Ekadashi Tithi is considered to be of special significance in Hinduism, which comes twice in every month. It's believed that with this Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu goes into his yoga sleep for 4 months. Due to which no manglic work is done in these months. Ekadashi fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's believed that by observing this fast, all kinds of desires are fulfilled.
Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Vidhi:
- On this day, get up in Brahma Muhurta and bow first to Lord Vishnu.
- After this, take a bath with water containing Ganges water and take a vow.
- After this, offer water to Lord Surya. Now worship Lord Vishnu with fruits, flowers, milk, curd, panchamrit, incense-lamp, and many others.
- Perform the aarti of God.
- Fast throughout the day and worship God once again in the evening and carry out Aarti to him.
- Listen to the fast story.
- Offer yellow items to Shrihari. After that, make fruit.
- Next day, worship Vishnu again in the auspicious time and open the fast.
Devshayani Ekadashi fast story:
Dharmaraja Yudhishthira said- O Keshav! What's the name of Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi? What's the method of keeping this fast and which deity is worshiped? Sri Krishna said that O Yudhishthira! The story that Brahmaji told to Naradji is what I tell you. At one time Naraji asked this question to Brahma. Then Brahmaji replied that, O Narada, you've asked a very good question for the salvation of the living beings. Because the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi is the best among all of the fasts. All the sins are destroyed by this fast and those who do not observe this fast are hellish.Lord Vishnu is happy by keeping this quick. The name of this Ekadashi is Padma. Now let me tell you a legend. You listen diligently. In the Suryavansha, there was a Chakravarti king named Mandhata, who was truthful and great glory. He followed his subjects like a son. All his subjects were rich and happy. There was never a famine in his kingdom.
At one time there was no rain and famine within the king's kingdom for 3 years. The people became very sad because of lack of food grains. Yagnadis was also stopped in the state due to the non-availability of food grains there's a famine due to lack of rain and persons are dying due to famine. That is why, Rajan! Tell us some solution to take away the suffering of the subjects. King Mandhata said that you're right, the rain only produces food and you've got to become very sad with the rain. I understand your suffering. Having said this, the king took some army and went in direction of the forest.
The king folded his hands and graciously mentioned, "O God! There has been a famine in my state even after practicing religion in all respects. Persons are very sad about this. It's mentioned in the scriptures that the subjects suffer because of the king's sins. When I rule in righteousness, how did there be a famine in my state? I couldn't find out the reason for this yet.
Now I have come to you to retire this doubt. This contains all 4 levels of religion, that's, probably the most superior religion in this era. People worship Brahma and only Brahmins have the right to read the Vedas. Maharaj?" suggest me some alternative idea. Then the sage started saying that, O Rajan! If you want to know different methods, then listen. Legitiously observe the Ekadashi named Padma of the bright half of Ashadha month.
Fast this Ekadashi with your subjects, servants, and ministers. The king returned to his city after listening to this word of Muni and he lawfully kept Padma Ekadashi. Because of the impact of that fast, there was rain and the individuals got happiness. Therefore, all people ought to observe fast for Ekadashi of this month. This fast is meant to provide liberation on this world and enjoyment. By reading and listening to this story, all the sins of man are destroyed.
