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Ekadashi Vrat (fast) is one of the most significant fast observed among all the Hindu festivals. The word ‘Ekadashi’ has its roots in Sanskrit language, which means ‘Eleven’ and corresponds to the 11th day of every fortnight in Hindu Lunar Calendar. There are a total of 24 Ekadashi Vrat observed every year, 12 for Shukla Paksh and 12 for Krishna Paksh. There are two extra Ekadashi’s occur in a leap year.

For every fast there is a different Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

Ekadashi is observed by both Vaishnavas and the Non-Vaishnava community. This day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu. Prayers and mantras are chanted, and puja offered in praise of Lord Vishnu to invoke his blessings for all-round prosperity. Tulsi is worshipped and it is also offered to lord Vishnu.

The advent of Ekadashi:

The demon Mura was a source of terror to the demigods, who were vanquished from their heavenly abode and were dwelling on the earth. To lighten their plight, they approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu immediately approached Mura, and a fierce fight ensued. The other demons who were present with Mura were defeated. But the fight between the Lord and Mura continued for 1000 celestial years. Lord Vishnu to give his devotee the honor of killing Mura retired into a cave in the Himalayas to rest. Mura seeing the Lord sleeping wanted to attack the Lord. As he picked up his weapon to kill the Lord, a young girl appeared from within the Lord and cut off his head with a roar. The Lord woke up and saw the girl and the dead Mura and asked who she was and how was Mura killed. The girl said she was Maha Shakti the internal potency of the Lord, born of Eleven (Ekadashi) Indriyas (senses) of Lord Vishnu. She proclaimed that she was his eternal servitor and that she had beheaded Mura. The Lord was pleased and asked her to ask for any boon. The boons she asked for were that she always be the chosen and loved one of the Lord and  she be the topmost of all the tithi’s. That she be capable of destroying all sins and grant people a happier life. Read more...