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HSVJ

Today it's Dhantryodashi / धनत्रयोदशी..................

HarayeNmaha,
Today it's Dhantryodashi / धनत्रयोदशी..................
Dhantryodashi / धनत्रयोदशी
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The First day of Deepawali festival called Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodashi, falls on the thirteenth lunar day after full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). The word "Dhan" means wealth. As such this day of the five-day Diwali festival has a great importance for the rich mercantile community of India. In villages cattle are adorned and worshipped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshipped on this day.
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Dhan Trayodashi Story - I
There are several popular legendary stories to explain the foundation of this celebration. One famous story is about Lord Dhanvantari and his service to mankind. Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered to be the physician of Gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, came out of the ocean that was churned by the Gods and the demons on the day of Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari appeared with Ayurvedic for the welfare of the mankind. It was because of this reason that the Dhanteras was celebrated in his honor.
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Dhan Trayodashi Story - II

YAMADEEPDAAN / यमदीपदान

YAMADEEPDAAN / यमदीपदान
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Thirteen lamps made of wheat flour and lit with oil are placed outside the house, facing southwards (direction of Lord Yama), in the evening. A lamp is never kept facing southwards except on this day. Then, reciting the following mantra one should offer obeisance: "I offer these thirteen lamps to the son (Lord Yama) of the Sun deity (Surya), so that He liberates me from the clutches of death and bestows His blessings."
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Story of YAMADEEPDAAN
Interesting story famous about Dhanteras is related to the son of King Hima and his intelligent wife. It was predicted about King Hima that he would die on the fourth day of his marriage and the reason behind his death would be snakebite. When his wife came to know about such a prediction she decided not to let her husband die and for this she made a plan. On the fourth day of their marriage she collected all the jewelery and wealth at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted lamps all around the place and started telling stories and singing songs one after another in order to not let her husband sleep.

In the mid night Lord Yama, the God of death arrived there in guise of a snake. The bright lights of the lamps lit by the wife of the king's son blinded his eyes and he could not enter their chamber. Therefore, Lord Yama found a place to stay comfortable on top of the heap of the jewelry and wealth and kept sitting there for the whole night waiting to get a chance to bite the king's son but as the wife of the king's son kept telling stories and singing songs for the whole night therefore he could not get any chance and in the morning he left the place quietly. Thus, the wife saved her husband's life from the cruel clutches of death. Since then the day of dhanteras is also known as the day of 'Yamadeepdaan' and it has become a tradition to light a diya on dhanteras and to keep it burning throughout the night in reverential adoration of Lord Yama, the God of death.
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HSVJ

Today Rama Ekadashi // रमा एकादशी

Rama Ekadashi // रमा एकादशी
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Rama Ekadashi Importance & Story.
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The importance of the fast and the story associated it with was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna. People observing the fast read or listen to the Rama Ekadasi Vrat Katha. It is said that this Ekadasi is a wish fulfilling one.



Legend has it that there lived a powerful and famous king named Muchukunda. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and his kingdom was famous through out the world.


King Muchukunda had a daughter named Chandrabhaga, she was married to Prince Shobhana. Once, the newly married prince and princess visited Muchukunda. It was during the Ekadasi period and Princess Chandrabhaga was worried as Prince Shobhana was weak and could not bear hunger so he will not be able to observe Ekadasi fasting. King Muchukunda was strict about observing Ekadasi fasting.


So Princess Chandrabhaga asked the prince to return back to his kingdom. But Prince Shobhana wanted to observe the Ekadasi fasting.


All the people in the kingdom including the Prince started observing the fast. At night all the people kept vigil. Prince Shobhana could not bear the hunger and thirst and died during the course of the night.


Due to the influence of observing Rama Ekadasi, Prince Shobhana became the king of Devapura – kingdom of celestial beings – and the city was located atop the Mandara Mountain. But the kingdom was a temporary one as the Prince had only observed the Ekadasi fasting once.


Once a learned saint from the land of King Muchukunda visited Shobhana. The Prince was happy to receive the saint and to hear about his wife. Then Shobhana told the saint that he needed the help of his wife to make his temporary kingdom permanent as she was always observing Ekadasi fasting and she has the power to do it.


The saint went to the Princess and told about her husband, Shobhana, and his new Kingdom. Princess Chandrabhaga wanted to meet her husband and for this she took the help of Sage Vamadeva who was residing in the Mandara Mountain. Soon she was transported to the temporary celestial kingdom of her husband. Due to the power of observing Rama Ekadasi the kingdom became permanent and royal couple became celestial beings.
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HSVJ

             

Dr. Garikipati Narasimha Rao about Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu - TV Game Sh...

Dr. Garikipati Narasimha Rao about women and men dress (07 - 10 - 2014)

धनंजय कृतं पापं कल्याणेनोपहन्यते॥

ख्यापनेनानुतापेन दानेन तपसापि वा॥

Source: Shantiparva,Mahabharata
MEANING –

Dhananjaya! Sins committed can be eradicated by telling/admitting them (submissive), by doing good deeds (earning puNya), by regretting (being remorseful), by donating or giving away, and by doing tapas.

