Yudhishthira said: "Kindly explain to me the significance of the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashwin."
Lord Krishna replied: "In the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Ashwin, there comes the auspicious Ekadashi known as Rama Ekadashi. It is destroyer of sins, bestower of happiness, and reliever of miseries.
Long ago, there was a famous king named Muchukunda, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and always faithful to truth. He ruled his kingdom righteously, and within his kingdom, the holy river Chandrabhaga flowed, personified as his daughter.
The king married her to Shobhana, the son of King Chandrasena. One time, Shobhana visited his father-in-law’s home on the day of Dashami (10th day), and it was announced, as always:
"On the day of Ekadashi, no one should eat food!"
Upon hearing this, Shobhana asked his wife Chandrabhaga,
"My beloved, what should I do in this situation?"
Chandrabhaga replied:
"My father is very strict. On Ekadashi, not only humans, but even animals in our home are not fed. If you eat today, it will bring great dishonor. So strengthen your mind and follow the rules."
Shobhana said:
"What you say is true. I will fast today. Whatever the divine law is, shall happen."
Lord Krishna said:
With firm resolve, Shobhana began the fast. However, at sunrise the next morning, his life ended. King Muchukunda performed his son-in-law’s royal funeral rites, and Chandrabhaga remained at her father’s home after completing all post-death rituals.
Meanwhile, because of the power of fasting on Rama Ekadashi, Shobhana attained a divine city atop the Mandarachal mountain, beautiful and shining like a second Kubera. One day, the royal priest Somasharma, while on pilgrimage, visited Mandarachal and was surprised to see Shobhana there. Recognizing him as King Muchukunda's son-in-law, he approached and greeted him. Shobhana honored him and inquired about his wife Chandrabhaga and father-in-law.
Somasharma replied:
"Everyone is well. But how did you attain such a beautiful celestial city?"
Shobhana said:
"O Brahmin! I attained this divine kingdom by observing the Rama Ekadashi fast during Ashwin Krishna Paksha. However, since I performed the fast without full devotion and ritual support, I believe this kingdom is not permanent. Please convey this message to Chandrabhaga."
Hearing this, Somasharma returned and relayed the entire account to Chandrabhaga. Upon hearing about her husband, she expressed deep desire to see him again and said:
"O sage! Please take me there. With the merit of my lifelong Ekadashi fasts, I will make that kingdom permanent."
Somasharma brought her to the ashram of Sage Vamadeva near Mandarachal. There, through the sage’s blessings and the power of her Ekadashi observance, Chandrabhaga’s body transformed into a divine form, and she ascended to her husband’s celestial abode.
Shobhana welcomed his beloved wife and seated her beside him on the royal throne. Chandrabhaga then declared:
"O Lord, hear my words. Since the age of eight, I have observed every Ekadashi without fail. Because of this penance, this kingdom shall remain eternal till the end of time, full of all desired opulence and blessings."
Thus, by observing Rama Ekadashi, Chandrabhaga attained divine beauty, wealth, and eternal union with her husband, residing joyfully on the Mandarachal mountain.
Lord Krishna concluded:
"O King! This was the glory of Rama Ekadashi. It fulfills all desires like the divine cow Kamadhenu and destroys all sorrow and anxiety."