Safala Ekadashi

The significance of Safala Ekadashi in the month of Paush during the dark fortnight, (Between December and January)

Yudhishthira asked, "Lord, what is the name of the Ekadashi that falls during the dark fortnight of the month of Paush? What is its method, and which deity is worshipped during it? Please tell me.

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "O King, listen! I am more pleased by observing the fast of Ekadashi than by performing great Yajnas. Therefore, one should make every effort to observe the Ekadashi fast. The Ekadashi that falls during the dark fortnight of the month of Paush is called Safala.

On this day, the worship of Lord Narayana (name of Vishnu) should be performed according to the prescribed method. Ekadashi is auspicious, so observing this fast is appropriate. Just as Sheshnag is the best among snakes, Garuda is the best among birds, Shri Vishnu is the best among deities, and a Brahmin is the best among humans, similarly, the Ekadashi date is the best among all fasts. O King! On the day of Safala Ekadashi, worship Lord Hari by reciting the name and mantras and offer fruits such as coconuts, betel nuts, lemons, pomegranates, beautiful amlas, cloves, and berries, especially mangoes. Also, perform the worship of Lord Hari with incense and lamps. There is a special provision of giving lamps on the occasion of Safala Ekadashi. One should also stay awake with Vaishnava men at night. The one who stays awake receives special blessings."

The History of Safala Ekadashi Fast :-

Shri Krishna said to Yudhishthira -O King! Now listen to the story of the auspicious Safala Ekadashi. There was a city named Champavati which was once the capital of King Mahishmat. King Mahishmat had five sons, the eldest of whom was always engaged in sinful activities. He was addicted to women and prostitutes and spent his father's wealth on sinful activities. He was always engaged in wickedness and blasphemed Brahmins, Vaishnavas, and the gods. Seeing his son's sinful behavior, King Mahishmat named him Lumbhak and Then his father and brothers together expelled him from the kingdom.

Lumbhak went into a deep forest and while living there, he plundered the entire city's wealth. One day, when he came to the city to steal, the soldiers who were guarding at night caught him. However, when he revealed that he was the son of King Mahishmat, the soldiers released him. Lumbhak returned to the forest and started living on meat and fruits from the trees. His place of rest was near an ancient Ficus religioso (peepal tree), which was considered to be a great deity in the forest. Lumbhak lived there, engaged in sinful activities.

After many days, one day, because of accumulated good deeds, a person observed the fast of Ekadashi. On the tenth day of the waning phase of the month of Paush, he ate the fruits of the impure lamb tree and suffered from the cold all night due to being without clothing. He was almost lifeless, and even after sunrise, he did not regain consciousness. On the day of the "Safala" Ekadashi, Lumb fell unconscious again. At noon, he regained consciousness, and then, looking around, he got up from his seat and walked with a limp towards the forest. He was weak from hunger and suffering. Rajan (king)! At that time, Lumb took many fruits and as soon as he returned to the resting place, the sun set. Then, he offered the fruits to the roots of the tree, saying, "May Lakshmi Pati Bhagwan Vishnu be pleased with these fruits." Saying this, Lumb did not sleep all night. In this way, he completed this fast effortlessly. At that time, suddenly a voice was heard from the sky - "Prince! You will obtain the kingdom and a son through the prasad of Safala Ekadashi." Saying "very good," he accepted that boon. After that, his form became divine. Adorned with divine ornaments, he obtained an immaculate kingdom, and for fifteen years,

At that time, due to Lord Sri Krishna's grace, his charming son named Manojna was born. When he grew up, Lumbhaka immediately gave up his attachment to the kingdom and handed over his son to him, and he went to the vicinity of Lord Sri Krishna, where no human ever falls into sorrow. O King! Those who observe the excellent vow of Safala Ekadashi attain liberation after enjoying happiness in this world. Blessed are those people in this world who keep observing the vow of Safala Ekadashi, their birth is successful. Maharaj! By reading about its glory, listening to it, and practicing it accordingly, a person attains the fruit of the Rajasuya Yajna.

Worship method of Safala Ekadashi fast :-

"Rajendra! Listen, let me tell you the auspicious method of this fast. On the excellent day of Dashami in the bright fortnight of the month of Paush, take a sacred bath in the morning with a picture of devotion. Then at noon take another bath, have a meal with a focused mind, and sleep on the ground at night. At the end of the night perform daily rituals and take a bath on the day of Ekadashi. Then, after reciting the mantra with devotion, observe the fast with the following rule:

'Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogvivarjitah

Shvo bhokshye 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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