Key Aspects of Mokshada Ekadashi
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Spiritual Significance: Mokshada Ekadashi is believed to be a day when devotees can attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, through sincere worship and fasting.
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Observances: Devotees typically fast on this day, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain other foods. They also engage in prayer, meditation, and recitation of sacred texts.
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Rituals: The day often includes visits to temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and participation in special pujas (rituals). Many devotees listen to or recite the Bhagavad Gita, which is considered to have been spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on this day.
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Stories and Legends: One popular legend associated with Mokshada Ekadashi is the story of King Yudhishthira from the Mahabharata, who is said to have asked Lord Krishna about the importance of Ekadashi, leading to the discourse on Mokshada Ekadashi.
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Cultural Observances: In addition to religious practices, the day might be marked by communal gatherings, feasting on vrat (fasting) food, and charitable acts.
Origin and Significance
Mokshada Ekadashi is regarded as an auspicious day for the Hindus especially the Vaishnavas or the worshipers of Lord Vishnu because on this day Lord Sri Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu narrated the Holy Bhagavad Gita (which became the religious book of the Hindus) to the Pandava Prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (now known as Jyotisha Tirtha) as mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
Yavadetaan Nireekshehang Yoddhukaamaanavasthitaan;
Kairmayaa Saha Yoddhavyam Asminranasamudyame."
(Meaning: Oh Achyuta, please place my chariot between the two armies so that I can see the determined warriors present here.)
When Arjuna saw the battle, he could not believe his eyes. He was struck by despair and grief upon seeing his own kith and kin fighting and dying on the battlefield and was reluctant to wage war against his own cousins.
Thus Lord Krishna narrated the 700 verse religious discourse which came to be known as the Bhagavad Gita to the Pandava Prince. The day was Margasheersha Shukla Ekadashi or Mokshada Ekadashi.
Another legend about the Mokshada Ekadashi appears in the Brahmanda Purana. Lord Krishna narrates the story to the Pandava King Yudhishtira about a benevolent king in the city of Champakanagar who treated his subjects (the Vishnu worshipping Vaishnavas) like his family. One night the king had a terrible dream about his father suffering in hell.
The following day he narrated his nightmare to his wise council of ministers who advised him to approach the Paravata Muni or the Sage of the mountain. The Sage told the king that his father had wronged his wife and therefore was being tormented for his sin in hell. He further advised him to observe a Vrat or fast on Mokshada Ekadashi day in order to absolve his father from his sins. The king did likewise; his wife and children also followed suit and his father was redeemed.
Mokshada Ekadashi is also called Gita Jayanti in various parts of India. It is called Baikuntha Ekadashi in Orissa and in states in South India. It is also called Mauna Ekadashi and is regarded as one of the most significant rituals to ask forgiveness for all sins committed during the year or one’s lifetime. People also ask for the forgiveness of sins of their forefathers and pray for their souls.
Story from the Mahabharata:
During the Kurukshetra War, King Yudhishthira sought guidance from Lord Krishna on how to overcome the sin of killing his kinsmen and attain salvation. In response, Lord Krishna explained the importance of Ekadashi fasting and revealed that the Ekadashi occurring during the waxing phase of the moon in the Margashirsha month is particularly auspicious and can lead to moksha (liberation). This day came to be known as Mokshada Ekadashi.
Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi
1. Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): The primary significance of Mokshada Ekadashi is its potential to help devotees attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Fasting on this day, according to Hindu beliefs, purifies the mind and soul, bringing one closer to spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
2. A Day of Penance and Devotion: Observing Mokshada Ekadashi is believed to help devotees earn spiritual merit. The fasting and devotional practices performed on this day are thought to cleanse past sins and aid in spiritual growth.
3. Celebrates the Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita: It is said that Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on this day, making it an important occasion for reciting and reflecting on this sacred text. The teachings of the Gita emphasize righteous action and devotion to God.
4. Rituals and Prayers: Devotees engage in fasting, prayer, and temple visits to honor Lord Vishnu. Special pujas are performed, and many people read or listen to the Bhagavad Gita, which holds a special place in Hindu religious practice.
5. Symbol of Victory Over Adversity: Mokshada Ekadashi also symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over evil, as it is associated with the epic Mahabharata’s conclusion where the forces of righteousness emerge victorious.
Rituals and Practices
Many Vaishnavas observe a 24 hour long fast to pay their respects to Lord Krishna. It is believed that those who fast regularly on this day will attain Moksha or salvation after death. Those who cannot observe a complete fast will observe a partial one consuming only vegetarian food, fruits, milk and dairy products and nuts. Consumption of garlic, onion, rice, beans and pulses is strictly prohibited on this day.The Holy Bhagavad Gita and Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu are worshipped on this day. There are discussions around the themes scripted in the Bhagavad Gita and religious scholars and priests are invited to deliver sermons. There are readings from other sacred scriptures like Mukundashtakam and Vishnu Sahasranamam as well. Eating fruits and leaves of the Bilwa or the Bel tree is mandatory on this day.
People read the Bhadavad Gita in which Lord Krishna describes how to live a good life, follow one’s dharma or duty without expecting anything in return or bothering about the consequences. Krishna asked Arjuna to be detached from his worldly desires and attachments in order to avoid the cycle of rebirth and attain complete salvation. Hence, this Ekadashi is also called Mokshada (giver of Salvation) Ekadashi.
It is also regarded as one of the best days to gift a Bhagavad Gita to a deserving person. Anyone who does so is bestowed with generous blessings from the Lord.
To read about this festival in Hindi click here