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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: The King's Son Lumpaka
Lumpaka, the son of King Mahishmat, became wicked and the king drove him out of the kingdom. He began to live in the forest near a peepal tree.
Part 2: The Night of Ekadashi
On the cold night of Paush Krishna Ekadashi, tormented by hunger and cold, he stayed awake and offered whatever fruits he found to the Lord. Unknowingly the vrat was done by him.
Part 3: The Change
Repentance arose in his heart. According to the katha his father called him back, and walking the path of dharma he became a successful king.
Thus ends the complete Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
At a glance
• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• When: Paush Krishna Ekadashi
• Fast: Fruit diet or according to capacity
• Parana: On Dwadashi after sunrise
• Main lesson: Reform is possible through repentance
Introduction and significance
The Ekadashi vrat is kept on the eleventh tithi of every paksha for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Saphala means the one who gives success. It comes in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Paush.
The vrat is regarded less as strict rules than as a practice of restraint, good conduct and devotion.
When it is observed
• Paush Krishna Ekadashi.
• 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: Paush Krishna Ekadashi. 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: Which tree is worshipped on Saphala Ekadashi?
A: Because of the katha, many families light a lamp under the peepal tree. This tradition depends on the region.
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.