Rama Ekadashi, which falls on October 15 this year (2017),  marks the beginning of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. On this auspicious day, people observe fast and worship Lord Vishnu, with complete devotion to free oneself from all worldly pain and attain salvation.

Rama Ekadashi: Religious belief and significance

According to Hindu religious scriptures like Brahma-Vaivarta Purana, it is believed that by fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu with devotion on the day of Rama Ekadashi, the person enjoys greater blessings than by performing 100 Rajasuya Yagyas or 1000 Ashvamedha Yagyas.  The observer of this fast is able to overcome all the obstacles in his/her life and achieve triumph over all evils.

It is also said that by observing fast on this day, a person can attain salvation and reach the supreme abode of Shri Hari Vishnu.

The story behind Rama Ekadashi

Once, there was a king named Muchukund. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and had friendship with Indra, Varuna and Kuber. His kingdom was flourishing and honesty was his motto. After marriage, the king was blessed with a baby girl who was named Chandrabhaga. When she grew up, she was married to Shobhan, the son of King Chandrasen. Chandrabhaga was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu like her father. She used to fast on Ekadashi since her childhood. Once, she asked her husband Shobhan to keep Ekadashi fast along with her. Initially, Shobhan refused to keep the fast due to his weak strength. But, when he saw Chandrabhaga depressed due to his refusal, he kept the fast.

The next morning, Shobhan died out of thirst and hunger. King Chandrasen then cemented the body of his son and asked his daughter-in-law to return to his parent’s house. By the virtue of Ekadashi fast, Shobhan got a great invisible and unique kingdom. Nobody, even his wife, knew about it.

One day, a Brahman belonged to the kingdom of Chandrabhaga saw the kingdom of Shobhan. Shobhan told him the greatness of observing Ekadashi fast and requested the Brahman to tell the whole story to his wife Chandrabhaga. After returning back to Chandrabhaga’s kingdom, the Brahman told her the whole story. Chandrabhaga converted the kingdom of Shobhan into reality as she became very powerful by observing Ekadashi fast. And they lived happily ever after.

How is Rama Ekadashi fast observed? 

This year, Rama Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, October 15, 2017, 2 am and ends on October 16, 2017, at 1.15 am. The ritual of the fast starts a day before. One has to refrain from certain foods and consume only saatvik meal once before sunset. The next day i.e. the actual fasting day (Ekadashi), nothing can be eaten the whole day. The fast ends on Dwadashi tithi that falls the next day of Ekadashi.

On the day of Rama Ekadashi, the observer has to get up early before sunrise and take bath. Then, lord Vishnu is worshipped with full devotion by offering special bhog, fruits, flowers, dhoop and aarti. Prayers are also offered to goddess Lakshmi as Rama is another name to the goddess and she is the better-half of lord Vishnu. On this day, seeking her blessings also helps to attain happiness, health and prosperity. Bhajans and kirtans are organised. Reading Bhagwat Gita is also believed to be very auspicious on this day. The end of the fasting is known as ‘Parana’ that occurs on the next morning of Ekadashi tithi. Parana time is on October 16, 2017, from 6:55 am to 8:45 am.

Things to avoid on Rama Ekadashi

Consuming rice and grains on Ekadashi is strictly prohibited even for those who are not fasting.

Rama Ekadashi fasting time

This year, Rama Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, October 15, 2017, 2 am and ends on October 16, 2017, at 1.15 am.

May lord Vishnu bless everyone like the way he blessed Chandrabhaga and her husband Shobhan, on Rama Ekadashi 2017.