Aja Ekadashi: The Fast That Saved a King

In our scriptures, every Ekadashi (the 11th day of the lunar fortnight) holds special power, but some are so potent they can reverse even the most terrible misfortunes. One such powerful day is the Aja Ekadashi, which falls during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadra.

Lord Krishna himself narrated its glory to King Yudhishthira, telling him the incredible story of a king who lost everything but regained it all through the grace of this one sacred fast.

The Trials of King Harishchandra

There once was a great king named Harishchandra, renowned for his unwavering commitment to truth, his generosity, and his compassion. He was the very embodiment of a righteous ruler. However, due to the karma of a past life, a time of great suffering came upon him.

Through a series of unfortunate events, he lost his entire kingdom. To keep his word, he gave away all his wealth and was forced to sell his own wife and son. Finally, he himself became a servant to a lowly undertaker. The great king, who once had everything, was now destitute and heartbroken.

A Glimmer of Hope

Years passed in misery. One day, while lost in grief, King Harishchandra met the great sage Gautama Muni. Seeing the king’s pitiable condition, the sage advised him with great compassion:

“O King, there is a path to your redemption. Observe the sacred fast of Aja Ekadashi. If you perform this vrata with pure devotion and worship Lord Hrishikesha (Vishnu), all your past sins will be washed away, and your fortunes will be restored.”

The Power of the Vrata

Clinging to this last hope, King Harishchandra observed the Aja Ekadashi fast with utmost sincerity. He spent the day and night in prayer and devotion.

The effect was miraculous.

Due to the immense merit earned from the fast, the heavens rejoiced. Flowers rained from the sky, and divine music filled the air. By the grace of the Lord, all of Harishchandra’s sins were erased. His beloved wife and son were restored to him, and he regained his lost kingdom. He once again ruled as a prosperous and righteous king, all thanks to the power of this single, sacred day.

The story of King Harishchandra teaches us that no matter how difficult our circumstances, sincere devotion can overcome any obstacle. The Aja Ekadashi is a powerful reminder that the Lord’s grace is always there to lift us from our deepest sorrows.

Jai Jagannath!