MORAL –

puNya is earned through making donations, shaanti homa, Brahman bhojana, going on pilgrimage, Ekadashi and Shri KrishAsthami, Chaturmasya vruta, Bheeshma/Vishnu Panchaka Vruti, other vrutas, Doing Homa, Reading Shaastra. And doing tapasya, doing dEvara puje, Guru Puje, Gaayatri japa, Shri Vishnusahasra naama Parayana, Gajendra Moksha etc etc

Download Paapa Vimochana stotra composed by Shri Vijayeendra Teertharu -
http://www.sumadhwaseva.com/stotragalu/papa-vimochana-stotra/

ರಂಗನ ನೋಡಿರೆ ರಾಜಕುವರ ನರl

ಸಿಂಗ ದೇವ ನಮ್ಮ ದೇವಕಿ ಸುತನ || ಪ||

ಹಮ್ಮಿನ ತಾಯಿತ ತೋಳ ಭಾಪುರಿಯೊ l

ಘಮ್ಮನೆ ಘಲ್ಲೆಂಬ ಗೆಜ್ಜೆಯ ಧ್ವನಿಯೊ l

ಸುಮ್ಮಹಿಮನ ಕಿವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚೌಕುಲಿಯೊ l

ತಿಮ್ಮರಾಯ ನಿಟ್ಟ ಸೊಬಗಿನ ಬಗೆಯೊ ||1||



ಶುಕ್ರವಾರದ ಪೂಜೆಗೊಂಬವನ l

ಸಕ್ಕರೆ ಪಾಲ್ ಮೊಸರು ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ ಮೆಲ್ಲುವನ l

ಘಕ್ಕನೆ ಸುರರಿಗೆ ಅಮೃತವಿತ್ತವನ l

ರಕ್ಕಸ ಕುಲವೈರಿ ರಾವಣಾಂತಕನ ||2||



ಪಾಪವಿನಾಶಿನಿ ಸ್ನಾನವ ಮಾಡಿ l

ಪಾಪಗಳೆಲ್ಲವು ಬೇಗಬಿಟ್ಟೋಡಿ l

ಈ ಪರಿ ದಿನ ದಿನ ಮೂರುತಿ ನೋಡಿ l

ಶ್ರೀಪತಿ ಪುರಂದರ ವಿಠಲನ ಪಾಡಿ ||3||

Parivartini Ekadashi / Vamana Ekadasi

Parivartini Ekadashi / Vamana Ekadasi
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On this Ekadasi day Lord Vishnu who reclines on Aadishesha turns to another side and this turn is called as Parivarthan.
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Parsava Ekadashi which is also known as Parivartini, Vamana and Jayanti Ekadashi is observed during the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Bhadrapada i.e. August and September. It is important to note that ‘Parivartini’ means ‘of change’ and denotes a time when Shesh-Shayi Narayan (form of God laying on the serpent Shesh) changes his position, posture, direction and faces the East. One must note that this Ekadasi happens during the Dakshinayana Punyakalam. It is interesting to note the famous age old belief that Lord Vishnu who takes rest during this period changes his posture of sleep namely he turns from left side to right side. It is because of this reason that this Ekadashi is also known as Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi.

As a matter of practice Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this Ekadashi day. The reason as to why this Ekadasi is also known as Vamana Ekadashi is simply because Vamana Avatar took place during this period. As a matter of fact King Mahabali was sent to pathalam on this day and therefore the Onam festival which celebrates the return of Mahabali takes place during this period.

Historical literature reveals that the importance and relevance of this Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, by Lord Krishna. Yudhisthira was inquisitive regarding the history, relevance and purport of the Ekadashi and wanted Lord Krishna to enlighten him. In reply to the queries he was informed that Ekadashi bestows both great merit and ultimate liberation from material bondage and that if one truly desires salvation from the material world he should fast on Vamana Ekadashi.

It is believed that those who observe this Ekadashi will be absolved of their sins. As per the religious calendar this Ekadashi also happens during the Chaturmas period. As a matter of practice those who undertake fast on this day avoid grains and rice.Practically while observing this holy fast a Vaishnava should lovingly worship the Supreme Lord in his form as Vamanadeva i.e. the dwarf incarnation, whose eyes are like lotus petals.
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HSVJ

Today Putrada Ekadashi

Putrada Ekadashi
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The story of Putrada Ekadashi
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In the ancient time, Sukentumaan was the king of Bhadravati Puri. Even after many years of marriage, they did not had any child. Both king and his queen were tensed and lived in depression. King was tensed thinking, “who will give fire and cremate his body after his death?”. Father of the king was also worried about the predecessor and the Tarpan and Pind Daan after his death.
Once, in this depression king went to the jungle on his horse. He moved to the dense forest and started hearing voices of different animals. While moving in the forest, the king felt thirsty. In search of water he moved deep inside the forest where he saw a lake. Near the water body he saw the Ashram of Sages. Here some Munis were studying Vedas. King came down from his horse and drank water from the lake. His left eye started fluttering. King thought of this as an indication of something good. King bowed to each Rishi one after the other. The Sages were pleased by the king and blessed him. Then, the king asked their reason for gathering. Rishis replied, “we are Vishva Deva and we came near the lake to have a bath. Today is Putrada Ekadashi and people who will observe this fast will conceive a child.”
Listening this, king Sukentumaan asked the Vishva Devas to bestow him with the blessing of having a son. Muni said “today is Putrada Ekadashi. Observe this fast and worship Lord Narayana”. As told by Rishi, King observed the vrata and performed all the rituals in a proper manner. After conclusion of the vrata the king gave salutation to all the Rishis and went back to his kingdom. After sometimes queen become pregnant and gave birth to a tender bodied son. Later on he became a great warrior and a good ruler.
This way the people who observes this fast, all his obstacles in having a child are removed and gets blessed with a son. A person who hears and follows the greatness of this vrata achieves salvation after his death.

...........Today Kamika Ekadashi ..................

Kamika Ekadashi - The Story of Kamika Ekadasi
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Maharaja Yudhisthira said, "0 Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the glories of fasting on Deva-sayani Ekadashi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Asadha. Now I would like to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Sravana [JulyAugust]. 0 Govinda, please be merciful to me and explain its glories. 0 Vasudeva, I offer my humble obeisances unto You."

