Aja Ekadashi, also known as Ananda Ekadasi or Ananda Ekadashi, is observed in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada or Bhadra as per the North Indian Calendar. According to the South Indian Panhcangs, it falls in Shravan Krishna Paksha. In 2009, the date of Aja Ekadashi or Ananda Ekadasi is August 16, Sunday. In South India, this Ekadashi is also referred as Shravan Vadi Ekadasi.
The legend, importance and the significance of Aja Ekadasi or Ananda Ekadashi are explained in the Brahma Vaivartha Purana. As all other Ekadasi vrats, observing Annada Ekadasi fasting cleanses the results of all the sins performed him or her. Aja Ekadashi or Annada Ekadasi is very auspicious and favorite day to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees recite Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra and Lakshmi Astottara Shatanama stotram during the day. On Annada Ekadasi day, Lord Janardana is worshipped along with his consort Goddess Sundari.
Legend or the Story of Aja Ekadasi or Ananda Ekadashi:
When Satya Harishchandra, the truthful King, was passing through the difficult time in his life, Gautama Maharshi suggested him to observe Aja Ekadasi or Ananda Ekadashi Vrat and the fasting. Taking the suggestion of Sage Gautama, Harishchandra observed the fasting and Vrat on Ananda Ekadashi with utmost devotion and restored his wife, son and his entire kingdom that he lost in the past. After that the King ruled the kingdom very happily.
Ananda Ekadashi vrat is observed the ret of Ekadasi vratas. Fasting is observed and Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi are worshipped.
Bhadrakali Ekadashi is observed on Ekadasi day in Krishna Paksha in Jyeshta month. Bhadrakali Ekadashi is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. This day is the most auspicious day to worship Goddess Bhadrakali.
In 2009, the date of Bhadrakali Ekadashi is May 20, Wednesday.
Significance and importance of Bhadrakali Ekadasi:
In some Northern regions like Punjab, Haryana and in some places of Jammu Kashmir, Bhadrakali Ekadasi is considered as one of the most auspicious days to worship Goddess Bhadra Kali. Bhadra Kali Ekadasi is a big festival for Aryan Saraswat Brahmin sect.
According to Aryan Saraswat Brahmin sect, Goddess Bhadra Kali appeared on earth to demolish evil on the day of Bhadrakali Ekadasi.
Jyeshta Masa Ekadasi is observed as Apara Ekadasi, Achala Ekadasi, Vaishakha Vadi Ekadashi or Jalakrida Ekadashi in remaining regions of India.
Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009
Apara Ekadasi is observed during the Krishna Paksha (second fortnight) of the month Vaisakha masam. Importance and significance of Apara Ekadasi was explained by Lord Sri Krsihna to Yudhistira (Dharma raj). Apara Ekadasi is also called as Vaishak Vadi Ekadashi or Achala Ekadashi.
When is Apara Ekadasi observed?
Apara Ekadasi is observed on Vaisakha masa Krishna Paksha Ekadasi. In 2009, Apara Ekadasi falls on May 20, Wednesday.
Importance and Significance of Apara Ekadashi:
Apara Ekadashi mahatmyam was explained in the Brahmanda Purana. Observance of Apara Ekadashi fasting cleanses all sins of the performer and makes him/her free from all the bonds in the life.
It is believed that the performers of Apara Ekadashi will get the merits which are equal to – performing three times ritual bath in Pushkar Kshetra in Kartika masam, performing ritual bath in Prayag at in the month of Magha masam at Mesha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Capricorn), worshipping Lord Shiva in Varanasi, offering tharpan to forefathers at Gaya, performing ritual bath in the sacred Gautami river at the time of Simha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Leo) and etc.
Other Festival and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)
Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009
Mohini Ekadasi is observed during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chithirai in Tamil calendar and in Vaishakha month in North Indian and other regions’ calendars. Mohini Ekadasi mahatmyam (importance or significance) was told by Sage Vasista to Lord Sri Ram. Lord Sri Krishna also told the importance of Mohini Ekadasi to Yudhishtira (Dharma raj).
When is Mohini Ekadasi Observed?
Mohini Ekadasi is observed on the eleventh day (ekadasi) of Shukla paksha in Vaishakha month. In Tamil traditional calendar, Mohini Ekadasi falls in Chithirai masam. In 2009, the date of Mohini Ekadasi is May 5, Tuesday.
Importance and Significance of Mohini Ekadashi:
When Mata Sita Devi separated from Lord Sri Ram, Rama became very sad and wanted to give up his life. Lord Sri Ram met Sage Vasista and he advised him to observe Mohini Ekadashi vrata which can reduce or nullify his sins and give him great pleasure and blissful life.
As suggested by Sage Vasista, Lord Sri Ram observed the fasting and all rituals and customs associated with Mohini Ekadashi and got rid of all sins to lead a very happy life with his concert Mata Sita Devi.
Sage Vasista explained Lord Sri Ram that fasting on Mohini Ekadashi is more fruitful than performing ritual bath in holy rivers. Importance of Mohini Ekadashi Vrata is explained in the Surya Purana.
Lord Vishnu – Deity of Mohini Ekdashi:
Lord Vishnu is the deity to worship on Mohini Ekadashi day. As Mohini Ekadasi falls in Vaishakha mas, the day is very auspicious for Vishnu puja. On Mohini Ekadasi, all other rituals, customs and traditions are followed as other Ekadasis.
Other Festivals and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)
Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009
Kamada Ekadasi is observed on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, eleventh day in bright half of Chaitra month. In 2010, Kamada Ekadasi date is March 26, 2010. This day is dedicated to worship Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and to observe Ekadasi fasting to get rid of all sins. Kamada Ekadasi has its reference in Varaha Purana. Kamada Ekadashi is also known as Damana Ekadashi or Avaidhavya Ekadasi.
Importance and Significance of the Main Ekadashi Ritual – Ekadasi Fasting:
According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Sri Krishna narrated the importance and significance of Ekadashi fasting to Pandava agraja, Dharma Raja (Yudhishtira). Ekadashi fasting eradicates the devotee’s sins and makes the devotee free from all his sorrows. Ekadashi fasting leads the devotee to Moksha (salvation).
Legend or the Story of Kamada Ekadasi Fasting – Greatness of Kamada Ekadashi:
Once, a Gandharva was married to a beautiful woman. After his marriage, he was unable to do his regular works or duties with dedication because of his attraction towards his wife. The King of Gandharvas realized the fact and cursed him to become a cannibal. Gandharva with his wife wandered many holy places to get rid of the curse.
While they were passing by an Ashrama (hermitage), they met a Sage and asked about a remedy to get rid of their curse. That Sage advised them to perform the rituals and customs associated with Kamada Ekadashi. He suggested them the only and ultimate remedy to get rid of any sin or curse is Ekadasi fasting. As suggested by the Sage, the Gandharva couple observed the Kamada Ekadasi fasting and got rid of the Gandharva’s curse.
Rituals and Customs of Kamada Ekadashi:
The rituals, customs and traditions of Kamada Ekadashi include – Lord Sri Maha Vishnu puja (worship of Lord Narayana) and observance of fasting. Some people perform vigil at Kamada Ekadasi’s night. Some people perform partial fasting as they refrain themselves from taking the food made up of rice.
