Amalaki Ekadashi
King Mandhata once said to Vasistha Muni, "O great sage, kindly be merciful to me and tell me of a holy fast that will benefit me eternally."
Vasistha Muni replied, "O king, kindly listen as I describe the best of all fast days, Amalaki Ekadashi. He who faithfully observes a fast on this Ekadashi obtains enormous wealth, gets free of the effects of all kinds of sins, and attains liberation. Fasting on this Ekadashi is more purifying than donating one thousand cows in charity to a pure brahmana. So please hear me attentively as I tell you the story of a hunter who, though daily engaged in killing innocent animals for his living, achieved liberation by observing a fast on Amalaki Ekadashi and following the prescribed rules and regulations of worship.
Annada Ekadashi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Janardana, protector of all living entities, please tell me the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadranada (August-September)
The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, replied, "O king, hear me attentively. The name of this sin-removing, sacred Ekadashi is Annada. Any person who fasts completely on this day and worships Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, becomes free of all reactions to his sins. Even one who simply hears about this Ekadashi is freed from his past sins. O king, there is no better day than this in all the earthly and heavenly worlds. This is true without a doubt.
Bhaimi (Jaya) Ekadashi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Lord of lords, Shri Krishna, all glories unto You! O master of the universe, You alone are the source of the four types of living entities-those born from eggs, those born from perspiration, those born from seeds, and those born from embryos. You alone are the root cause of all, O Lord, and therefore You are the creator, maintainer, and destroyer.
My Lord, You have so kindly explained to me the auspicious day known as Sat-tila Ekadashi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Magha (January-February). Now please explain the Ekadashi, that occurs during the light fortnight of this month. By what name is it known, and what is the process for observing it? Who is the Deity that is worshiped on this sublime day, which is so very dear to You?"
Apara Ekadashi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Jyestha (May-June)? I wish to hear the glories of this sacred day. Please narrate every thing to me."
Lord Shri Krishna said, "O king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadashi is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its potency. O great king, the name of this unlimitedly meritorious Ekadashi is Apara Ekadashi Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous all over the universe. Even such sins as killing a brahmana, a cow, or an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another man's wife are completely eradicated by observing Apara Ekadashi.
Indira Ekadashi
Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Madhusudana, O killer of the Madhu demon, what is the name of the Ekadashi. that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Asvina (September-October)? Please describe its glories to me."
The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, replied, "This holy day is called Indira Ekadashi. If a person fasts on this day, all his sins are eradicated and his forefathers who have fallen into hell are liberated. O best of kings, one who simply hears about this Ekadashi. achieves the great merit earned by performing a horse sacrifice.
In the Satya-yuga there lived a king named Indrasena, who was so powerful that he destroyed all his enemies. His kingdom was called Mahismati-puri. The glorious and highly religious King Indrasena took good care of his subjects, and therefore he was rich in gold, grains, sons, and grandsons. He was greatly devoted to Shri Vishnu as well. He especially enjoyed chanting My name, calling out 'Govinda! Govinda!' In this way King Indrasena systematically dedicated himself to pure spiritual life and spent much time meditating on the Absolute Truth.
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