Indira Ekadashi

The glories of Indira Ekadashi are narrated in the Padma Purana through a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Sri Krishna.

Once, Yudhishthira Maharaja asked Lord Krishna about the Ekadashi that occurs during the Krishna Paksha of Ashvina and requested Him to explain its significance. Lord Krishna then narrated an ancient history concerning a pious king named Indrasena, who ruled the kingdom of Mahishmati. King Indrasena was a righteous ruler, devoted to Lord Vishnu, truthful in character, and beloved by his citizens. He governed his kingdom according to religious principles and regularly engaged in devotional activities.

One day, the great sage Narada Muni descended from the heavenly planets and arrived at the royal palace. Seeing the exalted sage, King Indrasena immediately stood up, offered respectful obeisances, and welcomed him with great honor.

After receiving proper hospitality, Narada Muni spoke to the king:
“O King, I have come with an important message regarding your departed father.”

Hearing this, King Indrasena became anxious and respectfully requested the sage to explain further. Narada Muni revealed that while traveling through the abode of Yamaraja, he had seen the king’s father residing in a lower planetary region due to certain karmic reactions from a previous life. Although the king’s father had performed many pious deeds, some remaining reactions were preventing him from attaining a higher destination.

Narada Muni then conveyed the father’s message:
“O my son Indrasena, by the mercy of Narada Muni I am able to send you this request. Soon the sacred Indira Ekadashi will arrive. If you faithfully observe this Ekadashi vrata and dedicate the spiritual merits to me, I shall be freed from my suffering and attain a higher destination.”

Hearing this message, King Indrasena was deeply moved and immediately resolved to follow the sage’s instructions. As the auspicious day of Indira Ekadashi arrived, the king observed the fast with great sincerity and devotion. He spent the day worshipping Lord Vishnu, chanting the holy names of the Lord, hearing sacred scriptures, and engaging in devotional service. Throughout the day and night, he remained absorbed in remembrance of Lord Hari. After completing the observance according to scriptural regulations, King Indrasena offered the accumulated spiritual merit to his departed father.

By the power of Indira Ekadashi and the mercy of Lord Vishnu, the king’s father was immediately freed from his suffering. He attained a beautiful celestial form and ascended to the higher planets, blessed by the Lord’s grace. King Indrasena himself received immense spiritual benefit and continued ruling his kingdom peacefully while advancing steadily in devotion. Upon completing his earthly duties, he ultimately attained the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu.

Thus, Indira Ekadashi became renowned as the sacred Ekadashi that delivers departed ancestors and grants blessings to both the observer and their family lineage.