Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, falls during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June). Observing a fast on this day is believed to cleanse one of all sins and bestow immense spiritual merit. The sacred story associated with Apara Ekadashi is recounted in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.

The katha begins with the story of King Mahidhvaja. He was a righteous and benevolent ruler deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. His younger brother, Vajradhvaja, was envious of Mahidhvaja’s popularity and virtue. Consumed by jealousy, Vajradhvaja plotted against his brother.

One fateful night, while King Mahidhvaja was resting, Vajradhvaja murdered him and buried his body beneath a Pipal tree in a dense forest. The king, due to his unnatural and untimely death, transformed into a restless ghost. He haunted the area, causing disturbances and tormenting anyone who dared to venture near the Pipal tree.

One day, a learned sage, Dhaumya, happened to pass through the forest. He noticed the ghostly presence and, using his divine powers, discovered the cause of the king’s predicament. He understood that King Mahidhvaja was suffering because of the sin of murder committed against him.

Moved by compassion, Sage Dhaumya decided to help the tormented spirit. He performed all the necessary rituals to appease the departed soul but to no avail. The sage then realized that the ghost’s liberation required more powerful purification.

Coincidentally, the day was Apara Ekadashi. Sage Dhaumya, known for his unwavering devotion, observed the Apara Ekadashi Vrat with utmost sincerity. He meticulously followed all the rules and regulations associated with the fast, remaining without food and water throughout the day and night. He spent his time in prayer and meditation, dedicating his actions entirely to Lord Vishnu.

The next morning, after completing the Ekadashi fast, Sage Dhaumya transferred all the merit he had accumulated from observing the Apara Ekadashi Vrat to the departed soul of King Mahidhvaja. The moment the merit was transferred, King Mahidhvaja was freed from his ghostly form. He instantly attained a divine body and ascended to Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu.

News of this miraculous event spread far and wide. Vajradhvaja, hearing about his brother’s liberation, was filled with remorse and guilt. He realized the gravity of his sin and the immense power of the Apara Ekadashi Vrat. He also began to observe the Apara Ekadashi Vrat with devotion and sincerity, seeking forgiveness for his heinous act. Through the power of this Ekadashi, Vajradhvaja was eventually absolved of his sin and attained salvation.

The Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha highlights the profound impact of devotion, penance, and the power of forgiveness. It emphasizes that even the most grievous sins can be overcome through sincere devotion and the observance of sacred rituals. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of righteousness and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.