Apara / Achala Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Apara Ekadashi fast is observed on the Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month. It is also known as Achala Ekadashi. This fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed for the destruction of sins, attainment of salvation, and fulfillment of all wishes.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to mythology, once upon a time, there used to be a king in a city named Mahishmati, whose name was Maharaj Mahidhwaj. He was a righteous and beloved king of the people. But his younger brother Vajradhwaj was jealous of him. One day Vajradhwaj deceitfully killed his elder brother Mahidhwaj and buried his body under a Peepal tree in the forest. Mahidhwaj's soul became a ghost and started living on the Peepal tree. That soul was very sad and angry due to his untimely death. One day a sage passed by that place. He understood the plight of the ghost with his yogic powers and decided to find a way to free him. The sage observed the Apara Ekadashi fast and offered its virtue to the soul of Mahidhwaj. With the effect of this fast, Mahidhwaj got freedom from the ghost world and attained salvation. The sage also preached Vajradhwaj to follow the path of truth. Since then, this fast became famous for the destruction of sins and purification of the soul.

Apara Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi

Bath and Purification

1. Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Take a vow to observe the fast in front of Lord Vishnu.

   Preparation for Puja

   1. Install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu in a clean place.
   2. Keep Tulsi, sandalwood, Akshat, lamp, fruits, and sweets in the Puja material.

   Pujan Vidhi

   1. Bathe Lord Vishnu with Gangajal and Panchamrit.
   2. Offer sandalwood, flowers, and Tulsi to him.
   3. Light a lamp and do the Aarti of Lord Vishnu.

   Katha Shravan

   1. Listen or read the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha with devotion.

   Mantra Japa

   1. Chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay".

   Ratri Jagran

   1. Sing bhajans and kirtans of Lord Vishnu at night.

   Paran

   1. End the fast by feeding Brahmins and giving donations on Dwadashi Tithi.

   Importance of fasting

   1. Observing the fast of Apara Ekadashi destroys sins.
   2. This fast is helpful in attaining salvation.
   3. The pains, troubles and sorrows of life are removed.
   4. This fast increases the importance of charity, religion and virtue.
   5. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, the fasting person gets the desired result.

   Jai Shri Hari!