Rama Ekadashi

The significance of the 'Rama' Ekadashi in the month of Kartik during the dark fortnight

Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna, "Janardan (the name of Krishna ) I have your affection, so please tell me, which Ekadashi falls in the month of Kartik during the dark fortnight ?"

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "O Rajan!Lord Shri Krishna said- Rajan! The most auspicious Ekadashi that occurs in the Krishna Paksha of Kartik is famous by the name of 'Rama'. 'Rama' is the best and can defeat the biggest sins. Rajan! I have described before you the Ekadashi named Rama. Like Chintamani and Kamadhenu, it fulfills all the desires. I have explained the sin-killing significance of Ekadashi fasts on both sides. Just as it is Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha, similarly it is also of Shukla Paksha; There should not be any discrimination between them. Just like whether a white or black cow gives the same milk, similarly the Ekadashi of both the parties gives similar results. The person who listens to the greatness of Ekadashi fasts, becomes free from all sins and is established in the world of Shri Vishnu.

The story of Rama Ekadashi Fast

In ancient times, there was a famous king by the name Muchukund, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and a man of truth. While ruling the Nishkantak kingdom, Chandrabhaga, the best of the rivers, was born in the form of a girl. The king married her to Chandrasen Kumar Shobhan. Once upon a time, Shobhan came to his father-in-law's house. When the day of tenth day came, a trumpet was issued in the entire city that no food should be consumed on the day of Ekadashi. Hearing this shocking announcement, Shobhan said to his beloved wife Chandrabhaga - 'Dear! Now teach me what I should do at this time. Chandrabhaga said- Lord! At my father's house no one can eat food on Ekadashi. Elephants, horses, baby elephants and other animals are also unable to eat food, grass and water." Then how can humans eat on the day of Ekadashi? Prannath! If you eat, you will be highly criticized. Having thought in this way in your mind Strengthen your mind. Shobhan said - Dear! What you say is true, I will also fast today. It will happen as per the order of God. Lord Shri Krishna says - With this determination, Shobhan followed the rule of fasting. He obeyed. His body began to ache due to hunger; hence he became very sad. The sun set as he lay worried about hunger. The night came, which was supposed to increase the joy of the Vaishnav people devoted to green worship and vigilance; but the same The night was very painful for Shobana.He died just before sunrise. King Muchukund performed the last rites of Shobhan with royal funeral pyres. Chandrabhaga performed the otherworldly rites of her husband and started living at her father's house. Nrip Shrestha! Due to the effect of fasting on Ekadashi named Rama, Shobhan attained the most beautiful Devpur situated on the peak of Mandarachal. There Shobhan II started gaining glory like Kubera. There lived a famous Brahmin named Som Sharma in the city of King Muchukund. While traveling on a pilgrimage, he sometimes went to Mandarachal mountain. There he saw Shobhan. Recognizing the king's son-in-law, he went near him, at that time Shobhan also realized that Dwij Shrestha Som Sharma soon stood up from his seat and saluted him. Then he asked about the well-being of his father-in-law Raja Muchukund's beloved wife Chandrabhaga and the entire city. Som Sharma said- Rajan! Everyone is doing well there. There is a wonderful surprise here! No one would have seen such a beautiful and strange city anywhere. Tell me, how did you get this city?

Shobhan said- Dwijendra! I have attained such a city by fasting on the Ekadashi named 'Rama' which is observed in the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. Brahmin I had observed this noble fast without any faith; That's why I believe that this city is not going to last forever. You will tell the whole story to Chandrabhaga, the beautiful girl of Muchukund. Hearing Shobhan's words, Som Sharma Brahmin went to Muchukundpur and there he narrated the whole story in front of Chandrabhaga. Som Sharma said- Good luck! I have seen your husband directly and have also observed his miserable city like Indrapuri. They called him unstable. You make them stable. Chandrabhaga said- Maharishi! There is a longing in my mind to see my husband. You take me there. I will make that city stable with the virtue of my fast.

Lord Shri Krishna says, "O King! Upon hearing about Chandrabhaga, Som Sharma took her to the ashram of the sage Vamadeva near Mount Mandarachal . There, due to the power of the sage's mantras and the observance of Ekadashi, Chandrabhaga's body became divine, and she attained divine speed. After that, she went to her husband's side. At that time, her eyes were playing with joy. Shobhan was very pleased to see her beloved wife. He called her and seated her on the throne on his left side. Then, Chandrabhaga, filled with joy, said to her beloved, "O Lord! I am telling you something for your benefit, please listen. Since the time I was more than 8 years old, while living in my father's house, I have observed Ekadashi fasts. Due to the effects of these fasts, the merits accumulated within me will remain stable until the end of the Kalpa (the cycle of creation and dissolution) and the city will become prosperous with all kinds of desired wealth." O best of kings! Thus, due to the effect of the Rama Ekadashi fast, Chandrabhaga adorns herself with divine enjoyments, divine forms, and divine ornaments, and spends time with her husband on the summit of Mount Mandara.

The worship method of Rama Ekadashi

Shri Krishna said to Yudhishthira, "Listen, Rajendra! I will tell you the auspicious method of observing this vow. On the auspicious day of Dashami in the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, take a sacred bath in the morning with devotion using a picture. Then, in the afternoon, take another bath and have a simple meal at one sitting with a concentrated mind. At night, sleep on the ground and wake up at dawn. On the day of Ekadashi, after performing daily rituals, take a bath and then, while reciting the designated mantras with devotion, observe the fast. This is the procedure for observing the fast."

Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogvivarjitah

Shavo bhojshye pundarikaksha sharanam me bhavachyut"

"O lotus-eyed Lord, Narayana! Today, I will separate myself from all pleasures and remain without food, and tomorrow I will eat. Achyuta! Please shelter me." After making this vow, worship the Shaligram stone with proper rituals, offer donations to Brahmins, and arrange for their meals. Then, in the night, worship Lord Hari Kesha (another name for Lord Vishnu) with incense and fragrances, staying awake near Him. After that, on the morning of Dwadashi (the twelfth day), once again worship Lord Hari with devotion.

Verified from Puran...........

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