The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, replied, "0 king, please listen attentively as I describe the auspicious influence of this holy fast day, which removes all sins. Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma about this same topic. '0 regent of all,' said Naradaji, '0 you who sit upon a lotus throne, please tell me the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Sravana. Please also tell me which Deity is worshiped on that holy day, the process one must follow to observe it, and the merit it awards.'

"Lord Brahma replied, 'My dear son Narada, for the benefit of all humanity I shall happily tell you everything you wish to know, for just hearing the glories of Kamika Ekadashi bestows merit equal to that obtained by one who performs a horse sacrifice. Certainly, great merit is attained by one who worships, and who also meditates on the lotus feet of, four-armed Lord Gadadhara, who holds conch shell, disc, club and lotus in His hands and who is also known as Shridhara, Hari, Vishnu, Madhava, and Madhusudana. And the blessings achieved by a person who worships Lord Vishnu exclusively are far greater than those achieved by one who takes a sacred bath in the Ganges at Kasi [Varanasi], in the forest of Naimisaranya, or at Puskara, where I am worshiped.' But one who observes Kamika Ekadashi and also worships Lord Shri Krishna achieves greater merit than one who has darsana of Lord Kedaranatha in the Himalayas, or one who bathes at Kuruksetra during a solar eclipse, or one who donates the whole earth in charity, including its forests and oceans, or one who bathes in the Gandaki River or Godavari River on a full moon day that falls on a Monday when Leo and Jupiter are conjoined.

" 'Observing Kamika Ekadashi bestows the same merit as donating a milkcow and her calf, along with their feed. On this day, whoever worships Lord Shridhara-deva, Vishnu, is glorified by the demigods, Gandharvas, Pannagas, and Nagas.

"'Those who are afraid of their past sins and completely immersed in sinful material life should observe this best of Ekadashis according to their ability and thus attain liberation. This Ekadashi is the purest of all days and the most powerful for removing sins. 0 Narada, Lord Shri Hari Himself once said about this Ekadashi, "One who fasts on Kamika Ekadashi attains much more merit than one who studies all the spiritual literatures."

"'Anyone who fasts on this particular day and remains awake through the night will never experience the anger of Yamaraja, death personified. Whoever observes Kamika Ekadashi will not have to suffer future births, and in the past many yogis who fasted on this day went to the spiritual world. One should therefore follow in their auspicious footsteps and strictly observe a fast on this Ekadashi.

"'Whoever worships Lord Hari with tulasi leaves is freed from all implication of sin. Indeed, he lives untouched by sin, as the lotus leaf, although in the water, is untouched by it. Whoever offers Shri Hari but a single leaf from a tulasi tree attains as much merit as one who gives away in charity two hundred grams of gold and eight hundred grams of silver. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is more pleased by one who offers Him a single tulasi leaf than by one who worships Him with pearls, rubies, topaz, diamonds, lapis lazuli, sapphires, gomeda stones, cat's eye gems, and coral. One who offers Lord Kesava newly grown manjaris from the sacred tulasi plant gets rid of all the sins he has committed during this or any other lifetime. Indeed, mere darsana of tulasi on Kamika Ekadashi removes all sins, and merely touching her and praying to her removes all kinds of disease. One who waters tulasi need never fear the lord of death, Yamaraja. One who plants or transplants tulasi will eventually reside with Lord Krishna in His own abode. To Shrimati Tulasidevi, who awards liberation in devotional service, one should therefore daily offer one's full obeisances.

"'Even Citragupta, Yamaraja's secretary, cannot calculate the merit obtained by one who offers Shrimati Tulasi-devi a perpetually burning ghee lamp. So dear is this sacred Ekadashi to the Supreme Personality of Godhead that all the forefathers of one who offers a bright ghee lamp to Lord Krishna on this day ascend to the heavenly planets and drink nectar there. Whoever offers either a ghee- or sesame-oil lamp to Shri Krishna on this day is freed from all his sins and enters the abode of Surya, the sungod, with a body as bright as ten million lamps. 12

"0 Yudhisthira," Lord Shri Krishna concluded, "these were the words Lord Brahma spoke to Narada Muni concerning the incalculable glories of Kamika Ekadashi, which removes all sins. This sacred day nullifies even the sin of killing a brahmana or of killing an unborn child in the womb, and it promotes one to the spiritual world by making one supremely meritorious Whoever hears these glories of Kamika Ekadashi with faith becomes free of all sins and returns home, back to Vishnu-loka."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of the ShrAvaNa-kRshNa EkAdasii, or KAmikA EkAdasii, from the Brahma-Vaivarta PurANa.

