Nirjala Ekadashi

In the Satya age there was a demon of great strength named Mura. He defeated Indra and all the gods and drove them out of heaven. The grieving gods went to Lord Shiva, who told them to seek refuge with Lord Vishnu.

Hearing the gods’ prayer, Vishnu fought Mura. The battle lasted thousands of years. Mura’s fellow demons were slain, but Mura himself would not give in. Weary from the long fight, Vishnu went to rest in a cave called Hemavati at Badrikashram and lay down in yogic sleep.

Mura followed him into the cave. Seeing the Lord asleep, he thought, “This is my chance,” and raised his weapon to strike.

At that moment a radiant goddess, armed with divine weapons, sprang from Lord Vishnu’s body. She challenged Mura and slew him in a fierce battle.

When Vishnu awoke and saw Mura dead, he was amazed. The goddess folded her hands and told him everything. Pleased, the Lord said, “You appeared on the eleventh day — Ekadashi — of the dark half of Margashirsha, so you shall be called Ekadashi. Ask for a boon.”

The goddess said, “Lord, may whoever fasts on my day with faith be freed of sin and receive your grace and liberation.” The Lord said, “So be it. Whoever keeps the Ekadashi fast will be dear to me and gain the merit of all pilgrimages and sacrifices.”

That is why the Krishna Ekadashi of Margashirsha is called Utpanna Ekadashi — the day Ekadashi was born — and many begin keeping Ekadashi fasts from that day. On Ekadashi no grain, especially rice, is eaten; Vishnu is worshipped with tulsi leaves, the night is spent in vigil, and the fast is broken on Dwadashi at the proper time.

O Mother Ekadashi, O Lord Vishnu, remove every obstacle from the lives of those who keep your vow. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.