Rama Ekadashi Mahatma
Dharmaraja Yudhishthira asked, “Oh Lord! What is the name of Kartik Krishna Ekadashi? What is its ritual? What is its fruit? Please explain in detail.” Lord Krishna said, “The Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month is called Rama. It destroys even the gravest sins. I will tell you its significance; listen carefully.”
O King! In ancient times, there was a king named Muchukunda. He was friends with Indra, and so were Yama, Kubera, Varuna, and Vibhishana. This king was a very pious man, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and ruled with justice. He had a daughter named Chandrabhaga, who was married to Chandrasena’s son, Shobhan. One day, he visited his in-laws’ house. Around that time, the auspicious Ekadashi (Rama) was also approaching.
When the day of the fast came near, Chandrabhaga started thinking deeply that my husband is very weak and my father’s order is very harsh. On the tenth day, the king had the drums beaten and announced throughout the kingdom that no food should be eaten on Ekadashi. Hearing the drums’ announcement, Shobhan became deeply worried and said to his wife, “O dear one!” What should I do now? I can no longer bear the hunger. Please suggest a way to save my life, otherwise I will surely die.
Chandrabhaga said, “O my lord! During my father’s reign, no one eats food on Ekadashi. Even elephants, horses, camels, cats, cows, etc., cannot consume grass, food, or water, let alone humans.” If you want to eat, go somewhere else. If you want to stay here, you’ll have to fast. Hearing this, Shobhan said, “My dear! I will definitely fast. Whatever fate has in store for me, I’ll see.”
Dharmaraj Yudhishthir should explain in detail the name of Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, its method, how to get its benefits. When asked this, Lord Krishna replied that the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month is called Rama. It destroys even the gravest sins.
Thinking like this, Shobhan kept a fast and he started suffering from hunger and thirst. When Surya Narayana set and the time for night vigil came, it was a matter of great joy for the Vaishnavas, but it was very sad for Shobhan. By morning, Shobhan had passed away. The king then had him cremated using fragrant wood. However, Chandrabhaga, following her father’s orders, did not cremate herself and, after Shobhan’s funeral, continued to live in her father’s house.
Due to the influence of Rama Ekadashi, Shobhan got a beautiful Devpur on Mount Mandara, full of wealth and grains and devoid of enemies. That very beautiful building, built on golden pillars studded with precious stones and lapis lazuli, adorned with various kinds of crystal gems, was adorned with precious clothes and ornaments, umbrella and fan,Sitting on the throne surrounded by Gandharvas and Apsaras, he looked so beautiful as if another Indra was sitting there.
Once a Brahmin named Som Sharma, who lived in Muchukund Nagar, went there while on a pilgrimage and recognizing Shobhan as the king’s son-in-law, went near him. Recognizing him, Shobhan rose from his seat and approached him. After paying his respects, the Brahmin inquired about his well-being. The Brahmin replied, “King Muchukunda and your wife are doing well.” Everything is fine in the city, but O King, we are astonished. Please tell us how you came to possess such a beautiful city, which you have never seen or heard of before.
Then Shobhan said, “I obtained this city by observing the Rama Ekadashi fast on the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, but it is unstable. Please find a way to make it stable.” The Brahmin said, “O King! Please tell me why it is not stable and how it can be made stable. Then I will definitely take action. Don’t misunderstand this. Shobhan said that he had observed this fast without any faith. Therefore, all this is unstable. If you tell this story to Muchukunda’s daughter Chandrabhaga, it may become stable.
Hearing this, the great Brahmin returned to his city and told Chandrabhaga the entire story. Hearing the Brahmin’s words, Chandrabhaga said to him with great joy, “O Brahmin! Have you seen all these things in person or are you talking about a dream? The Brahmin said, “O daughter! I have seen your husband in person in Mahavan. I have also seen his city, like the city of the gods, unconquerable by anyone.” He also said that it is not stable and measures should be taken to ensure that it remains stable.
Chandrabhaga said, “O Brahmin! Take me there. I yearn to see my husband. I will make that city stable with the virtues I have earned.” You must do something that will bring them together, for reuniting the separated is a great virtue. Hearing this, Som Sharma took Chandrabhaga with him and went to the ashram of sage Vamadeva near Mount Mandara. After listening to the entire incident, Vamadeva anointed Chandrabhaga with Vedic mantras. Then, through the influence of the sage’s mantra and the Ekadashi fast, Chandrabhaga’s body became divine and she attained divine salvation.
After this, she approached her husband with great joy. Shobhan was overjoyed to see his beloved wife approaching. He called her and made her sit on his left side. Chandrabhaga said, “O my beloved! Please accept my blessings.” Since I was eight years old, I have been faithfully observing the Ekadashi fast at my father’s house. Through this virtue, your city will become stable and will remain saturated with all the rituals until the end of the apocalypse. Thus, Chandrabhaga, adorned with divine ornaments and clothes, started living happily with her husband.
O King! I have described the significance of Rama Ekadashi. Those who observe this fast are freed from all sins, including killing a brahmin. The Ekadashis of both the Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha are the same; there is no distinction between them. Both yield equal results. Those who read or listen to this greatness are freed from all sins and attain Vishnuloka.
Iti Shubham.
