Annada Ekadashi

The glories of Annada Ekadashi are described in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana through a conversation between Lord Krishna and Maharaja Yudhishthira.

Once, Yudhishthira Maharaja asked Lord Krishna about the Ekadashi that occurs during the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada and requested Him to explain its significance. Lord Krishna narrated the story of the famous and righteous King Harishchandra, who was celebrated throughout the world for his truthfulness and adherence to dharma.

Although King Harishchandra was a noble ruler, by the arrangement of destiny and the reactions of past karma, he lost his kingdom, wealth, and family. Reduced to extreme poverty, he was forced to live a life of great hardship. Eventually, he worked at a cremation ground, collecting fees for funeral rites while enduring immense sorrow and separation from his loved ones. Despite all his suffering, Harishchandra never abandoned truthfulness or righteousness.

One day, while enduring these painful circumstances, the king met the great sage Gautama Rishi. Seeing the king’s misery, the compassionate sage instructed him to observe the upcoming Annada Ekadashi.
Gautama Rishi explained:
“This sacred Ekadashi destroys sinful reactions, removes suffering, and grants the mercy of Lord Hari. Observe this vrata faithfully, and your miseries will come to an end.”

Filled with faith, King Harishchandra followed the sage’s instructions. He observed Annada Ekadashi with devotion, fasting, praying, remembering Lord Vishnu, and spending the day in spiritual practices. By the power of this sacred Ekadashi, the reactions causing his suffering were destroyed. His lost kingdom was restored, his family was reunited with him, and prosperity returned to his life. Most importantly, he received the mercy of Lord Hari and progressed toward spiritual perfection.

Thus, Annada Ekadashi became renowned as the Ekadashi that removes distress and restores both material and spiritual fortune.