Mokshada Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. It falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of the Margashirsha month, which corresponds to November or December in the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Mokshada Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, December 22, and Saturday, December 23.
Mokshada Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, revealed the sacred Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, his disciple and friend, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The Bhagavad Gita is a holy scripture that contains the essence of Vedas and Upanishads and teaches the path of righteousness, duty, and devotion.
Mokshada Ekadashi is also known as Gita Jayanti, as it marks the birthday of the Bhagavad Gita. It is also called Vaikuntha Ekadashi, as it is said that the gates of Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, are open on this day for the devotees who seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Benefits of Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat
The word Mokshada means “giver of liberation”. By observing the Mokshada Ekadashi vrat, one can attain the following benefits:
- Erase the sins of one’s past and present lives, and purify the body, mind, and soul.
- Attain moksha, or liberation, for oneself and one’s ancestors from the cycle of birth and death.
- Gain the merit equivalent to performing an Ashvamedha Yajna, a royal sacrifice involving a horse.
- Achieve the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, and get closer to them.
- Fulfill one’s material and spiritual desires, and enjoy peace, happiness, and prosperity.
How to Observe Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat
The Mokshada Ekadashi vrat involves fasting, praying, and chanting the name of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Here are the steps to follow:
- On the day before Ekadashi, known as Dashami, eat only one meal before sunset, and avoid onion, garlic, and other tamasic foods.
- On the day of Ekadashi, wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Offer water, flowers, incense, lamp, and fruits to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, the thousand names of Vishnu.
- Observe a complete fast, or a partial fast by consuming only fruits, milk, and water. Avoid grains, beans, and other foods that are considered impure on this day. Also, abstain from lying, stealing, violence, gambling, and other sinful activities.
- Spend the day in meditation, reading, and listening to the Bhagavad Gita. You can also visit a temple of Vishnu or Krishna, and participate in the Gita recitation and discourse. Sing or listen to devotional songs, such as the Hare Krishna mantra, and donate food, clothes, money, or other items to the needy.
- On the next day, known as Dwadashi, break the fast after sunrise, and offer food and water to a cow, a brahmin, or a poor person. Seek the forgiveness of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna for any mistakes or offenses committed during the vrat.
Things to Bring for Mokshada Ekadashi Puja
To perform the Mokshada Ekadashi puja, you will need the following items:
- An idol or a picture of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna
- A yellow cloth, a kalash (a metal pot), and a coconut
- Water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee for the abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the idols
- Tulsi leaves, flowers, sandalwood paste, kumkum, and akshata (rice grains mixed with turmeric) for the alankaram (decoration) of the idols
- Incense sticks, lamps, and camphor for the aarti (ritual waving of light)
- Fruits, dry fruits, sweets, and other offerings for the naivedyam (food offering)
- Betel leaves, betel nuts, and dakshina (money) for the arpanam (donation)
Conclusion
Mokshada Ekadashi is a golden opportunity to connect with Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, and to receive their grace and guidance. By observing the Mokshada Ekadashi vrat with faith and devotion, you can transform your life and attain the ultimate wealth and success.