The Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Bhadrapada is known as Aja Ekadashi. Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day brings relief from all kinds of sufferings. According to scriptures, it was on this day that King Harishchandra regained his lost kingdom and family after observing this fast.
It is believed that any wish with which one observes this fast is fulfilled immediately. On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Upendra form. As per the Pandits, this year, Aja Ekadashi and Vatsa Dwadashi fall on 18th August. On this day, one should also worship cows and calves, and feed them jaggery and grass, as it is dear to Lord Vishnu.
How to Perform the Puja and Fast:
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Before the fast (on Dashami): Consume only sattvic food (pure vegetarian, no onion-garlic) to purify the mind and body for the next day's observance.
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On Ekadashi morning: Wake up early, bathe during sunrise, light a ghee lamp in front of Lord Vishnu, and offer flowers and fruits with full devotion.
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After the puja, one should chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita.
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It is advised to remain without food and water (nirjala) during the fast. However, scriptures allow fruits for the elderly, sick, and children.
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Generally, one should break their fast only after offering prayers at night, and only then consume fruits or water. Staying awake through the night is considered highly meritorious.
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On Dwadashi (next day): After offering food to a Brahmin, the observer may break the fast and eat. Avoid eating brinjals (eggplant) on this day.
This fast is known to destroy sins and grant divine blessings when performed with sincerity.
Story of Aja Ekadashi
Kuntiputra Yudhishthira said: "O Janardana! Now please tell me about the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Shravan. What is its name and what is the proper way to observe this fast? Please explain it to me in detail."
Lord Shri Krishna replied: "O King! The Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Shravan month is called Aja Ekadashi. Observing a fast on this day destroys all sins. Whoever worships Lord Vishnu with devotion and observes this fast on Aja Ekadashi gets all their sins washed away. There is no other Ekadashi like this that helps in both this world and the next. The story of this Ekadashi is as follows:
In ancient times, there was a powerful and truthful king named Harishchandra, who ruled the earth. He was very brave and known for his unwavering commitment to truth. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he sold his wife and son and himself became a servant at a cremation ground under a Chandala (caretaker of the crematorium). His job was to collect cloth (shrouds) from the dead. Even in the most difficult situations, he never deviated from truth.
Many years passed living like this, and the king was deeply disturbed by the lowly work he was doing. He constantly thought about how he could be freed from this situation. One day, he met the great sage Gautama Rishi. The king respectfully greeted him and shared his entire sorrowful story.
Upon hearing this, Gautama Rishi said:
"O King, if you observe the Ekadashi fast that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Shravan month, known as Aja Ekadashi, with full devotion and proper rituals, all your sins will be destroyed."
When Aja Ekadashi arrived, King Harishchandra observed the fast with full devotion as instructed by the sage, and remained awake throughout the night in vigil (jagaran). As a result of this fast, all his sins were eliminated. He saw Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Mahadev, and other deities standing before him.
He also saw his dead son brought back to life and his wife beautifully adorned with clothes and ornaments. By the grace of the fast, he regained his kingdom and eventually went to heaven with his entire family.
Benefits of Aja Ekadashi:
According to the Puranas, anyone who observes Aja Ekadashi with faith gets their past sins destroyed, gains happiness and prosperity in this life, and attains a higher realm after death. The merit of this fast is equivalent to performing the Ashwamedha Yajna, and one secures a place in the divine worlds after death.