Saphala Ekadashi: The Day to Win the Blessings of Lord Narayana
According to Lord Krishna the Ekadoshi that comes on the no moon day in the month of Pous, December-January is called the Saphala Ekadashi. The Lord of this Ekadashi is none other than Lord Narayana. You have to obey the rituals of the very day quite solemnly with perfect dedication and devotion to the Lord.
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As the Abashistonag is the greatest of the Nag family, as Gardura is the greatest among all birds, as Chandra is the greatest among all planets, as Ashwamedh is the greatest of all Yagnas and as Lord Vishnu sands first among all deities, the Saphala Ekadashi is the greatest among all Ekadashi days. Those who go for fasting on these very Ekadashi days are very dear Lord Shree Hari.
The Significance
A king named Mahishman ruled in Champavati. He had four sons. Among them the eldest one named Lumpak was a perfect lumpen. He was always associated with bad deeds and spent the assets of his father. He went on criticizing the gods, Brahmins and the Vaishnavs. Having come to know of his misdeeds the king exiled him from his kingdom.
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The prince being ousted from the capital began to steal things. He hid himself all day long in the jungle and at night coming out from his hidden den he began stealing and killing rampantly without any discrimination. As a result of his misdeeds people of the kingdom became panic stricken. Yet some of the citizens tried their best to nab him. Out of fear the prince hid in the jungle.
Lumpak began to live beneath a peepal tree. One day at a night of Pous, no moon day, Dashami he became frozen out of heavy chill. The moment the sun rose he fainted. On the noon of the Ekadashi day he gained sense and went out in quest of food. He was so weak that he failed to kill beasts, rather began collecting fruits scattered below the peepal tree. He kept some fruits under the tree and began to pray to God. “Oh Lord! It is yours. I could not sleep last night and got no food. Take it and be happy.”
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The God was too pleased to hear him uttering those words and all his sins were gone.
The very next day a horse highly decorated came before him. Then there was heard a mysterious sound from the heaven- Hey prince, all your sins have been removed by the grace of Lord Narayana. Now go back to your father and take charge of the kingdom. Lumpak did so and begged pardon from his father. His father too being very happy handed over the charge of the kingdom to him and went away. Lumpak began to rule the state as per the rules of the Holy Scriptures and devoted him and his family at the lotus feet of Lord Narayana.
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Hence those who go on fasting on this very Saphala Ekadashi gets salvation. One, who pays heed to the Ekadashi Katha, wins the grace of the Ashwamedh yagna.
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Saphala Ekadashi Saphala or Safala Ekadashi Vrat is observed during the waning phase of the month of December-January. In 2016, the date of Ekadashi is January 05th. The word "Saphala" means to prosper, hence the highly fruitful. This is believed to bring the ultimate success and happiness in the life for one who observes the fast. It means to open the doors of success, fortune, and prosperity. The deity for this festival is Lord Narayan (Hari) and observing fast on this festival. This would help the devotee to achieve success in every sphere of life.
Importance of Safala or Saphala Ekadashi vrat:-
The importance of this festival is mentioned in the "Brahmanda Purana". According to the Hindu scriptures, it is said that those devotees observe fast on this day. Further, it willtransform bad luck into the rewarding fortune by ending all the miseries of life. This vrat has the power to help a person accomplish his/her desire and dream in reality. By observing Vrat on this day one would get back all that is lost. And much more like wealth, affection, honor, health etc. Askganesha.com wishes you a very happy Saphala Ekadashi. And hope that lord Narayan (Hari) blesses with your success and happiness in all phrase of your life. Further, You can opt Lord Vishnu Puja on this auspicious day for bringing health wealth and happiness in life.
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