Ekadashi Tithi Begins: at 03:42 AM on Dec 11, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 01:09 AM on Dec 12, 2024
Parana Time – On 12th Dec, 06:28 AM to 08:47 AM
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
This Ekadashi occurs during the waning moon phase in November, December, or January. Its significance is narrated in the Brahman Purana, during a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Maharaja Yudhishthir. An excerpt from their conversation unfolds as follows:
Yudhisthir inquired, “O Krishna! What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls during the waning moon in December or January, and how should one observe it? Kindly elucidate on this matter.”
Krishna responded, “O illustrious scion of the Bharat dynasty, just as Shesha is paramount among serpents, Garuda among birds, and the Ashwamedha sacrifice among rituals, similarly, among all vows, Ekadashi is supreme. Those who observe Ekadashi are exceedingly dear to me. The spiritual merit accumulated through austere practices over five thousand years is attained simply by observing Ekadashi.”
In their discourse, Lord Krishna emphasized the significance of staying awake throughout the night on Saphala Ekadashi. Devotees are advised to offer fresh fruits, betel nuts, leaves, spices, seeds, and nuts as offerings.
Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha:
In the city of Champavati, King Mahishmati had four sons. Among them, the eldest, Lumpaka, was notorious for his sinful behavior. He would often insult Brahmins, Vaishnavas, and the demigods, leading his father to exile him from the kingdom.
Living in the jungle thereafter, Lumpaka resorted to stealing, including food, during nightly visits to the kingdom. Despite his transgressions, he was spared by the citizens due to his royal lineage. Lumpaka sustained himself on a diet of raw meats and fruits, taking shelter beneath a revered banyan tree in the forest.
One fateful day, on the Ekadashi of the waning moon in November-December, Lumpaka, weakened by fatigue and hunger, inadvertently observed Saphala Ekadashi. Unable to hunt due to his feebleness, he prayed to Lord Vishnu for mercy upon finding some fruits. Throughout the Ekadashi night, Lumpaka remained awake, offering worship and unwittingly adhering to the Ekadashi vows.
Pleased by Lumpaka’s sincere observance, Lord Vishnu accepted his worship and bestowed blessings upon him. The next morning, a divine horse appeared before Lumpaka, accompanied by a celestial voice affirming his imminent return to kingship. By these divine instructions, Lumpaka reclaimed his kingdom, assuming his responsibilities as ruler. Subsequently, he found a beautiful wife and was blessed with sons, living henceforth in prosperity and virtue.
Saphala Ekadashi, observed during the Hindu month of Paush, also known as Paush Krishna Ekadashi, holds significant importance. The term ‘Saphala’ denotes prosperity, making this Ekadashi a time when devotees are believed to receive blessings for success and the alleviation of hardships.
This day of fasting is considered a conduit for unlocking abundance, success, prosperity, and fortune. Devotees adhere to a Satvik diet and engage in acts of charity, offering essentials to Brahmins and those in need. Fasting on Saphala Ekadashi is believed to cleanse sins and pave the way for spiritual liberation.
The observance of this vrat is believed to fulfill desires and aspirations, enabling individuals to regain lost possessions, including wealth, affection, honor, and health.
Saphala Ekadashi Puja Vidhi:
1. Rise early on Saphala Ekadashi and perform your daily rituals.
2. Take a vow of fasting after donning clean attire and offering water to the Sun.
3. Offer yellow flowers and items to Lord Vishnu.
4. Worship the deity with incense, lamps, fruits, coconuts, betel nuts, amla, pomegranates, and Panchamrit.
5. Recite Aarti, Chalisa, Mantras, and the thousand names of God.
6. Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times.
7. Charity holds special significance on this day; donate according to your means.
8. Stay awake through the night, singing bhajans, kirtans, or hymns in praise of Shri Hari.
9. Break your fast on Dwadashi, offering food and donations to Brahmins and the needy before partaking yourself.