Ananda/ Aja Ekadashi

Aja Ekadashi, also known as Annada Ekadashi, falls during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). This sacred day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and holds immense significance for the removal of sins and attainment of liberation (moksha).

Mythological Origins

The history of Aja Ekadashi is narrated in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. The story goes as follows:

Once upon a time, there was a famous and righteous king named Harishchandra. He was known for his truthfulness and integrity. However, he faced severe hardships due to a curse that left him penniless and separated from his family. Despite his miseries, he continued to uphold his principles and honesty.

One day, while wandering in the forest, King Harishchandra met Sage Gautama. The sage, seeing the king’s plight, took pity on him and advised him to observe the fast of Aja Ekadashi. Sage Gautama assured the king that by observing this fast with devotion, he would be absolved of all his sins and regain his lost kingdom and family.

Following the sage’s advice, King Harishchandra observed the fast of Aja Ekadashi with utmost devotion and sincerity. As a result, all his past sins were eradicated, and he was reunited with his family. He regained his kingdom and lived a prosperous life thereafter. This story highlights the power of Aja Ekadashi in absolving sins and granting divine blessings.

Rituals

Fasting

Fasting on Aja Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious. Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, cereals, and beans. Some may undertake a nirjala fast (without water), while others may consume fruits, milk, and nuts. The fast begins at sunrise on Ekadashi and ends after sunrise on Dwadashi (the following day).

Puja and Prayers

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. The fast can be Nirjala (without water) or with limited consumption of fruits, milk, and nuts.

2. Morning Rituals: The day begins with an early morning bath, often in a holy river or with sanctified water at home. Devotees wear clean, preferably new clothes.

3. Prayer and Worship: Special pujas are performed to Lord Vishnu, including offering flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and Tulsi leaves. Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama and other mantras dedicated to Vishnu.

4. Reading Scriptures: Reading or listening to the stories and significance of Kamika Ekadashi from sacred texts like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana is a common practice.

5. Charity: Acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, and money to the needy, are encouraged. Feeding Brahmins and providing for animals are considered particularly meritorious.

6. Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake the entire night, chanting the names of Lord Vishnu, singing bhajans, and engaging in spiritual discussions.

7. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken the next day, Dwadashi, after performing morning rituals and offering food to a Brahmin or the needy. Devotees typically break the fast with light and sattvic (pure) food.

Bhog (Offerings)

Special offerings are prepared for Lord Vishnu on Aja Ekadashi. These offerings are later distributed as prasad (blessed food) among family members and other devotees. Common offerings include:

• Fruits: Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and grapes.

• Sweets: Traditional sweets like laddus, pedas, and kheer (rice pudding).

• Milk Products: Items like butter, ghee, and milk-based sweets.

• Tulsi Leaves: Considered highly sacred and offered to Lord Vishnu.

Temples

Aja Ekadashi is celebrated with great fervor in Vishnu temples across India and other parts of the world. Some of the most notable temples include:

1. Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand: One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, this temple sees thousands of devotees on Aja Ekadashi.

2. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: Known for its grand celebrations and rituals.

3. Jagannath Temple, Puri: A major center of Vaishnavism, this temple hosts special pujas and processions on Aja Ekadashi.

4. Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala: One of the most visited temples, where special rituals and prasad are offered on this day.

Arti (Ritual of Light):

Arti is an essential part of the worship ritual on Ekadashi. It involves the waving of lit lamps before the deity to the accompaniment of devotional songs.

1. Lighting the Lamps: Lamps filled with ghee or oil are lit.

2. Singing Bhajans: Devotional songs and bhajans praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

3. Waving the Lamp: The lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.

4. Ringing Bells: Bells are rung continuously during the Arti to invite positive vibrations.

5. Offering Flowers: Flowers and incense are also offered during the Arti.

6. Distributing Prasad: After the Arti, the offerings (bhog) are distributed as prasad among the devotees.

Mantras:

Chanting mantras is an integral part of the Ekadashi observance. Some important mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are:

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

ॐ नारायणाय नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

                                      Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..! ..

Summary:

Aja Ekadashi is a spiritually significant day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed with strict fasting, prayer, and various rituals. Devotees prepare special offerings (bhog), visit temples, perform Arti, and chant mantras to honor Lord Vishnu. These practices help devotees purify their minds and souls, seek divine blessings, and strive for spiritual liberation. Observing Aja Ekadashi with devotion is believed to bestow immense spiritual benefits, including the forgiveness of sins, fulfillment of desires, and progress on the path to Moksha.