Festivals
Date
Rama Ekadashi
Ekadashi Parana Timings
Auspicious Vrata Parana Windows
Parana Time
5 Nov, 6:45 am – 8:53 am, 5 Nov
Harivasara End Time
5 Nov, 6:04 am
Dwadashi End Time
6 Nov, 12:01 am
About
Rama Ekadashi, named after Goddess Lakshmi (Rama), falls shortly before Diwali. It is renowned for destroying the greatest of sins and granting entry into the spiritual realm.
Significance:
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana recounts the story of King Muchukunda's daughter, Chandrabhaga, who was married to Prince Shobhana. Shobhana was physically weak and could not tolerate fasting. However, in Muchukunda's kingdom, observing Ekadashi was absolute law. Shobhana observed Rama Ekadashi out of fear but died of hunger. Because he died on this sacred day, he was given a magnificent, though invisible, celestial kingdom. Later, Chandrabhaga used her accumulated Ekadashi merit to make his kingdom permanent and visible, joining him in eternal opulence.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Fasting: Observing a rigorous fast, drawing inspiration from Chandrabhaga's devotion. 2. Vishnu & Lakshmi Puja: Worshipping Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi to seek spiritual and material well-being. 3. Vrat Katha: Listening to the Rama Ekadashi story to understand the immense power of the vow. 4. Charity: Donating to temples and the poor to welcome the auspiciousness of the upcoming Diwali.