Today, Utapanna Ekadashi 2017, is observed as the birth anniversary of Ekadashi by Hindus across the world. Utapanna Ekadashi is the most significant of all ekadashis. It is believed that goddess Utapanna Ekadashi, who was born from Sri Hari’s radiance, rids all the sins and grant all the wishes of those who fast on Ekadashi.
The story behind Utapanna Ekadashi
In Krutayug, there was a demon named Mura. He was very powerful and defeated all gods, including Indra, chasing them out of heaven. Indra went to Rudra Deva on Kailash Mountain and seek help to defeat the demon. Ruda Deva directed Indra to go seek solace from Sri Hari. Deva Indra appealed to Sri Hari to save the world. Sri Hari along with other devas fought with the Asura and destroyed his army with his Sudarshan Chakra. However, Mura fought valiantly and then both fought for many years. All other devas ran away out of fear. Sri Hari played his leela that time. He pretended to get tired and decided to rest near Badrikashram in a cave named Simphapati.
Demon Mura followed Sri Hari and rushed to kill him seeing him taking rest. Suddenly, a miraculous goddess was born with all charisma from the body of Sri hari. The goddess was very powerful and was carrying a heavenly weapon in her hand. She attacked on Mura and he was burnt into ashes. Sri Hari woke up just in time and asked as to how she killed his enemy and rescued him. The goddess replied that it was all because of Sri Hari’s grace. Sri Hari was very happy to see the whole world joyous. He asked her for any boons for what she did for him.
Goddess Utapanna Ekadashi asked for three boons:
To be the most prominent of all the tithis.
To be the destroyer of everyone’s obstacles.
To be the grantor of wishes.
Sri Hari fulfilled all her desires.
This tithi is the dearest to Sri Hari out of all tithis that comes once in every month. The goddess with Sri Hari will rid all the sins and grant all the wishes for those who fast on Ekadashi.
Utapanna Ekadashi fasting rituals:
The fasting begins in the morning. Then the body is purified by taking bath. After taking bath, the devotee worships Lord Vishnu with incense sticks, fruits and flowers. Special bhog is offered to God Vishnu and Mata Ekadashi. If possible, one should fast on liquids like milk and water. However, nuts and fruits can also be taken. One should observe maun-japa (chanting the name of Lord Vishnu in mind) during the day time. Keep awake in the night and meditate in the feet of Sri Hari. Sing devotional songs. Refrain from onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, rice, salt and pulses. The observer should follow the rituals from the tenth day ‘Dashmi’.
Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek the love and affection of Lord Vishnu. Observe this fast with all self-control and purity in thoughts. Wash all the sins committed during the previous and present births, thereby leading to the attainment of Moksha.
Utapanna Ekadashi 2017 falls on November 14.