Hey, curious minds or the novice spiritual seekers! Ever heard about Mokshada Ekadashi? If not, then it’s the day when the cosmos opens the door for liberation. Liberation means Moksha or Mukti from the worldly desires and the cycle of birth and death. It’s due to this that the day is called Mokshada Ekadashi.
Mokshada Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashis that occur throughout the year. Let’s know deeply the power and importance of this day, here in this blog:
Mokshada Ekadashi & Why It Is So Special?
The word Mokshada means ‘one that grants Moksha’ or liberation. As per the Hindu belief, fasting and praying on this day help people not only get liberated from the past karmic effects but also of their ancestors. It occurs on the 11th lunar day of the Shukla Paksha, called as the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Margarshirsha (November-December).
Why It Is So Special, It’s Because:
- It grants liberation to the soul, and karmic debts are reduced.
- One’s soul is liberated from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
- It’s the day when Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagvad Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
- It’s the powerful day for fasting, inner cleansing and praying to Lord Krishan or Lord Vishnu.
- The day opens the path to deeper meditation.
- A soul can easily draw closer to the holy consciousness.
- This day multiplies the good deeds you do.
The Story Of Mokshada Ekadashi
Long ago, Once there was a kind king named Vaikhanasa. He used to rule the kingdom with wisdom and fairness. His people loved him and always mention him in scriptures and among Brahmins.
One night, King Vaikhanasa had a disturbing dream, in which he saw his late father but not in the place of peace. His father was suffering from something dark and terrifying. It seemed that he was suffering in the lower world, called hell (naraka).
The king suddenly woke up and felt distressed watching it about why his father suffered in afterlife. King Vaikhanasa called his royal sages and priests and they advised the king to visit the hermitage of great sage Parvata, who is a revered rishi well-known for his wisdom and yogic insight.
King on meeting the sage, humbly told about his dream. The sage closed his eyes and used his spiritual vision to know the truth. It uncovered that king’s father committed a small but significant sin in his previous life, due to which his soul was trapped in a realm of suffering.
So, the sage suggested the king to observe the sacred fast of Mokshada Ekadashi with full devotion and purity. It will relieve his father from the past sin he committed. The king observed Mokshada Ekadashi and completed the fast. After this, the king had another dream, in which he saw that his father was now radiant, smiling, and rising towards a heavenly realm.
What To Do On This Day To Celebrate Mokshada Ekadashi?
Fasting
Observe a complete or partial fast. One can fast without food or water called as Nirjala vrat. While falahar is also kept in which fruits, nuts and milk is consumed only.
Worship Lord Vishnu
People who keep vrat wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes. They offer tulsi leaves, fruits, incense, ghee lamp, flowers to Lord Vishnu. Then mantra is chanted “ Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya”.
Bhagvad Gita is Recited Or Listened
It’s said that Lord Krishna spoke Bhagvad Gita on this day. So fasters also recite Bhagvad Gita on this day for spiritual upliftment.
Staying Up Late in Devotion (Jagran)
Many devotees do also stay awake at night for bhajans, chanting, and Kirtan. It’s called Jagran and it is done to call deity’s close to oneself. They keep the Vishnu Yantra or the idol close to themselves and then do jagran.
Charity
Charity must be done on this day. Food, clothes and money is donated to the needy. It is considered that whosoever donate or charity this day, would be benefitted alot.
Parana
The fast is broken the next day called as Dwadashi. It’s called completing the Parana ritual after sunrise.
Final Reflection
So, we can say that Mokshada Ekadashi is not just about liberation, but it’s a grand cosmic message to you. When you observe it, it helps you shred the layers of ego, anger, and desire. One breath and one pray, then you see how fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi will lead you towards salvation.
Stay protected, Hare Krishna!
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