According to Hindu Calendar, Aja Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada. On this day, devotees observe a fast. Besides, devotees also invoke Lord Shrihari and Maa Lakshmi as well. It is believed that by following these rituals, Lord Vishnu may eradicate your troubles and destroy all sins.
Importance Of Aja Ekadashi
The Aja Ekadashi fast is regarded to be the most beneficial of all. Whoever observes this fast must exert control over his emotions, body, and behavior. Aja Ekadashi vrat inspires others or non-believers to follow the path of salvation, which may lead you to paradise. These ancient rituals assist you in forming a balanced lifestyle as well.
Sages and saints believe Aja Ekadashi vrat is equivalent to performing Yagna or austerities. By doing so, one can evolve their heart in the purest form. According to the scriptures, fasting on Aja Ekadashi has virtuous effects, and by following this fast, one may have moksha after their death. Worshippers believe that departed souls may reach the heavenly abode by the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Aja Ekadashi 2022: Date
This year, Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, August 22, 2022
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Harishchandra, the ancestor of Shri Ramji and Chakravarti King, was known for his sincerity and honesty. So the gods sent the sage Vishwavamitra to him to test his integrity and honesty.
Sage Vishwavamitra arrived at King Harishchandra’s court and demanded the entire kingdom. In a dream, King Harishchandra saw himself donating his kingdom to the sage Vishwavamitra. After that, the King, fulfilling a commitment, handed the entire realm to the sage Vishwamitra and traveled to Kashi. Soon, he decided to be a slave because he couldn’t bear the plight of his children and wife so that his family could live comfortably. When the King went to be sold as a slave, an older man offered to accept his wife as the King may need someone to look after his family.
Then, the old man informed Harishchandra that he would also look after the child. The King agreed and was relieved that his family would not be subjected to the same ordeal. By selling himself to the Chandala, he also became a slave of the Chandala. He began working below Chandala but was never distracted from his path of righteousness. After several years, he began to find ways to relieve himself from his bad karma and find salvation. At that time, sage Gautam appeared to Harischandra.
After hearing King Harishchandra’s tragic story, Maharishi Gautam suggested that he should stay awake for the whole night and keep a fast on Aja Ekadashi. This will help him eliminate his bad karmas, informed Maharishi Gautam before returning to perform meditation.
When Aja Ekadashi arrived, King Harishchandra observed the fast according to Maharishi’s directions. Later, when King’s son died, he requested her wife to perform funeral rites. However, he declined to execute the last rites instead of not receiving the shroud. The wife attempted everything she could to persuade him, but it was all in vain because he was a slave, and his duty was to perform the death rituals using a shroud.
Following this, King Harishchandra’s wife grabbed some money tied to the pallu (end corner of saree) and requested Chandala to bring the shroud so that her son could be cremated. As soon as the King took the shroud, and went to light up the fire, all of the King’s sins were destroyed, and flowers began to shower on him. All deities stood before him with their hands clasped; hence, his son returned to life. From that day, it is learned that those who observe Aja Ekadashi Vrat can ward off their sins.
Puja Vidhi
On this auspicious day, devotees rise early (two hours before sunrise), preferably during Brahma Muhurat. But, first, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Then, perform meditation (Dhyana), followed by Sankalpa (a pledge that you will wholeheartedly keep the vrat).
One can follow the puja vidhi rules given below:
1. Ignite a lamp (Diya) with ghee or sesame oil on the altar of your home. Next, invoke Lord Vishnu, pray to him and seek his blessings before beginning the puja.
2. Chant ‘OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ while offering water, flowers, natural perfume, oil lamp, incense, and Naivedhya (any fruit or cooked food) to Lord Vishnu.
3. You may also offer fruits. You can prepare kheer or halwa or any other vegetarian dessert to offer.
4. Now gently offer Paan, Supari, a brown coconut, bananas, and other fruits, with Chandan, Kumkum, Haldi, Akshat, and Dakshina.
5. Begin with reading the Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha. You can also read the Vishnu Sahasranam or do the Naam Jaapa.
6. Light an oil lamp and incense sticks in the evening, and pray to Lord Vishnu. Offer flowers, water, fruits, and sweet preparation (bhog).
7. Conclude the puja by performing the aarti in the name of Lord Vishnu.
As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that when a person keeps the Aja Ekadashi vrat with full devotion, all his sins of the present life will be pardoned.
Things to keep in Mind
- On this auspicious occasion, If you are following Aja Ekadashi rituals at home, avoid using onion, garlic, and tamasic food.
- Both times, after bathing in the morning and evening, worship Lord Vishnu by wearing clean clothes.
- Maintain a clean and healthy atmosphere inside your house.
- Organize Vishnu Puja and chant mantras of ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya and Om Shrim Shriya Namah.’
- Conclude your fast by performing Parana the next day.
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