The Ekadashi of Bhadrapada's bright fortnight is famous as 'Padma,' 'Parshva,' and 'Parivartani.' On that day, worship of Lord Vishnu, also known as Narayana, is performed. This is an excellent fast worth observing.
The significance of the Ekadashi in the month of Bhadrapada during the bright fortnight;
Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna, "Keshav! What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month, who is the deity associated with it, and what is the procedure for observing it? Please tell me."
Lord Shri Krishna replied, "O King! On this matter, I will tell you an amazing story that Brahma Ji had told to the great sage Narada.
Narada Ji had asked Brahma Ji, 'O Four-Faced One! I offer my respects to you. I want to hear from you the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month, which is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu.'
Brahma Ji said, 'O great sage! You have asked a very good question. Vaishnavas know this Ekadashi as 'Padma' Parshv and Parivartini and it is famous for the worship of Lord Vishnu. This is an excellent vow that should be observed.'
The History of Ekadashi Fast
In the Suryavansh (Solar dynasty), there was a Chakravarti (Emperor) named Mandhata. He was a truthful and brave king who pledged to serve his people. His kingdom was never affected by famine, mental worries, or diseases. His subjects were fearless, and his kingdom was abundant with wealth and prosperity. The king's treasury was only filled with the wealth earned through justice. People from all castes and stages of life followed their own religion in his kingdom. The land of Mandhata's kingdom was like Kamadhenu, which bore fruits like the wish-fulfilling cow.
During his reign, the people of his kingdom were very happy. Once, due to the result of some past karma, there was no rain in the king's kingdom for three years. This led to a famine, and the king's subjects began to suffer from hunger and were on the verge of destruction. Then, the entire populace went to the king and said, 'Great King! You should listen to the words of your people. In the Puranas, wise men have called water "Nara" which is the abode of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, he is also known as Narayan. Lord Vishnu, who is all-pervading, appears as clouds and brings rain. Rain brings forth food and sustains life for your subjects.'"
The king said, "O best among sages! At present, the destruction of the people is happening without food. Therefore, please suggest a solution so that our subjects' welfare can be ensured."
The sage replied, "Your statement is true because food is called Brahman. Living beings are born from food, and the world sustains life only through food. It is often heard in society and described in great detail in the Puranas that the subjects suffer from the tyranny of kings, but when I think about it carefully, I don't see any offense committed by me."
One day, the king met the Brahmin sage Angira. As soon as he saw the sage, the king got off his vehicle with great joy and, keeping his senses under control, joined his hands and bowed down to the sage's feet. The sage also greeted the king and asked about the well-being of all the seven limbs of his kingdom. The king told him about his own well-being and inquired about the sage's health.
The sage gave the king a seat and some refreshments. When the king sat down next to the sage after accepting them, the sage asked him the reason for his visit.
The king replied, "O Lord! I was following the principles of dharma to rule the earth, but even then, there was a lack of rainfall in my kingdom. I do not know the reason for this."
The sage said, "O King! This is the best age, called Satya Yuga. In this age, everyone is constantly engaged in contemplation of the Supreme Being, and all people are satisfied with whatever they have. Due to this, people do not commit any sins or engage in any wickedness. That is why there are no obstacles to rainfall in their kingdom. Therefore, the only solution to your problem is to create an atmosphere of righteousness and devotion to the Supreme Being in your kingdom."
After hearing the words of the sage, the king returned home and observed the fast of the Bhado Ekadashi with all his subjects, during the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. As a result of this fast, the clouds poured down rain, the earth was filled with water, and the fields became lush and green. Everyone became happy because of the effect of this fast.
Lord Shri Krishna said, "O King! Due to this reason, the observance of this excellent fast should definitely be done." On the day of the Padma Ekadashi, one should cover a water-filled vessel with cloth and give it as a donation along with curd, rice, umbrella, and shoes to a Brahmin. From reading and hearing about this, one becomes free from all sins.
Worship method of Ekadadhi
Rajendra, listen! I am telling you the auspicious procedure of this fast. On the excellent day of the Dashami during the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada, take a bath with reverence in the morning using a picture. Then, during the noon, take another bath and have a focused mind while eating at the same time. Sleep on the ground at night and after the dawn of the next day, take a bath and perform daily rituals. Then, while reciting the following mantra with devotion, accept the rules of fasting:
Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogavivarjitah
Shavo bhokshye pundarikaksha sharanam me bhavachyuta.
"O lotus-eyed Lord Narayana, today I will fast and abstain from all pleasures. Tomorrow, I will eat. Achyuta, please give me shelter." worship Lord Hari Kesha with incense, sandalwood paste, and other offerings at night, and stay awake near him. On the day of Dwadashi, after performing puja with devotion, have a meal with your brothers, relatives, and sons in silence. Rajan!
Verified from Puran ...................
Writer:- Ruchi Tewari
