The Ekadashi of the Krishnapaksha (waning phase of moon) of Pausha month (December-January) is known as Saphala Ekadashi. It occurs after Mokshada Ekadashi and followed by Putrada Ekadashi. It is also well-known as ‘Pausha Krishna Ekadashi’. Let’s know about Saphala Ekadashi myth and significance.

Story of Saphala Ekadashi Vrat

According to the Padma Purana, there was a king named Mahishmata in ancient times. His eldest son Lumbhaka used to indulge in various sinful activities. Angered by that, the king expelled Lumbhaka from the country. After that, Lumbhaka started living in the forest. There he could not sleep on the night of Pausha Krishna Dashami because of the bitter cold.

Lumbhaka lost consciousness due to cold in the morning. After half a day passed, he regained consciousness and started collecting fruits from the forest. In the evening, he prayed to God. He could not sleep even on Ekadashi night thinking about his misery.

In this way, Lumbhaka observed the vrat of Saphala Ekadashi without knowing about it. After this Lumbhaka’s character was modified. Then his father King Mahishmata gave the responsibility of all kingdoms to Lumbhaka and he went out for penance. After ruling the kingdom for many years in a righteous manner, Lumbhaka also went into penance. After his death he went to Vishnulok (the abode of Vishnu).

Benefits of Saphala Ekadashi

In the holy Brahmanda Purana, a conversation between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira narrated the vital significance of Saphala Ekadashi. According to Hindu Puranas, it is believed that the merit of celebrating Saphala Ekadashi is more than 1000 Ashwamedha Yajnas including 100 Rajsuya Yajnas.

According to the Padma Purana, Saphala Ekadashi is the vrat of Lord Vishnu. A devotee who fasts on the day of Saphala Ekadashi and worships Lord Vishnu, stays awake at night and meditates on Him and recites Sri Vishnu’s avatars and his beautiful words, his vrat observation must be successful. The fast of Saphala Ekadashi pleases Lord Vishnu and removes all the miseries from the devotee’s life. So, everybody should observe this auspicious vrat.

By Krishna Das