Utpanna Ekadashi fast.

Introduction

Everyone knows that God is worshiped by fasting on Ekadashi, but very few people know that the practice of fasting started from Utpanna Ekadashi itself. The story related to this Ekadashi is very interesting, it is said that on this Ekadashi date in Satyayuga, a goddess was born from the body of Lord Vishnu. This goddess saved the life of Lord Vishnu, due to which Vishnu was pleased and named her Devi Ekadashi.

The mythological story behind the birth of Utpanna Devi is as follows –

Sutji started saying – O sages! The story and origin of this fast was told by Lord Krishna to his great devotee Yudhishthir in ancient times. That’s what I tell you.

Yudhishthir started saying, Oh God! You did not equate thousands of yagyas and lakhs of cow donations with Ekadashi fast. So tell me how this date became better than all the other dates.

God started saying – O Yudhishthir! A demon named Mur was born in Satyayuga. He was very strong and terrifying. That fierce demon defeated Indra, Aditya, Vasu, Vayu, Agni etc. and drove away all the gods. Then all the gods including Indra got scared and told the whole story to Lord Shiva and said, O Kailashpati! All the gods are wandering in the world of death, fearing the demon Mur. Then Lord Shiva said- Oh Gods! Go to Lord Vishnu, the lord of the three worlds and the destroyer of the sorrows of the devotees. Only they can remove your sorrows. Hearing such words of Lord Shiva, all the gods reached Kshirsagar. Seeing the Lord sleeping there, he folded his hands and started praising Him, “O Lord who is worthy of being praised by the gods! Salutations to you again and again, Madhusudan, protector of the gods! Salutations to you. You protect us. Afraid of the demons, we all have come to you for refuge.”
“You are the creator, parent, originator, sustainer and destroyer of this world. You are the one who grants peace to all. You are also the sky and the underworld. You are also the father of all Brahma, Sun, Moon, Fire, material, home, offering, mantra, tantra, chanting, host, yagya, action, doer and enjoyer. You are omnipresent. There is nothing variable or immovable in the three worlds except you.”
“O Lord! The demons have conquered us and corrupted us from heaven and we all the gods are running here and there, please protect us all from those demons.”
Hearing such words of Indra, Lord Vishnu started saying, O Indra! Who is that elusive demon who has conquered all the gods, what is his name, how much power does he have and under whose protection is he and where is his place? Tell me all this.

Hearing such words of God, Indra said – Lord! In ancient times, there was a demon named Nadijangha, he had a very brave and famous son named Mur. He has a city named Chandravati. He has expelled all the gods from heaven and established his authority there. He has taken over the place of Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama, Vayu, Ish, Moon, Nairit etc. It itself becomes the sun and illuminates. He himself has become a cloud and is invincible. Oh demon Nikandan! Make the gods invincible by killing that evil person.

Hearing such words of Indra Dev, Lord Shri Vishnu said – Gods, I will soon kill your enemies. Now all of you go to Chandravati city. Thus Lord Vishnu was walking with the gods. At that time, the demon lord Mur was roaring in the battlefield along with many demons. When the demon saw the gods, he started a war with the gods also.

When the demons saw Lord Shri Vishnu in the battlefield, they started attacking him with weapons. All the scriptures which Lord Shri Vishnu used to kill Mur were destroyed due to his brilliance and started falling on him like flowers. Lord Shri Vishnu kept fighting with that demon for a thousand years but could not defeat that demon.

Shri Hari’s weapons would have been ineffective in front of the power of Mur. When the weapons failed, Vishnu then started fighting with Mur. When no decision could be taken for many years, then the Lord, wishing to rest, came to a cave called Hemvati and slept in the lap of Yoganidra. The demon Mur, chasing the Lord, entered this cave and seeing Vishnu sleeping there, as soon as Mur was ready to kill him, a bright, radiant goddess appeared from the body of Shri Hari.

The goddess challenged Mur and fought with him and killed him instantly. When Shri Hari woke up from the lap of sleep, after knowing everything he told the goddess that you were born on the day of Ekadashi, hence you will be worshiped in the name of Utpana Ekadashi. Your devotees will be those who are my devotees.

Ekadashi souvenir

Keep fast for Utpanna Ekadashi tomorrow on 26th November 2024.

Any person who wants to observe Ekadashi fast throughout the year can start his fast from Utpanna Ekadashi. The day of Utpanna Ekadashi is considered very auspicious for starting the Ekadashi fast.

Any person who wants to observe Ekadashi fast throughout the year can start his fast from Utpanna Ekadashi. The day of Utpanna Ekadashi is considered very auspicious for starting the Ekadashi fast.

Jai Shri Hari
Jai Shri Hari