Yogini Ekadashi // योगिनी एकादशी

Yogini Ekadashi // योगिनी एकादशी
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Jeshtha Krishna Ekadashi
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Yogini Ekadashi Fast Story
There ruled a king named Kuber, in the city called Alkapuri. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He used flowers in the Puja. Hema Mali used to bring flowers for the Puja. Hemamali had a beautiful wife named Visalakshi. Once, after bringing flowers from Mansarovar, he did not go for Puja and started spending time with his wife. King Kuber kept waiting for him till noon time.
Then, he ordered his servants, “Go and find Hema Mali. Why haven’t he brought the flowers up till now.” When servants returned back, they said, “Hey king, he is busy rejoicing with his wife.” Hearing this, king called Hema Mali. Now, Hema Mali got scared and trembled before the King.
King said, “By not bringing the flowers on time, you have insulted Lord Shiva. I curse you, that you will suffer the separation of your wife. And, you will have leprosy in the Mrityu Lok (earth).” By the curse, he immediately fell on earth from heaven and became a leper. He got separated from his wife. He suffered many problems in Mirtyu Lok.
By the grace of Lord, his mind did not forget the works of his last birth and he started moving towards the Himalayas. He met a Rishi on his way. Rishi had great powers. At that moment, the Rishi appeared like an ordinary Brahman. Hemamali reached to him and fell in his feet.
Rishi asked “What wrong did you do, that you have such a condition today.” Hemamali told the whole story to the Rishi. So, the Rishi said “You have spoken truth infront of me. I will help you to get salvation from this state of yours. Observe the fast of Ekadashi, called the Yogini Ekadashi.
You will get rid of all your sins.”
Now, Hema Mali became happy and observed the fast of Yogini Ekadasi in a systematic manner.
As a result, he got back to his original form and started living happily with his wife.
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The fruit of hearing Yogini Vrat Katha is equal to, offering food to 88000 Brahmans. Observing this fast removes all sorts of sins.
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HSVJ

Apara Ekadashi // अपरा (अचला) एकादशी

Apara Ekadashi // अपरा (अचला) एकादशी
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Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Jyestha.
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Once Yudhishthira Maharaja said, 'Oh Lord Krishna, Oh Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisance's. Please describe to me the Ekadashi that occurs during krishna paksha of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June). Please narrate to me everything like its name, importance etc. about this Ekadashi.

Lord Sri Krishna said, "Oh great king ! the name of this meritorious Ekadashi is Apara Ekadashi. Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous all over the universe. Even such sins as killing a brahman, a cow, or an embryo, blasphemy, or having sex with another man’s wife are completely eradicated by observing Apara Ekadashi. People who bear false witness, a person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another, one who cheats while weighing something on a scale, one who invents his own scripture, one who cheats others, one who is a false astrologer, a cheating accountant, or a false Ayurvedic 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 Ekadashi, 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. Even such a fallen kshatriya, if he observes fasting on the Apara Ekadashi, 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 simply observes Apara Ekadashi, can attain to the spiritual world.
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 Ekadashi: bathing three times daily in Pushkara-kshetra during Kartika,bathing at the time of a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra, bathing at Prayag in the month of Magh when the sun is in the zodiac of Capricorn; rendering service to Lord Shiva during Shivratri, offering oblations to one’s forefathers , bathing in the sacred Gomti River when Jupiter transits Leo (Singha); and and giving cows, elephants, and gold in charity. All the merit one gets from performing these pious acts is gained by a person who observes the Apara Ekadashi 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. This Ekadashi 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. Therefore one who faithfully observes the Apara Ekadashi and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Trivikrama. One who does so is freed of all his sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Vishnu.

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HSVJ

Varuthini Ekadashi / वरूथिनी एकादशी

Varuthini Ekadashi / वरूथिनी एकादशी
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Sri Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You. Please now describe to me the EkAdasii of the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of VaisAkha (April-May), including its specific merits and influence."
Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh King, in this world and the next, the most auspicious and magnanimous EkAdasii is VarUthinii EkAdasii, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of VaisAkha.
Whosoever observes a complete fast on this sacred day has his sins completely removed, obtains continuous happiness, and achieves all good fortune.
Fasting on VarUthinii EkAdasii makes even an unfortunate woman fortunate. Upon anyone who observes it, this EkAdasii bestows material enjoyment in this life and liberation after the death of this present body. It destroys the sins of all and saves people from the miseries of repeated rebirth.
"By observing this EkAdasii properly, King MAndhAtA was liberated. Many other kings also benefited from observing it – kings such as MahArAja DhundhumAra, in the IkshvAku dynasty, who became free from leprosy resulting from the curse that Lord Shiva had imposed upon him as a punishment.
Whatever merit one obtains by performing austerities and penances for ten thousand years is achieved by a person who observes VarUthinii EkAdasii.
The merit one achieves by donating a great amount of gold during a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra is gained by one who observes this one EkAdasii with love and devotion, and certainly attains his goals in this life and the next. In short, this EkAdasii is pure and very enlivening and the destroyer of all sins.
"Better than giving horses in charity is giving elephants, and better than giving elephants is giving land. But better still than giving land is the giving of sesame seeds, and better than that is giving of gold. Still better than giving gold is giving food grains - for all the forefathers, demigods (devas), and human beings become satisfied by eating grains. Thus there is no better gift of charity than this in the past, present or future."
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HSVJ

-------Kamada Ekadashi / कामदा एकादशी------

Kamada Ekadashi / कामदा एकादशी
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Once Yudhishthira Maharaja said, 'Oh Lord Krishna, Oh Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisance's. Please describe to me the Ekadashi that occurs during the light part of the month of Chaitra . What is its name, and what are its glories?'

Lord Shri Krishna replied, 'Oh Yudhishthira, please listen to Me attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadashi, a history Vasishtha Muni once related to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.

King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishtha, "Oh wise brahman, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that comes during the light part of the month of Chaitra. Please describe it to me."

Vasishtha Muni replied, "Oh king, your inquiry is glories. Gladly shall I tell you what you wish to know. The Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadashi. It consumes all sins. It is very purifying, and it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observes it. Oh king, now hear an ancient history which is so meritorious that it removes all one's sins simply by being heard.

Once, long ago, there was a city named Ratnapura and King Pundarika was its ruler. It had mostly Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens.

Among the Gandharvas were Lalit and his wife Lalita, who was an lovely couple. These two were intensely attracted to each other. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and likewise he constantly thought of her within his heart. They were inseparable.

