Aja Ekadashi

In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi dates are considered to be a special means of liberation from sins and attainment of salvation. Among these, Aja Ekadashi is very virtuous and beneficial. This Ekadashi is celebrated on the Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. By fasting, chanting, penance and service on this day, all the sins of life are destroyed and the path to salvation becomes easy.

Mythological context and importance of Aja Ekadashi

According to the story described in Padma Purana, by observing the fast of Aja Ekadashi, even a truth-loving and religious man like King Harishchandra got freedom from his sins. King Harishchandra remained trapped in many sorrows and troubles due to being steadfast on the path of truth. With the advice of Maharishi Gautam, he observed the fast of Aja Ekadashi according to the rules. Due to the effect of this fast, all his sins were destroyed and he regained his lost kingdom, family and honor.

This fast is especially fruitful for those who are suffering from the sorrows, poverty and mental afflictions of life. Fasting on Aja Ekadashi opens the way to happiness, prosperity, good fortune and salvation in life.

Importance of charity and service

The day of Aja Ekadashi is not limited to fasting and abstinence only. The importance of charity and service increases immensely on this day. The charity done on this day is as fruitful as bathing in crores of yagyas and pilgrimages. It is also said in the scriptures—

Daatvyam Bhoktavyam Dharmyam Cha Sadaiv Hi.

Dattam Hi Sukritam Loke Param Brahma Na Sanshayah॥

That is, charity and service is the religion of life. This good deed (virtue) is beneficial in both the world and the other world.

The virtue of donation and service on Aja Ekadashi

Donating food, clothes, medicine, education and food to the needy, disabled, helpless and poor people on Aja Ekadashi fills the storehouse of virtue in life. Participate in the service project of providing lifelong food (one day in a year) to the disabled children of Narayan Seva Sansthan and get the eternal virtue benefits of this holy day.