Saphala Ekadashi 2024: Best of all Ekadashis – Date, Story, Significance & Puja Vidhi
Saphala Ekadashi is observed in the honour of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe a strict fast on this day and offer Tulsi leaves, incense sticks, dhoop batti, flowers, kumkum and sweets to the lord. They light oil and ghee lamps and observe ‘Jagran’ the whole night. They do aarti, puja, sing bhajans and holy mantras that night. The consumption of rice is absolutely banned on this day since it is believed that anyone who eats rice on any of the Ekadashi would have rice grains as worms in their stomachs owing to Lord Brahma’s curse. It is believed that observing Saphala Ekadashi fast brings immense happiness in the devotee’s life.
Also Read: Ekadashi Dates 2024
Saphala Ekadashi 2024: Date, Time and Parana Timing
| Saphala Ekadashi | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Saphala Ekadashi 2024 Date | 7 January 2024 |
| Saphala Ekadashi Parana Time | 06:39 to 08:59 (08 January 2024) |
| Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment | 23:58 |
| Saphala Ekadashi Tithi starts from | January 07, 2024 at 00:41 |
| Saphala Ekadashi Tithi ends at | January 08, 2024 at 00:46 |
Glories of Ekadashi in Brahma Purana
This Ekadashi happens during the waning moon in the month of November, December or January. The glories of this Ekadashi are described in the Brahman Purana, between the conversation of Lord Krishna and Maharaja Yudhishthir. An excerpt of the conversation is as follows:
Yudhisthir said, “O Krishna! What is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs at the waning moon in December or January and how should one observe it? Please explain this to me in detail.”
Krishna replied, “O best of the Bharat dynasty, just as Shesha is best among the snakes, Garuda is best among the birds, Ashwamedha or the horse sacrifice is best among the sacrifices, Ganga is best among the rivers, Lord Vishnu is best among the demi-gods and the Brahmans are best among the human beings. Similarly, among all the vows the day of Ekadashi is best. Anyone who observes Ekadashi is very dear to me. The amount of piety that accumulates by undergoing austerities, five thousand years, is achieved simply by observing Ekadashi.”
In the conversation, Lord Krishna specifically mentioned that one should stay awake all night on Saphala Ekadashi. Devotees should offer him fresh fruits, betel nuts, leaves, spices, seeds, nuts, etc.
Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
This Is How It Started
In the city of Champavati, this king, Mahishmati, had 4 sons. Among them, the eldest son, Lumpaka, was very sinful. He used to blaspheme the Brahmanas, Vaishnavas and the demigods. Consequently, his father exiled him. The exiled Lumpaka lived in a jungle but at night would sneak into the kingdom and steal various things including food. Despite him stealing, the citizens would set him free because he was the son of the king. Lumpaka spent his life regularly eating raw meats and fruits.
The Tale of Lumpaka
There was a banyan tree in this forest. It was as worshippable as the demigods. Lumpaka lived underneath this tree for some time. Lumpaka happened to be living this way on the Ekadashi of the waning moon in the month of November-December. Due to fatigue and weakness, Lumpaka became unconscious a day before Ekadashi and regained his consciousness at midday of Ekadashi.
Lumpaka couldn’t possibly kill any animal that day since he was so feeble. He was severely afflicted by hunger. He eventually found some fruits but offered them to Lord Vishnu praying for his mercy. He was up for the entire Ekadashi night. He unwittingly observed Saphala Ekadashi as a result of fasting and staying up.
Blessings Of Lord Vishnu For Lumpaka
Lord Vishnu accepted the worship and vows of this Ekadashi offered by the Lumpaka. Lord Vishnu blessed Lumpaka with a return of his kingdom. The next morning a divine horse came and stood by Lumpaka. At that time, a voice from the sky was heard, “Oh Prince, by the mercy of Lord Madhusudana and by the influence of Saphala Ekadashi, you will receive your kingdom and rule without any difficulty. Return to your father and enjoy the kingdom.”
In accordance with these instructions, Lumpaka returned to his father and accepted the responsibilities of ruling the kingdom. Thereafter, he got a beautiful wife and good sons.
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Saphala Ekadashi Significance
In the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi that is observed during the month of Paush is Saphala Ekadashi. It is also referred to as Paush Krishna Ekadashi. The word ‘Saphala’ means to prosper, therefore Saphala Ekadashi is rightfully described as a day when devotees are rewarded with good fortune by ending the miseries.
This day of fasting is considered as a medium to open the doors of abundance, success, prosperity and fortune. While keeping the Saphala Ekadashi fast, devotees must only eat Satvik food and donate essentials to the Brahmanasand needy people. It is believed that the devotees can wash away sins and attain liberation by fasting on this day.
This vrat has the ability to assist a person to accomplish his or her desires and dreams. On this day, by observing Vrat, one can reclaim everything that has been lost. And there’s a lot more, like wealth, affection, honour, health, and so on.
Saphala Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
- Get up early on the day of Saphala Ekadashi. Perform your routine activities.
- Take a vow of fast by wearing clean clothes and offering water to the Sun.
- Offer yellow flowers and yellow objects to Vishnu.
- Worship the Lord by offering incense, lamp, fruits, coconut, betel nut, amla, pomegranate, clJanuary 08, 2024 at 00:46ove and Panchamrit, etc.
- After this, recite Aarti, Chalisa, Mantra and a thousand names of God.
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times.
- The donation has special significance on this day, donate according to your ability.
- Stay awake all night, sing bhajans, kirtans, or hymns in the name of Shri Hari.
- End the fast on the day of Dwadashi.
- Offer food and other donations to Brahmins and the needy. After this, you can eat too.
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Conclusion
Saphala Ekadashi is an extremely auspicious day. One who observes fast on this day bears favourable results in life. It generates a different kind of reverberations into your whole being that takes you towards your betterment. All the fast and festivals in the Hindu culture were not about religion but about the highest way of living that transforms you into a conscious human being.
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