Rama Ekadashi
A significant day to absolve all the sins committed, Rama Ekadashi falls in the month of Kartik during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha). This date corresponds in the month of September or October in the Gregorian Calendar. While Rama Ekadashi occurs in the Kartik month as per the traditional North Indian calendar, this Ekadashi occurs in the Puratassi month in the Tamilian calendar. Further more, it falls on Ashwayuj Krishna Paksha Ekadasi according to the Gujarati, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka calendars while it takes place in the Ashwin month in other regions of the country.
Devotees of Lord Vishnu believe that their sins and evil deeds can be washed away by observing a vrat on this day. Rama Ekadashi has an interesting tale to narrate regarding its observance. Check it out in the lines below and also find out how to observe the vrat.
How To Observe Rama Ekadashi Vrat
The story of Rama Ekadashi revolves around Prince Shobhana and his princess Chandrabhaga. Muchukunda was a famous and very powerful king apart from being a loyal follower of Lord Vishnu. Thus, his kingdom was popular all throughout the world.
The king’s daughter, Chandrabhaga was married off to Prince Shobhana. Prince Shobhana was very weak and hence, was not able to observe the Ekadashi vrats. But, the king strictly supported the Ekadashi fasting. In order to make for this situation, Princess Chandrabhaga asked the prince to return back to his kingdom. Nonetheless, the prince insisted on observing the fast. The Ekadashi period started and everyone started observing the fast. People even kept vigil.
But, prince Shobhana got very weak and could not stand hunger and thirst anymore. As a result, he died during the course of the night. However, due to his determination and influence of observing the vrat, Prince Shobhana was enthroned the king of Devapura, the kingdom of celestial beings. The city of Devapura found place at the top of Mandara Mountain. Conversely, the kingdom was only temporary as the prince had observed the fast only once during his lifetime. One fine day, a holy saint from the land of King Muchukunda visited the prince. He was glad to receive him as he could enquire about his wife through him.
He told him that he wanted his wife’s help to make his temporary kingdom permanent as she had been observing the Ekadashi vrat since childhood. The saint the visited the princess and retold his conversation with the prince. Princess Chandrabhaga got excited and with the help of Sage Vamadeva, she went to the temporary celestial kingdom of her husband. Thus, due to the power of observing Rama Ekadashi, the couple was reunited and the kingdom became a permanent one. All devotees observing Rama Ekadashi should avoid consuming food items made from grains and rice. However, the other rules are the same as those associated with Ekadashi vrat.
