What are the benefits to observe Saphala Ekadashi fast ?

This ‘Ekadashi’ like others ‘Ekadashis’ is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As the name suggests this fast is observed by devotees who seek success and fame in their lives. This highly fruitful ‘Ekadashi’ is sure to bring in prosperity and achievements in one’s life. ‘Saphala Ekadashi’ is observed on the dark fornight of the ‘Magadhira’ month according to the Hindu calendar (Dec-Jan month). The significance of observing this fast was explained to the eldest Pandava ‘Yudhisthra’ by Lord Krishna as mentioned in the ‘Brahmnada Puran’.

The ones who observe fast on this auspicious day are sure to get blessed and cleanse their souls from past sins. They are able to pave their way ahead on the path of success. This day opens the doors of earthly fame and success.

What is the story behind celebrating ‘Saphala Ekadashi’?

Once upon a time there lived a powerful king who had four sons. King was an ardent follower of Lord Vishnu and so was his whole family, except his son, ‘Lumbaka’. He always use to doubt the existence of the Lord and question his authority. Due to this misbehavior, he was thrown out of the kingdom, this further infuriated him. He started living in the forests and killing and eat animals. One fine day, he felt sick and could not eat or drink anything the whole day. When he woke up the next day, he was feeling much better and felt peace and serenity. An astonished ‘Lumbaka’ went to a great sage who in return told him that since that sacred day was of ‘Saphala Ekadashi’ and unknowingly he had observed fast and had stayed awake the whole night , he had thus been blessed by Lord Vishnu. ‘Lumbaka’ ultimately realized the importance of the deity and found true happiness. He returned back to his kingdom, apologized to his father and lived happily ever after.

What Mantra should be chanted on the day of ‘Saphala Ekadashi’?

“Ashvmedhsahastrani Rajsuyashtani ch, Ekadashyupavasasya kalaam naharnti shodshim”. This mantra means that not even a thousand ‘Ashvamedha Yagya’ or a hundred ‘Raja Suya Yagas’ would match the blessing one will receive if he/she observes a fast on the Ekadashi day.

What are the rituals one has to follow on the eve of ‘Saphala Ekadashi’?

• Devotees observe a strict fast on this day, to honor Lord Vishnu which begins on the dawn of ‘Ekadashi’ and continues till the next morning of ‘Dwadashi’.
• People who are observing the fast, wake up in the morning, take a shower and clean the praying area.
• In front of the idol of Lord Vishnu, they sit and take the vow to perform all the rituals of the past appropriately.
• The devotees consume only ‘Satvik’ food on this day. Eating of rice is strictly prohibited on this day due to the curse of Lord Brahma that those who will consume rice on any of the ‘Ekadashi’ will have rice grains as worms in his/her stomach.
• Lord Vishnu followers or ‘Vaishnavs’ as they are popularly called worship their beloved deity on this day to invoke his blessings.
• Devotees offer Incense sticks, ‘roli’, ‘kumkum’, ‘Dhoop’, flowers, sweets (‘prasadam’) and most importantly basil or ‘tulsi’ leaves.
• They also lit ‘Diyas’ to enlighten their houses as well as their hearts.
• People remain awake the whole night and perform the ritual of night vigil or ‘Jaagran’. They sing Lord Vishnu’s ‘bhajans’, ‘aartis’ and chant holy mantras to please the lord and eliminate their past sins.
• In the evening time, “Vishnu Aarti” is done, thereafter distribution of sweets among family and friends take place.
• One must get involved in the act of charity and donate food items, clothes and other necessary items to the poverty ridden.