Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O ocean of mercy, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhādrapada (August–September). Kindly explain its observance and the merit one obtains by following it faithfully.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of Bhādrapada is called Annadā Ekadasi. It is extremely powerful, capable of removing all sins, and bestows inexhaustible merit upon the observer.
By observing this Ekadasi, one becomes free from all sins, obtains spiritual perfection, and attains the merit of feeding thousands of people. Now hear from Me the ancient story that illustrates its glory.”
The Story of King Harīścandra
“In ancient times, there lived a famous and virtuous king named Harīścandra. He was truthful, kind, and just, and he ruled over his kingdom according to dharma. Because of his dedication to truth, he became known throughout the three worlds.
However, by the will of Providence, the king once came under the influence of the great sage Viśvāmitra, who tested his devotion to truth. The sage demanded the king’s entire kingdom as a donation, and Harīścandra, though shocked, gave it away without hesitation, keeping his vow never to lie.
Left without wealth or home, the king sold his wife and son into slavery to fulfill the sage’s demand, and he himself became a servant in a cremation ground, collecting fees for the burning of corpses. Though his body was covered with dust and ashes, he never deviated from truth.”
The King’s Suffering
“King Harīścandra suffered greatly. Separated from his wife and son, living among the dead, and deprived of royal comforts, he endured extreme hardship.
One day, his wife brought the dead body of their only son to the cremation ground, crying bitterly. Seeing this, the king’s heart broke, yet bound by duty, he demanded the cremation fee from her as required by his position.
Weeping, she said, ‘O my lord, I have no money. Please take me instead as payment.’ Harīścandra, faithful to his vow, stood firm, though his heart ached. At that very moment, divine voices filled the air, praising his steadfast truthfulness.
Then, by the mercy of Lord Viṣṇu and the sage Viśvāmitra, the king’s suffering ended. His son returned to life, his kingdom was restored, and his fame spread throughout the universe.”
The Sage’s Revelation
“Later, when Harīścandra humbly asked Sage Viśvāmitra the cause of his deliverance, the sage said, ‘O King, your redemption was attained because you unknowingly observed the fast of Annadā Ekadasi.
Though you were fasting out of sorrow, the day you fasted was this most sacred Ekadasi. The merit of that fast destroyed all your sins, purified your heart, and pleased Lord Viṣṇu, who restored your kingdom and family.
Because this Ekadasi provides both material sustenance and spiritual liberation, it is known as Annadā, “the giver of food and life.” Whoever observes this fast with devotion will never suffer from hunger, poverty, or misfortune.’”
The Greatness of Annadā Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, fasting on Annadā Ekadasi bestows the merit of feeding a thousand brāhmaṇas. Whoever observes this fast is freed from sins committed over many births and attains the highest perfection.
Even one who hears or recites its glories gains immense merit and is delivered from all material suffering.
This sacred day is so powerful that it can even liberate the ancestors of seven generations from hellish conditions, granting them residence in the heavenly realms.
Therefore, one should observe this Ekadasi with faith and devotion, worshiping Me with incense, lamps, and flowers, remaining awake throughout the night, and chanting My holy names.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O king, whoever observes the fast of Annadā Ekadasi faithfully attains both worldly happiness and spiritual perfection.
By fasting and remaining awake during the night, hearing and chanting My glories, one attains the merit of giving the entire earth in charity.
At the time of death, such a devotee is carried by My messengers to Vaikuṇṭha, My eternal abode.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, this sacred day is the destroyer of sins, the giver of food, wealth, and liberation, and should be observed by all.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Annadā Ekadasi is found in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira the deliverance of King Harīścandra through the observance of this sacred fast.
Observing Annadā Ekadasi destroys sins, ends suffering, and bestows truth, prosperity, and final liberation.
