Apra Ekadashi

The Significance of Jyeshtha Maas Krishna Paksha Ekadashi

Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna, "Janardan! In the Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha Maas, what is the name of the Ekadashi, and I would like to know its significance. Please enlighten me." Lord Sri Krishna replied, "O King! You have asked a very virtuous question for the benefit of all beings. O Rajendra! This Ekadashi is called Apara Ekadashi or Vaishnava Apara Ekadashi. It bestows great merit and destroys grave sins. Even those who have committed the sin of killing a Brahmin, cow slaughter, killing an unborn child, slander, or those indulging in illicit relationships are freed from their sins by observing Apara Ekadashi.

Those who bear false witness, cheat in measurements, engage in astrology without proper knowledge, and practice fraudulent Ayurveda, all dwell in hell. However, by observing Apara Ekadashi, even they become free from sins. If a warrior abandons his Kshatriya duty by fleeing from battle, he falls into the severe hell of corruption. One who acquires knowledge but criticizes his guru falls into a terrible hell. Yet, by observing Apara Ekadashi, even such individuals attain salvation. When the sun is in the Capricorn sign in the month of Magha, the merits one gains by bathing in Prayag are also obtained by observing Apara Ekadashi. Performing the Shivaratri fast in Kashi, offering Pind Daan in Gaya, and bathing in the Godavari when Jupiter is in the Leo sign, as well as the merits of Badrikashram pilgrimage and making donations of elephants, horses, and gold, are all obtained by observing Apara Ekadashi.

Reading this narrative and listening to it yields the same merit as donating a thousand cows.

The Observance of Ekadashi Vrat

Krishna said, "O Rajendra! Listen to the auspicious procedure for observing this fast. On the Dashami of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha Maas, bathe with devotion in the morning. Then, during midday, take a bath again, have a simple meal, and sleep on the ground at night. On the day of Ekadashi, after completing your daily rituals and bathing in the morning, with a concentrated mind, observe the following vow:

"Today, I will abstain from food and all enjoyments, O lotus-eyed Lord Narayana! I seek refuge in You. I will fast today and partake of food tomorrow."

Afterward, worship Lord Hari with incense and fragrances, and stay awake near Him at night. The next morning, on Dwadashi, worship Lord Hari with devotion. Then, arrange a feast for Brahmins and silently eat with your relatives, nephews, and sons.

Related Ekadashi topics-

• Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
• Nirjala Ekadashi
• Kamada Ekadashi
• Prabodhini Ekadashi
• Yogini Ekadashi
• Kamala Ekadashi
• Shattila Ekadashi
• Varuthini Ekadashi
• Jaya Ekadashi
• Kamika Ekadashi
• Padma Ekadashi
• Aja Ekadashi
• Amalaki Ekadashi
• Vijaya Ekadashi
• Papmochani Ekadashi
• Shayani Ekadashi
• Prabodhini Ekadashi
• Mokshada Ekadashi
• Mohini Ekadashi
• Rama Ekadashi
• Paush Putrada Ekadashi
• Indira Ekadashi
• Papankusha Ekadashi