Padmini Ekadashi

The glory of Padmini Ekadashi is described in the scriptures through the history of King Kritavirya and his devoted wife Queen Padmini.

King Kritavirya was a powerful ruler blessed with wealth, influence, and prosperity. However, despite enjoying every material comfort, he remained deeply unhappy because he had no child to continue his dynasty.

For many years, the king and queen performed severe austerities, prayers, and penances in the hope of obtaining a worthy son. Yet their desire remained unfulfilled. Eventually, Queen Padmini approached the exalted saint Anasuya Devi, the wife of Sage Atri and one of the most revered women in Vedic history. Humbly offering her respects, she explained her sorrow and asked for guidance.

Moved by her sincerity, Anasuya Devi instructed her to observe the sacred Padmini Ekadashi, which occurs during the highly auspicious Purushottam Maas. The sage explained that this rare Ekadashi is especially dear to Lord Purushottama and that sincere worship, fasting, chanting, and devotion performed on this day attract extraordinary divine blessings. Following these instructions faithfully, Queen Padmini observed the Ekadashi with complete dedication. She spent the day in fasting, worship of Lord Vishnu, chanting His holy names, and offering heartfelt prayers.

Pleased by her devotion, Lord Purushottama personally bestowed His mercy upon the royal couple. In due course, they were blessed with a glorious son named Kartavirya Arjuna, who later became one of the most powerful kings described in Vedic history, possessing extraordinary strength, fame, and influence.

Through this pastime, the scriptures demonstrate that sincere devotion offered on Padmini Ekadashi can attract the Lord’s special mercy and accomplish what ordinary efforts cannot achieve.