Once, in the court of King Pundarika, many Gandharvas were singing, Lalit was one among them. While singing Lalit could not help thinking about his beloved, and because of this distraction he lost track of the song's melody. Lalit sang the song improperly, and one of the envious snake named kakort who was in attendance at the king's court complained to the king that Lalit ws lost in the thought's of his wife that's because he lost track and sang improperly. The king became furious upon hearing this, and he shouted, 'Oh foolish knave, because you were lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverently thinking of your king as you performed your court duties, I curse you to at once become a Demon !, a man-eating demon with a terrified apperance.

Lalit immediately became a fearful Demon. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth was as big as a huge cave, his eyes were as awesome as the sun and moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood a full sixty-four miles high. Thus poor Lalit, the Gandharva singer, had to suffer the reaction of his offense against King Pundarika.

Seeing her husband suffering as a horrible monster, Lalita became overwhelmed with grief. She thought, 'Now that my dear husband is suffering the effects of the kings' curse, what is left for me? What should I do? Where should I go?' In this way Lalita grieved day and night. Instead of enjoying life as a Gandharvas wife, she wandered everywhere in the thick jungle with her husband, who had fallen completely under the spell of the king's curse. He wandered fitfully across forbidding region, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to the behavior of a man-eater.

One day, while wandering in the jungle, Lalita met the sage Shringi . He was sitting on the peak of the Vindhyachala Hmountain. Approaching him, she immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisance's. The sage noticed her bowing down before him and said, 'Who are you and why have you come here? Why you look so gloomy. Please tell me everything in truth.'

Lalita replied, 'Oh Brahmana, my name is Lalita. I wander in the jungle with my dear husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. I am greatly aggrieved to see him like this. Oh Saint, please tell me how I can perform some act of atonement on behalf of my husband. How can I free him from this demonic form, please help me. The sage replied, 'There is an Ekadashi named Kamada that occurs in the light fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming up soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe this Ekadashi fast according to its rules and regulations and give the merit you thus earn from your fast to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.'

Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi according to the instructions of the sage Shringi, and on Dvadasi she appeared before him and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, 'I have faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadashi. By the merit earned through my observance of this fast, let my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a beast. May the merit I have gained thus free him from his misery.'

And Lalita's husband, who stood nearby, was at once freed from the king's curse. He immediately regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with many beautiful ornaments. All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadashi. At last the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.

Lord Sri Krishna continued, 'Oh Yudhishthira!, anyone who hears this story should certainly observe holy Kamada Ekadashi to the best of his ability, such great merit does it bestow upon the faithful devotee. I have therefore described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity.

There is no better Ekadashi than Kamada Ekadashi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a brahmana, and it also nullifies demoniac curses. In all the three worlds and moreover it grants all the wishes'
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HSVJ

Papamochani Ekadasi / पापमोचनी एकादशी

Papamochani Ekadasi / पापमोचनी एकादशी
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Addressing Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira Maharaja said, "O Supreme Lord, I wish to hear about the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month Phalguna. What is its name and what results can one attain by observing it?"

Lord Sri Krishna, replied, "O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall describe to you the glories of this Ekadashi which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadashi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.”

Lomasa Rishi narrates, “The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Phalguna is named Papamochani Ekadashi. For the faithful devotee it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. This Ekadashi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires and purifies one's life of all sinful reactions.
Legends revolve around a sage named Medhavi who was a loyal devotee of Lord Shiva. This sage was performing Tapas (austerity) in a forest called Chaitraratha, well-known for bearing beautiful and aromatic flowers. In addition, the forest was often visited by Indira, demigods, apsaras and other heavenly beings. Often the apsaras and damsels of heaven made several attempts of interrupting the meditation of the sage, but in vain. Eventually, an apsara named Manju Ghosa betted upon disturbing the sage’s meditation. Thus, she built a hut close to the sage’s place and started playing the veena along with singing songs.

Soon, the sage set out in search of the song and found the gorgeous Manju Ghosa. On sighting the sage, Manju immediately applied sandalwood paste and wore beautiful flowers. Overwhelmed by the beauty of the apsara, the sage finally lost his concentration and gave up to the apsara. After leading a married life for years, Manju lost interest in the sage and thought of leaving back. At this point, the sage regained his senses and realized that he had been tricked. Annoyed, the sage cursed the apsara and turned her into a witch. Depressed and saddened, the sage returned back to his father Sage Chyavana and narrated the entire tale.

Sage Chyavana asked his son to observe the vrat of Papamochini Ekadashi after which he would be relieved of his sins. As advised, the sage observed the vrat and hence, was able to get rid of his faults. He even asked the apsara to observe the same vrat following which she too would be relieved of the curse. The tern Papamochini has been derived from two words, ‘Papa’ means ‘sin’ and ‘Mochini’ means ‘to escape’. Therefore, Papamochini Ekadashi has been dedicated towards eradicating sins and guilt associated with sins committed.
Lomasa Rishi continued, 'Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.'

Sri Krishna concluded, "O King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadashi, obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, etc. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadashi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HSVJ

Tomorrow is Aamalki Ekadashi.

