Parama Ekadashi

The glories of Parama Ekadashi are described in the Skanda Purana, where Lord Krishna narrated this wonderful history to Maharaja Yudhishthira.

Long ago, in the ancient city of Kampilya, there lived a pious Brahmana named Sumedha and his devoted wife Pavitra. Although they were deeply religious and dedicated to serving Lord Hari, they suffered from extreme poverty. Many days passed without sufficient food, proper clothing, or basic comforts. Despite their difficult circumstances, Pavitra remained unwavering in her devotion. Whenever guests arrived at their home, she would gladly offer whatever little food they possessed, often remaining hungry herself. Both husband and wife accepted their situation as the result of past karma and continued worshipping the Lord with faith.

As years passed, Sumedha became discouraged by their constant hardships and considered leaving home to search for wealth elsewhere. However, Pavitra gently advised him:
“Whatever happiness or distress comes to us is the result of our previous actions. Wealth cannot be obtained merely by wandering from place to place. Let us continue serving the Lord and depend upon His mercy.”

One day, the great sage Kaundinya Muni unexpectedly arrived at their humble home. Although they possessed almost nothing, Sumedha and Pavitra welcomed the sage with great respect, offering him whatever hospitality they could. Pleased by their humility, devotion, and sincere service, Kaundinya Muni revealed a powerful secret.

He instructed them to faithfully observe Parama Ekadashi, the sacred Ekadashi that appears during Purushottam Maas. The sage explained that this Ekadashi destroys accumulated sins, removes poverty, grants prosperity, and bestows the special mercy of Lord Hari. With complete faith in the sage’s instructions, Sumedha and Pavitra observed Parama Ekadashi with full devotion. They fasted, chanted the holy names of the Lord, worshipped Lord Vishnu, and spent the day absorbed in devotional service.

Soon after, by the mercy of Lord Purushottama, their lives changed dramatically. A royal prince arrived and gifted them a beautiful residence, abundant wealth, and even an entire village for their maintenance. However, rather than becoming attached to material prosperity, Sumedha and Pavitra used everything in the service of the Lord. They continued their devotional practices and spent their lives engaged in charity, worship, and service to devotees.

At the end of their lives, having received both material and spiritual blessings, they attained the eternal abode of Lord Hari.