Here is the story of Apara Ekadashi – Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha….
Apara Ekadashi is observed on Krishna Paksha Ekadashi in Jyeshta Month as per North Indian Hindi calendars and in Vaishakh Month as per Amavasyant Panchangams followed as per Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu and Kannada Calendars.
Once upon a time Lord Krishna was queried by Kind Yudhisthira about the importance of Apara Ekadasi and how the sacred name sprouted in the month of Jyestha? Elated at being asked, Lord Krishna elucidated the importance of Apara Ekadasi to King Yudhisthira.
Elaborating on this sacred day, Lord Krishna uttered these words to Yudhisthira: “Unlike other Ekadashis this Apara Ekadashi that occurs in the Krishna Paksha, is highly revered and whoever remains fasting on this day will be devoid of grave sins such as killing a cow, an embryo, a brahmana, having sexual union with another man’s life.
Lord Krishna continued unfolding the beneficial effects of Apara Ekadashi, saying: “ Apart from remaining fasting on this big day, if an individual engages himself/herself in pious activities of offering a pregnant cow will sure to attain salvation. One who is having apprehensions over his past and present misdeeds should practice Apara Ekadashi with utmost devotion. Individuals who fail to observe this act will continue to suffer falling in a cycle of births and rebirths.
Dwelling at length on the meritorious aspects of Apara Ekadashi, Lord Krishna said: “Mere fasting on this single auspicious day is equated with taking a dip in the Ganges in Prayag during the period of Magha masam, paying a visit to Lord Shiva at shrines – Kedarnath and Varanasi during the time of Shiv Ratri. Eventually, the individual will reach the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Krishna concluded the positive effects what this Apara Ekadashi yields saying: “Oh Bharata, individual who evinces interest in listening to this description or reading this will be certainly absolved of all categories of sins.”