Amalaki Ekadashi
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi
Amalakii, is actually the form of Brahman.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Legend behind it
“Once, in the month of Phalguna, 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 Amalaki 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. O Amalaki, 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.’
One day, the king went into the dense forest. Suddenly some demons of forest ambushed him. Demons attacked king with their fatal weapons but to no avail, not a single weapon could hurt the king due to the boon and grace of the God all weapons were modifying into flowers.
Because demons were large in numbers and they abused king physically and thus king fainted. Suddenly a divine power appeared from the body of king and assassinated all demons.
He was surprised when he gained his conscious and found all demons dead. He wondered who had killed them. Suddenly a revelation broke out and said- Oh King! These all demons have been killed due to your faith in Aamal-Ki-Ekadashi fast. The supernatural power of Aamal-Ki-Ekadashi that originated from your body had destroyed all demons. The power had gone back into your body after killing all demons.
Listening to this king became very happy and he narrated the significance of Ekadashi fast to everyone. His subject lived happily after the assassination of demons.
HSVJ.

                                                               
                          

VijayA EkAdasii

VijayA EkAdasii

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, “Oh Lord Sri Krishna, O glorious son of Vasudeva, please be merciful to me and describe the EkAdasii that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of PhAlguna (February-March).”

Lord Sri Krishna replied, “Oh Yudhisthira, Oh king of kings, gladly I shall tell you about this great fast, known as VijayA EkAdasii. Whoever observes it certainly achieves success in this life and the next. All the sins of one who fasts on this EkAdasii and hears its sublime glories are eradicated.

“NArada Muni once asked lord BrahmA, who sits on a lotus flower about the VijayA EkAdasii. Sri NArada said, ‘Oh best of all the demigods, kindly tell me the merit one can achieve by faithfully observing VijayA EkAdasii.’
“NArada’s great father then replied, ‘My dear son, this oldest of fasting days is pure, and it nullifies all sins. I have never revealed this to anyone until today, but you can understand beyond any doubt that this EkAdasii bestows the result indicated by its name… (VijayA meaning Victory).

“When Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, He, the goddess SitA, and His divine brother Lakshmana stayed at Panchavati as mendicants. Mother SitA was then kidnapped by the demon RAvana, and Lord Rama seemingly became bewildered like an ordinary man by distress. While searching for His beloved consort, the Lord came upon the dying JatAyu and thereafter killed His enemy Kabandha.. The great devotee-vulture JatAyu returned to Vaikuntha after telling Rama how His dear SitA had been abducted by Ravana.

“ ‘Later, Lord Rama and Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, became friends. Together they amassed a grand army of monkeys and bears and sent HanumAnji his minister to Sri LankA, where he was able to see Janaki (Srimati SitA devi) in an Ashoka grove garden. He delivered Lord Rama’s message and showed the ring proving his authenticity for rendering such great service to the Supreme Lord Sri Rama.
“ ‘With the help of Sugriva, Lord Rama proceeded toward Sri LankA. Upon arriving at the shore of the ocean with the army of monkeys, He could understand that the water was uncommonly deep and hostile. Thus He said to Lakshmana, “Oh son of SumitrA, how can We earn enough merit to be able to cross this vast ocean, the unfathomable abode of Varuna deva? I can see no easy way to cross it, teeming as it is with sharks and other ferocious aquatics.”

“ ‘Lakshmana replied, “Oh best of all beings, Oh origin of all the devas, Oh primal personality, the great sage BakadAlbhya lives on an island just four miles from here. Oh Raghava, he has seen many BrahmAs come and go, so aged and wise is he. Let us go to him, take his darshan (audience) and ask him how We can safely reach Our goal.”

“ ‘So Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to the humble Ashrama of the incomparable BakadAlbhya Muni. Approaching him, the two Lords paid Their respectful obeisances to him as if he were a second Vishnu. BakadAlbhya could immediately understand, however, that Sri Rama was actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who for His own reasons had appeared on the Earth and was enacting just like a human being.
“ ‘ “Rama, “ said BakadAlbhya, “Oh best of the human beings, why have You come to my lowly abode?”
“ ‘The Lord replied, “Oh great, twice born brahmin, I have come here to the ocean shore with My phalanx of monkey and bear warriors in order to cross the sea and conquer LankA and its demon horde headed by Ravana. Oh greatest of sages, please be merciful unto Me and please tell Me how I can cross this vast ocean. That is why I have come to your Ashrama today.”
“ ‘The sage said, “Oh Lord Sri Rama, I shall tell you of the most exalted of all fasts, observing which You will surely conquer Ravana and be eternally glorified. Kindly now listen with full attention.

“ ‘ “On the day before EkAdasii, fashion a water pot of gold or silver, or even copper. Even clay will do if these metals are unavailable. Fill the pot with pure water and then decorate it nicely with mango leaves. Cover it and place it near a holy altar upon a mound of seven grains (the seven grains are barley, wheat, rice, corn, chickpeas, kukani, and dahl or peas). Now take Your morning bath, decorate the water pot with flower garlands and sandalwood paste, and inn the concave lid atop the pot place there the barley, pomegranate, and coconut. Now with great love and devotion worship the water pot Deity form and offer Him incense, sandalwood paste, flowers, a ghee lamp, and a plate of sumptuous foods. Remain there awake that night beside this sacred pot. On top of the lid filled with barley, etc., place a golden mUrthy of Lord Sri NArAyana.
“ ‘ “When EkAdasii dawns, take Your morning bath and then decorate the water pot with fine sandalwood paste and garlands. Then worship the pot again with first class incense, lamps, sandalwood paste and flowers dipped in sandalwood paste, and then devoutly/devotedly place many kinds of cooked food, pomegranate, and coconut before the water pot. Then remain awake over night.

“ ‘ “When the DwAdasi dawns, take the water pot to the bank of a holy river, or even to the shore of a small pond. After worshipping it again properly, Oh King of kings, offer it with all the aforementioned ingredients to a pure hearted brahmin, expert in the Vedic sciences. If You and Your military commanders observe the VijayA EkAdasii in this way, You will surely be victorious in every way.”

