Annada Ekadashi – Story and Significance
Ekadashi of Krishnapaksha (waning phase of moon) of Bhadra month (August-September) is known as Annada Ekadashi. It occurs after Pavitropana Ekadashi and followed by Parshva Ekadashi. It is also called Aja Ekadashi. Let’s know about Annada Ekadashi Story and Significance.
Once, Pandava King Yudhishthira requested Lord Sri Krishna to explain the importance of observing the Ekadashi of Shuklapaksha in the month of Shravan. Then Lord Krishna narrated the story regarding this Ekadashi vrat.
In ancient times there was a devout king named Harishchandra. He lost his kingdom to protect the truth. The situation was such that he was forced to sell his wife, son and eventually himself. This pious king accepted the servitude of the Chandals but showed determination to defend the truth. He also used to take the clothes of the dead in cremation as tax.
Many years passed in this way. Immersed in the ocean of sorrow, he spent day and night thinking about what to do, where to go, how to get out of this misery. At such a time, by chance, the sage Gautama came to the king. The king saw the sage and bowed down with devotion. He stood in front of the sage and told all his words one by one. The sage was surprised to hear the king’s grief. Being very sad, the sage said – O king! Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadra is famous in the world as Annada. Please observe this vrat. All your sins will be removed by the effect of this vrat. This Ekadashi tithi will appear after next seven days. On that day you will wake up at night from fasting. If you observe this vrat, all your sins will be eradicated. O king! know that I have come here under the influence of your virtue. Saying this, sage Gautama disappeared.
The king observed Annada Ekadashi as advised by sage Gautama. As a result, all his sins were removed. Under the influence of the vrat, all the sufferings of King Harishchandra ended. Again he got his wife back and his dead son also came back to life. From the sky, the gods started chanting and showering flowers.
A person who observes Annada Ekadashi vrat with devotion, attains devotion to the feet of Sri Hari and finally goes to the divine abode. The result obtained from Ashwamedha Yajna is equal to the reading and listening to the impotance of this Ekadashi fast.
By Krishna Das
