Bhadrapada (Bhadon) Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha known as Aja Ekadashi. It is usually referred to as Kamika Ekadashi. On the day of Aja Ekadashi, there is a regulation to worship Lord Lakshmi together with Lord Vishnu.
The significance of Aja Ekadashi was first revealed by Shri Krishna to Arjuna. In this regard, Shri Krishna tells Arjuna that the person who worships Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi along with fasting on Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha, all sins are removed. At the same time, he will get the desired grace.
Significance of Aja Ekadashi
The fast of Aja Ekadashi has been referred to as the most effective fasts. A person keeping the fast of Aaja Ekadashi has to control his mind, senses, diet, and behavior. The fast of Aja Ekadashi learns to balance life. The fast of Aja Ekadashi motivates a person to rise above the earthly work and walk on the path of salvation and religion.This fast also has ancient significance. The grace of this fast is more than the fruits of Ashwamedha Yajna, hard penance, bathing, and donations in pilgrimages. The fast of Aja Ekadashi makes the mind clean.
Aja Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
- The rules of Aja Ekadashi should be followed from the Dashami date.
- complete all your routine work and clean the home and put on clean clothes after bathing.
- After installing the statue of Lord Vishnu, offer a garland of red flowers, akshat, fruits and naivedya to Lord Vishnu.
- It is very auspicious to chant 'Om Namo Vasudevaya' of Lord Vishnu on the day of Aja Ekadashi
- Donating to Brahmins has particular significance on Aja Ekadashi.
- If possible, donate to a Brahmin.
Aja Ekadashi Katha
In ancient times, a Chakravarti king ruled in the city of Ayodhya. His name was Harishchandra. He was very brave, majestic, and truthful. God donated his kingdom in the dream to a sage and he also wanted to sell his woman and son. He became a slave of a Chandala himself. He always started worrying about what should I do? How can I get rid of this evil act? As soon as upon a time, he was seated with the same concern that Gautam Rishi reached him.Harishchandra saluted him and started narrating his sad story. Listening to the sad story of King Harishchandra, Maharishi Gautam was also very sad and he stated to the king - 'O Rajan! The name of Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadas is Aja. You need to fast on that Ekadashi and awaken at night time. It will remove all of your sins. '
On the day of Ekadashi named Aja, King Harishchandra performed a fast and nightly awakening according to Maharishi's instructions. Due to the impact of this fast, all of the sins of the king have been destroyed. At that time, the drums started playing in heaven and flowers started to rain. He found gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, and Devendra standing before him.
He saw his dead son alive and his spouse full of royal robes and jewelry. The king regained his kingdom with the impact of fasting.
