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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: King Muchukunda
In ancient times Chandrabhaga, the daughter of King Muchukunda, was married to Shobhan, the son of King Chandrasena. Shobhan was very weak.
Part 2: Shobhan's Vrat
Once on the day of Ekadashi Shobhan came to his in-laws' house. In that kingdom the Ekadashi vrat was compulsory for everyone. Shobhan kept the vrat with difficulty, but he died.
Part 3: Chandrabhaga's Merit
According to the katha Shobhan received a kingdom on Mount Mandarachala. Chandrabhaga, by the merit of her own vrat, made that kingdom stable, and the two were happy.
Thus ends the complete Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha
At a glance
• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• When: Kartik Krishna Ekadashi (before Deepavali)
• Fast: Fruit diet or according to capacity
• Parana: On Dwadashi after sunrise
• Main lesson: The rules of the vrat and family support
Introduction and significance
The Ekadashi vrat is kept on the eleventh tithi of every paksha for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Rama Ekadashi comes a few days before Deepavali. Rama is also a name of Goddess Lakshmi, so it is regarded as connected with Lakshmi Ji.
The vrat is regarded less as strict rules than as a practice of restraint, good conduct and devotion.
When it is observed
• Kartik Krishna Ekadashi (before Deepavali).
• See the Panchang for the tithi and the parana time.
Puja samagri
• An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu
• Yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, akshat
• Incense, lamp, panchamrit
• Fruit and sweets
Vrat vidhi
1. Take sattvik food on Dashami and make the resolve for Ekadashi in your mind.
2. On the morning of Ekadashi bathe and worship Vishnu Ji, offering tulsi and yellow flowers.
3. Chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.
4. Listen to the katha and perform the aarti.
5. Keep a fruit diet or fast according to capacity through the day and do bhajan.
6. On Dwadashi do the parana after sunrise and give charity to someone in need.
Do's
• Stay sattvik and do bhajan-kirtan.
• Offer water to tulsi.
• Give charity and do service.
• Follow the parana time.
Don'ts
• Avoid grain and rice (tradition).
• Avoid anger, slander and lies.
• Do not eat tamasic food.
Benefits (as believed)
It is believed that the Ekadashi vrat helps in purifying the mind and in restraint. Do not take it as a guarantee of any result; faith and good conduct are the main thing.
Mantras and aarti
• Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
• Aarti: https://divyavani.app/aarti/om-jai-jagdish-hare
• Vishnu Sahasranama: https://divyavani.app/stotra/vishnu-sahasranama
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does this Ekadashi come?
A: Kartik Krishna Ekadashi (before Deepavali). See the Panchang for the tithi.
Q: What can one eat during the vrat?
A: Fruit, milk, sabudana, kuttu and water chestnut. Avoid grain and rice. Keep the fast only according to your health.
Q: When should the parana be done?
A: On the Dwadashi tithi after sunrise, within the parana time given in the Panchang.
Q: Can everyone keep this vrat?
A: Yes, anyone can keep it with faith. The sick, the elderly and pregnant women should keep it on a doctor's advice.
Q: What is the order of Rama Ekadashi and Deepavali?
A: After Rama Ekadashi come Dhanteras and then Deepavali.
Precautions
Take care of your health while fasting and consult a doctor if needed. This katha is a retelling of a traditional story. The method and the form of the katha differ by region.