UTPANNA EKADASHI

07 December, 2015

Ekadasi is a Sanskrit word for number 11.It means the 11th day of each half of the month in the Vedic lunar calendar. So there are two Ekadasi days in each month on the Vedic calendar. One is in the first half of the month whilst the moon is waxing, or growing. This is known as the bright fortnight. The second is in the second half of the month whilst the moon is waning, or shrinking. This is known as the dark fortnight. The date of Utpanna Ekadashi in the year 2015 is December 07 (Monday). The Krishna Paksha Ekadashi Purnima is known as Utpanna Ekadashi. It is the next Ekadashi after Devutthana Ekadashi. The day of Utpanna Ekadashi takes place during the months of November-December. Utpanna Ekadashi, also known as Utpatti Ekadashi, is observed during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Margashirsha. The day of Utpanna Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu and Maa Ekadashi. It is believed that by following this day with sincerity, one can surely attain a step closer to salvation or Moksha. Story Arjuna, one of the heroes of the massive Indian epic asked Shree Krishna, O Prabhu! "Please grant me the knowledge of Ekadashi- its symbolisation and dignity". In the response, Shree Krishna answered, "Arjuna! I will tell you the reason of magnificence and significance of Ekadashi. Once in the age of Satyg, the demon named Mur Daanav, son of demon Naadiganj won over the Kingdom of Swarag from Devtas. He started ruling, dominating and ill-treating the devtas from their abodes. The devtas went to the God and asked them for their protection and defence. The demon Mur Daanav was so vigorous and had a huge army to defend him and his kingdom. God went to him and asked the demon to surrender and return the kingdom to Swarag to the devatas. But he rejected and ignored the request which lead to a war between the Mur Daanav and God. The battle continued to days, months and even for years. Once in the battle, God went for the rest in the cave named Sinhvati in Badrikashram and the demon followed the God. While the God was resting, Mur Danav was about to hit the God, and then suddenly, from the divine senses of God, appeared a beautiful woman with all sorts of divine artilleries in her hands. Mur daanav got lost seeing her eternal beauty and asked her to marry him. The woman put a condition by saying who ever will win the war will marry her. Ultimately, in the war, Mur daanav was killed and he lost the war. Then, the divine beautiful arrived and the god asked her to tell who she is. She then, told him that she is Ekadashi. She was incarnated from his divine luminosity and senses and told him that she was the one who killed the demon. God was very pleased knowing all this and asked her for a boon. She demanded three boons for her: 1) That I always be the chosen one and lovable to you 2) That I be the highest of all the horoscopic dates (Tithi's); That I be the destroyer of all sins; That I grant the strength to people to live more in their life. 3) That I can grant good health, wealth and any wishes to those who complete a fast and follow the vrat Ekadashi with the three boons. By hearing this, God was pleased and blessed her with all the three boons. Many devotees have experienced happiness in this world by following the vrat of ekadashi. Rituals that are followed:

Lord Vishnu and goddess Ekadashi are worshipped on this day.
Fast is observed on this day which is terminated on the next day i.e., Dwadashi.
During Brahma mahurat, Lord Krishna is worshipped.
Make donations to the needy people.

At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested forSanyasis, widows and for those who wantMoksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day. Some of us may be able to offer a full fast as their Ekadasi sacrifice, avoiding all foods and drinking only water or juice, but not everyone can do this. Srila Prabhupada said we can observe the fast by avoiding food with grains and beans and eating only light foods. We should not overdo our fasting. Fasting should not cause tiredness or fatigue.