“” ‘Lord Sri RAmachandra Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, did just as BakadAlbhya Muni instructed, and thus He conquered all demoniac forces. Similarly, anyone who observes the VijayA EkAdasii in this way will always be victorious in this mortal world, and after leaving this world he/she will reside forever in the anxiety free realm of the Kingdom of God known as the Vaikunthas.”

“ ‘Oh NArada, my son, from this history you can understand why one should observe this EkAdasii fast properly, strictly following the rules and regulations. This fast is powerful enough to eradicate all one’s sinful reactions, even the most abominable ones.”

Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “Oh Yudhisthira, anyone who reads or hears this history will attain the same great merit as that which is earned by performing a horse sacrifice on days of yore.”

save mother cow ..

Tomorrow is Jaya Ekadashi.

Jaya Ekadasi - जया एकाद्शी
Jaya Ekadasi - Bhoumi Ekadasi and Bheeshma Ekadasi
-
जया एकाद्शी व्रत - माघ मास की शुक्ल पक्ष की एकाद्शी
Courtesy- harshala rajesh
.
Significance:
.
This is an auspicious ekadashi in the month of Magha also known as Jaya Ekadashi. On the dwadashi day of Shukla Paksha we will sight Punarvasu Nakshatra(star ). Hence the day is considered very auspicious. Sri Krishna explains the significance of Jaya ekadashi to Dharmaraja "Oh Yudhisthira, I shall gladly tell you about the EkAdasii that occurs during the light half of this month of MAgha. This EkAdasii obliterates all kinds of sinful reactions and demoniac influences that may be affecting the spirit soul. It is known as JayA Ekaadasii, 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 Ekaadasii 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 Ekadashi. ( please read the story from Puran section )

Significance of bathing in river in the month of Magha:

harEh pooja ca vaishAkhE tapah pooja ca kaarthikE |
tapO hOmastatHA dAnaM trayaM mAghE vishiShyatE ||

in vaishkha Sri Hari pooja is gets precedent, in kartika all tapas regarding Sri hari gets precedent, in Magha tapas, homa and dana regarding Sri hari, All charity in name of Sri hari and all homa offered to Sri Hari brings enormous benefits.

Ancient times Aditi devi did morning (before Sun rise ) bath in Magha without eating for 12 years. She became mother of 12 devas called dwadasha Adityas. RohiNi devi practiced magha snana vrat and attained sowbhagya. Arundhtai became best amongst women, by practing magha snana and dhana. Sachi devi attained immense beaty because of the austerities performed including magha snana.

Sun rays have special effect on our body and soul during predawn bathing in the month of Magha. In the month of Magha sesame seeds dana and pre sun rise bath in river are essential for bhakti in Sri Hari.

- Conversation between Dileep and Sage Vashisht regarding significance of Magha snana.

Puran Story:(From Padma Puran )

"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 MAlyavAn. An Apsara named Pushpavati became very much attracted to MAlyavAn; 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 MAlayavAn.

"Seeing Pushpavati in all her heavenly beauty, MAlyavAn 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, MAlyavAn 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, MAlyavAn 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, MAlyavAn 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 Ekaadasii, the Ekaadasii of the light fortnight of the month of MAgha. 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 Ekaadasii by fasting completely from all food and drink. Sunk in misery MAlyavAn 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. 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 EkAdasii, and because they had remained awake all night, they were blessed.

Please hear what happened on the next day. As DwAdasii dawned, MAlyavAn 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 MAlyavAn 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?

"MAlyavAn replied, `Oh lord, this is Sri Vasudeva's prasad and also by the powerful influence of the JayA EkAdasii, 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 Sri Keshava by observing EkAdasii, 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 Sri Hari becomes praiseworthy and worshippable even by me. Of this there is no doubt.' Lord Indradev then gave MAlyavAn 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 EkAdasii,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.

HSVJ

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Vaikuntha Ekadashi / Mokshada Ekadasi / Mukkoti Ekadashi.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi / Mokshada Ekadasi / Mukkoti Ekadashi.


The Ancient History of Mokshada Ekadasi from Brahmanda Purana: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "O Vishnu, master of all, O delight of the three worlds, O Lord of the


entire Universe,


O creator of the world, O oldest personality, O best of all beings, I offer my most respectful obeisances unto You. ......


Lord Sri Krishna replied, "O dear Yudhishthira, your enquiry is very auspicious in itself and will


bring you fame. Just


as I previously explained to you about the dearest Utpannaa Maha-Dwadasi - which occurs during


the dark part of the



month of Margashirsha, which is the day when Ekadasi-devi appeared from My body to kill the demon Mura, and which


benefits everything animate and inanimate in the three worlds - so I shall now relate to you regarding this Ekadasi that


occurs during the light part of the month of Margashirsha. This Ekadasi is famous as Mokshadaa


because it purifies the


faithful devotee of all sinful reactions and bestows liberation upon him. The worshippable Deity of


this all auspicious day


is Lord Damodara. With full attention one should worship Him with incense, a ghee lamp, fragrant flowers, and Tulasi


manjaris (buds). "O best of saintly kings, please listen as I narrate to you the ancient and


auspicious history of this


wonderful Ekadasi. Simply by hearing this history one can attain the merit earned by performing a horse sacrifice. By


the influence of this merit, one's forefathers, mothers, sons, and other relatives who have gone to


hell can turn around


and go to the heavenly kingdom. For this reason alone, O king, you should listen with rapt


attention to this narration.


