Rama Ekadashi is a significant religious observance for Hindus. It falls on the 11th day of the waxing moon phase in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which typically corresponds to April. The day is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, and is observed to seek his blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.
Significance of Rama Ekadashi
According to the scriptures, there was a king named Muchukunda. He ruled a prosperous kingdom and counted Lord Indra, Lord Varuna and Lord Kuber among his friends. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and was blessed with a baby girl who was named Chandrabhaga. She was later married to Prince Shobhana who was son of King Chandrasen.Chandrabhaga used to observe a fast on Ekadashi so she followed the tradition at her parent-in- laws house too. She asked her husband to keep the Ekadashi fast along with her. Shobhana used to feel physically weak so he refused to keep the fast, which made Chandrabhaga upset. He realized her dismay so he kept the fast, but soon started suffering from hunger and thirst. The prince could not survive the fast so he died before the morning.
Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, is revered for his ideals of righteousness, justice, and dharma (duty). Rama Ekadashi honors Lord Rama’s virtues and seeks his blessings for guidance in living a life of virtue and righteousness. By commemorating Lord Rama, devotees aim to align themselves with his principles of truth, honor, and duty.
By the virtue of Rama Ekadashi, Shobhana received a great but invisible kingdom. Once, a Brahmana of his wife’s kingdom went out to travel, when he came across the kingdom on his way. Shobhana told him, that by the grace of Rama Ekadashi, he received the kingdom. He asked the Brahmana to tell his wife abut his kingdom. Brahmana returned and informed Chandrabhaga about the whole event. Chandrabhaga who observed the Ekadashi fast since her childhood, converted his kingdom into reality by the virtue of her karma. The couple then lived happily ever after.
The Story of the Ekadashi
The significance of Rama Ekadashi is tied to the legend of a demoness named Maya who was defeated by Lord Rama. According to Hindu mythology, Maya was a demoness who caused suffering and distress to both gods and humans. Through her defeat, Lord Rama demonstrated his power and righteousness. Observing Rama Ekadashi is believed to help devotees overcome their own obstacles and enemies, much like how Lord Rama vanquished Maya.
Benefits of Rama Ekadashi Fast
The Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in Kartika masa is called Rama Ekadashi. By observing this fast, all sins of a person are removed. A person attains results equivalent to that of Vajepaye Yagya. If a person is suffering from obstacles in his life, he must worship Lord Vishnu.
All the devotees who observe the Rama Ekadashi fast should avoid consuming food made from grains and rice (other rules are the same as those followed for Ekadashi fast). Moreover, offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu on this day washes all the past sins of a person’s life. Lord Vishnu also gets pleased with pearls, precious stones etc.
Key Practices on Rama Ekadashi
- Strict Fasting: Observing a complete or partial fast to demonstrate devotion and seek spiritual growth.
- Recitation of the Ramayana: Engaging in or listening to the recitation of the Ramayana to reflect on Lord Rama’s life and teachings.
- Puja and Offerings: Performing pujas and offering fruits, flowers, and other items at temples or home altars.
- Devotional Singing: Participating in bhajans and kirtans dedicated to Lord Rama.
रमा एकादशी की व्रत कथा और पूजा विधि को हिंदी में पढ़ें, क्लिक करें