Rama Ekadashi Significance, Story, Rituals, and Fasting

Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Kartik month is called Rama Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu is worshiped on this day. Besides, there is also a tradition of worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on this day. Sins are destroyed by worshiping them. The effect of this Ekadashi fast brings happiness and prosperity in life. Due to the effect of this fast a person attains salvation after death.

Rama Ekadashi Date and Auspicious Time

Rama Ekadashi on Monday, 28 October 2024

Ekadashi Tithi Starts - 27 October 2024 at 05:23 am
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 28 October 2024 at 07:50 am

Significance of Rama Ekadashi

Kartik Krishna Ekadashi is called Rama Ekadashi and Rambha Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshiped on the day of Rama Ekadashi. Among all Ekadashi, the importance of Rama Ekadashi is considered to be many times greater. Rama Ekadashi is considered thousands of times more fruitful than other days. It is said that whoever observes this fast, all their life's wishes are definitely fulfilled. Those who observe this fast bring prosperity and prosperity in their lives.

Rama Ekadashi Rituals

Fasting on the day of Rama Ekadashi is an important ritual. This ritual starts a day before the actual Ekadashi i.e. Dashami Tithi. On this day, worshipers avoid grains like rice and eat sattvic food only once before sunset. Rice should not be eaten at all on the day of Ekadashi. This fast is broken on the next day on Dwadashi Tithi. Even for those who do not fast, the consumption of rice on any Ekadashi is prohibited.

Rama Ekadashi Story

In ancient times, there was a great king whose name was Muchukund. The king had a very beautiful daughter named Chandrabhaga. The girl was married to Chandrasen's son Shobhan. Shobhan was very relaxed. He needed food all the time. His stomach was not full without eating bread. Once Chandrabhaga and her husband Shobhan both went together to the kingdom of Muchukunda king. The day they reached there was Rama Ekadashi, Chandrabhaga knew that due to the fast on Rama Ekadashi, she would not get food for her husband in her father's kingdom and his condition would worsen. Knowing about her husband's problem, she advised her husband that if you want to eat something, then go somewhere away from this state and eat it. Hearing his wife's words, Shobhan felt that if no one in the entire state eats food then why should I also eat food? That's why he also decided to keep a fast on Rama Ekadashi.

However, Shobhan's fast was being observed with great difficulty. But somehow the night passed but as soon as the morning came, Shobhan died of hunger. Being the son-in-law of the king, he was given royal rites and after the death of her husband, Chandrabhaga remained in her father's house, with all the rituals, she observed the fast and started living permanently at her father's place.

On the other hand, due to fasting on Ekadashi, Shobhan is born to a king in his next life and he becomes the king of Devpur state. There was abundant wealth and property in his kingdom. One day, after seeing him, a Brahmin named Som Sharma recognizes Shobhan with the help of his knowledge and asks him if he has died due to hunger. Then how did you become so prosperous in this life? Then Shobhan tells him that all this has probably been possible only because of the fast of Rama Ekadashi. Later Som Sharma reunited them and both started living happily.

Rama Ekadashi Fasting

• The fast of Rama Ekadashi starts on the evening of Dashami Tithi. On this day, food should be taken before sunset. After this, on the day of Ekadashi, one should wake up in Brahma Muhurta, take a bath meditate, and wear clean clothes. After this, start preparations for the puja and take a pledge to fast.

• After this, sprinkle the idol or picture of Lord Krishna with Ganga water. After this, light a desi ghee lamp and decorate the temple with flowers.

• There is a tradition to worship Lord Krishna on Rama Ekadashi. Since Lord Krishna likes butter and sugar candy, offer the same to him also.

• After worshiping God with incense sticks, it would be best to recite Vishnu Sahasranama. After this worship Tulsi.

• Keep your mind calm throughout the day, remember God, and also Geeta Path.

• In the evening, worship Shri Krishna again and offer food. After this distribute the bhog among everyone.

Conclusion

According to religious beliefs, a person who observes a fast on Rama Ekadashi gets the same virtue as performing Ashwamedha Yagya. It is believed that by listening or reading the fast story on the day of Rama Ekadashi, Shri Hari frees one from all troubles and fulfills all the wishes. Therefore, reading or listening to the fast story on the day of Rama Ekadashi has special significance. If you want to know more about Rama Ekadashi then you can talk to astrologer.