Rama Ekadashi

The Ekadashi that falls during the Krishna Paksha of the month of Kartik is called Rama Ekadashi. It is believed that by observing this fast, one can destroy all sins and gain great virtue. In the month of Kartik, Lord Vishnu, who rests in the ocean of milk (Kshirsagar) on the serpent bed (Shesh Shayya), is worshipped as Damodar, and Goddess Lakshmi is known as Radha. On this day, Lord Damodar is specially worshipped.

How to observe the fast

The procedure of Rama Ekadashi fasting is similar to other Ekadashis. On the evening of Dashami, one should eat sattvic food, brush their teeth, and go to bed with a pure mind. On Ekadashi morning, one should wake up early before sunrise, bathe in a river, pond, or clean water source, offer water to the rising sun, and then wear clean clothes.

In the prayer room, one should place an image or idol of Lord Damodar (Vishnu) and worship him with Shodashopachar (sixteen-step ritual). The worship includes offering Panchamrit (a mix of five sacred items), tulsi leaves, sesame seeds, fruits, food offerings, and donation items with devotion. Reading or listening to the greatness of Ekadashi in the afternoon is also a tradition.

In the evening, after the regular Sandhya Aarati, one should perform Lord Vishnu’s Aarati. Those who cannot stay without food can eat fruits. While those who can should keep fasting and stay awake throughout the night, doing bhajan-kirtan. On the morning of Dwadashi, after bathing and offering water to the sun, Lord Damodar should be worshipped again properly. After the worship, one should offer food and Dakshina to a Brahmin. Only after that, the person observing the fast can eat and complete the fast.

The Story Behind Rama Ekadashi

During the time of the Mahabharata, King Yudhishthir asked Lord Krishna about the significance of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of Kartik. In reply, Lord Krishna narrated the story of Rama Ekadashi.

In Satyayuga, there was a righteous and devoted king named Muchukunda. He ruled a prosperous kingdom. He was known for being just and strict, but he was also loved by his people. He was friends with gods like Indra, Yama, and Kubera. His only daughter, Chandrabhaaga, was married to Shobhan, the son of King Chandrasen. Shobhan was physically weak.

One year, during Rama Ekadashi, King Muchukunda ordered everyone, including animals and birds, to observe the fast. Worried that her husband might not be able to bear the fast, Chandrabhaaga became concerned. However, Shobhan was determined to obey the king’s command and fast. Unfortunately, he passed away in the evening due to weakness.

After Shobhan’s death, he was reborn as a prince in a divine, prosperous kingdom at the base of Mount Mandarachal. This kingdom was filled with golden pillars, gem-decorated palaces, and divine beings. It was said that this was the result of his sincere observance of Rama Ekadashi fasting.

One day, sage Som Sharma, who served King Muchukund, was returning from a pilgrimage and reached Mandarachal. He met Shobhan at there. Shobhan, who got his fortune from the Rama Ekadashi fast, asked him to bring Chandrabhaga so the blessings would stay. Som Sharma took permission from King Muchukund and to bring her in Shobhan’s kingdom.

Later, Chandrabhaaga also arrived in Shobhan’s kingdom along with Som Sharma. The couple reunited, and Chandrabhaaga offered all the merits she had collected from observing Ekadashi since childhood to her husband Shobhan. Due to this, the kingdom then became even more prosperous.