"There once was a beautiful city named Champaka-nagar, which was decorated with devoted


Vaishnavas. There the best


of saintly kings Maharaj Vaikhaanasa, ruled over his subjects as if they were his very own dear sons and daughters. The


brahmins in that capital city were all expert in four kinds of Vedik knowledge. The king, while


ruling properly, had a


dream one night in which his father was seen to be suffering the pangs of hellish torture in one of


the hellish planets


ruled over by the Yamaraj. The king was overwhelmed with compassion for his father and shed tears. The next morning,


Maharaj Vaikhaanasa described what he had seen in his dream to his council of twice born learned


brahmins. " ' O


brahmanas,' the king addressed them, 'in a dream last night I saw my father suffering on a hellish


planet. He was crying


out in anguish, "O son, please deliver me from this torment of this hellish condition !" Now I have


no peace in my mind,


and even this beautiful kingdom has become unbearable to me. Not even my horses, elephants,


and chariots and my vast


wealth in my treasury that formerly brought so much pleasure, gives me no pleasure at all. "


'Everything, O best of the


brahmins, even my own wife and sons, have become a source of unhappiness since I beheld my


father suffering the


tortures of that hellish condition so. Where can I go, and what can I do, O brahmins, to alleviate


this misery? My body is


burning with fear and sorrow ! Please tell me what kind of charity, what mode of fasting, what


austerity, or what deep


meditation, and in service upon which Deity I may have to perform to deliver my father from that


agony and bestow upon


liberation upon my forefathers. O best among the brahmins, what is the use of one's being a


powerful son if one's father



must suffer on a hellish planet? Truly, such a son's life is utterly useless, to him and to his


forefathers. " The twice born


brahmins replied, 'O king, in the mountainous forest not far from here is the ashram where a great


saint Parvata Muni


resides. Please go to him, for he is tri-kala-jnan (he knows the past, the present, and the future of


everything) and can


surely help you in your gaining relief from your misery.' "Upon hearing this advise, the distressed


king immediately set


out on a journey to the ashram of the famous sage Parvata Muni. The ashram was indeed very big


and housed many


learned sages expert in chanting the sacred hymns of the four Vedas (Rg, Yajur, Sama, and


Arthava). Approaching the


holy ashram, the king beheld Parvata Muni seated among the assembly of sages adorned with


hundreds of tilaks (from


all


the authorised sampradayas) like another Brahmaa or Vyaas. "Maharaj Vaikhaanasa offered his


humble obeisances to


the muni, bowing his head and then prostrating his entire body before him. After the king had


seated himself among the


assembly Parvata Muni asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his extensive kingdom


(his ministers, his


treasury, his military forces, his allies, the brahmins, the sacrificial offerings performed, and the


needs of his subjects).


The muni also asked him if his kingdom was free of troubles and whether everyone was peaceful,


happy and satisfied. To


these enquiries the king replied, 'By your mercy O glorious and great sage, all seven limbs of my


kingdom are doing



very well. Yet there is a problem that has recently arisen, and to solve it I have come to you, O


brahmana for your expert


help and guidance'. "Then Parvata Muni, the best of all sages, closed his eyes and meditated on the king's past, present


and future. After a few moments he opened his eyes and said, 'Your father is suffering the results


of committing a great


sin, and I have discovered what it is. In his previous life he quarrelled with his wife and forcibly


enjoyed her sexually



during her menstrual period. She tried to protest and resist his advances and even yelled out,


"Someone please save me!


Please, O husband, do not interrupt my monthly period in this way!" Still he did not stop or leave


her alone. It is on


account of this grievous sin that your father now has fallen into such a hellish condition of


suffering.' "King


Vaikhaanasa then said, 'O greatest among sages, by what process of fasting or charity may I


liberate my dear father


from such a condition? Please tell me how I can relieve and remove the burden of his sinful


reactions, which are a great


obstacle to his progress toward ultimate release (salvation - liberation - going back home).'


"Parvata Muni replied,



'During the light fortnight of the month of Margashirsha there occurs an Ekadasi called


Mokshadaa. If you observe this


sacred Ekadasi strictly, with a full fast, and give directly to your suffering father the merit you will


thus attain/obtain, he


will be freed from his pain and instantly liberated'. "Hearing this, Maharaj Vaikhaanasa profusely


thanked the great


sage and then returned to his palace to perform his vrata (austere rite, austerity). O Yudhishthira,


when the light part of


the month of Margashirsha at last arrived, Maharaj Vaikhaanasa faithfully waited for the Ekadasi


tithi to arrive. He then


perfectly and with full faith observed the Ekadasi fast with his wife, children, and other relatives.


He dutifully gave the


merit from this fast to his father, and as he made the offering, beautiful flower petals showered



down from the devas who


peered out from behind the clouds in the sky. The king's father was then praised by the


messengers of the demigods


(devas) and escorted to the celestial region. As he passed his son, as he traversed the lower to


middle to higher planets,


the father said to the king, 'My dear son, all auspiciousness unto you!' At last he reached the


heavenly realm from where


he can again with his newly acquired merit perform devotional service to Krishna or Vishnu and in


due course return


back to home back to Godhead. "O son of Pandu, who so ever strictly observes the sacred


Mokshadaa Ekadasi, following


the established rules and regulations, achieves full and perfect liberation after death. There is no


better fasting day than


this Ekadasi of the light fortnight of the month of Margashirsha, O Yudhishthira, for it is a crystal-


clear and sinless


day.


Whoever faithfully observes this Ekadasi fast, which is like chintaa-mani (a gem that yields all


desires), obtains special


merit that is very hard to calculate, for this day can elevate one from hellish life to the heavenly


planets, and for one who


observes Ekadasi for his own spiritual benefit, this elevates one to go back to Godhead, never to


return to this material


world." ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: HSVJ