In Sanskrit, Ekadashi translates to ‘Eleventh day’. Apara
Ekadashi marks the eleventh day in the Krishna paksha (dark side of the moon)
of the Jyestha month. Fasting on Apara Ekadashi is considered auspicious by
Hindus all around the world, as it is believed to help in attaining moksha by
washing off all the past sins and misdoings. Observing this fast is also
believed to bring fame to the observer. This day is known by many names across
India such as Achala Ekadashi, Badhrakali Ekadashi - called in Northern India,
Vaishaka Vadi Ekadashi and Jalkrida Ekadashi in Orissa. However the day is
recognised as Apara Ekadashi in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is celebrated
with much gusto by people observing fast.
There are many legends that tell the story of Apara
Ekadashi. Once, during treta yug, there was a king named Bali who had drawn
immense victories in battles. Accordingly, he was conferred with the befitting
title ‘Chakravarty Samrat’. However inebriated with all this power, he grew
more and more arrogant. He attacked Lord Indra, forcing him to run and abandon
heaven. Lord Indra approached Lord Vishnu pleading for help. Lord Vishnu then
took the avataar of Lord Vamana and went to King Bali in disguise of a short
Brahmin and requested for three paces of lands. As against the warning of
Sukracharya, his guru, Bali agreed. Lord Vamana then enlarged his feet to
gigantic proportions and took heaven and earth in his first step; in his second
step, the netherworld was taken. For his third step then, Bali offered his
head. Even today, lord Vishnu is recognised and prayed in his avataar of Lord
Vamana, who is also known as Lord Trivikrama.
As per another legend, once during their exile years,
King Yudhistira was deeply troubled and was pondering over the things they had
to face – not only losing their titles and riches in a game, but also facing grave
humiliation beyond words. Yudhistira seeked guidance from Lord Krishna who
narrated the benefits of observing fast on Apara Ekadashi – that it not only
frees you from the consequences of your past misdoings by providing moksha to
your soul, but also brings unfathomable fame and riches.
This day is celebrated by Hindus who believe in
reincarnation of souls and karma. People observe fast during Apara Ekadashi
offering puja and yagna. They also visit temples of Lord Vishnu, praying to him
for forgiveness of their misdeeds and seek his blessings for a glorious future.
The fasting ritual is strictly observed by avoiding grains and beans on that
day and consuming only milk and fruits. People can opt to either consume one
meal or choose to have nothing to eat that day, including even water. Parana
(breaking of the fast) is done only the next day after sunrise. It is advised
that people who are married observe the fast only on Apara Ekadashi; however
sanyasis, widows and others who seek moksha should also fast on the following
day. According to puranas, observing the fast on Apara Ekadashi bring benefits
to people equivalent of performing religious, spiritual or good humane acts
including taking ritual baths in sacred river Ganga or Prayag, offering puja
for ancestors at Gaya and so on. It is believed to be the most loyal way of
revering Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings and love.
For more blogs click here
No comments:
Post a Comment