Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O ocean of mercy, please describe to me the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Jyeṣṭha (May–June). What is its name, and what are its glories? Kindly tell me how it should be observed so that humanity may be benefited.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, listen attentively as I explain. The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Jyeṣṭha is known as Apara Ekadasi.
It is most sacred and powerful, capable of destroying all kinds of sins—those performed knowingly and unknowingly. By observing this Ekadasi, one attains great merit and liberation. The results of observing this day are so great that even the most sinful persons can be purified by fasting on it.”
The Greatness of Apara Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O best of kings, the merit attained by fasting on this Ekadasi is equal to that obtained by:
- bathing in all holy places such as the Ganges, Godāvarī, and Narmadā,
- performing great sacrifices like the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha,
- giving charity to qualified brāhmaṇas, and
- worshiping Me with devotion.
One who observes Apara Ekadasi becomes famous for his piety and enjoys happiness both in this life and the next. He becomes glorious and effulgent, and his past sins are destroyed, just as the rising sun dispels darkness.”
The Types of Sins Destroyed
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, the sins destroyed by observing Apara Ekadasi are numerous:
- killing a brāhmaṇa,
- killing an embryo,
- breaking vows or false oaths,
- offending one’s spiritual master,
- criticizing others,
- neglecting one’s prescribed duties,
- hoarding wealth unjustly, and
- disrespecting holy persons.
All these and countless other sins are eradicated by the power of fasting on Apara Ekadasi.
Those who have fallen from religious principles, those who have been degraded by association, and even those who have insulted brāhmaṇas or neglected their spiritual life—all become purified by sincerely observing this sacred day.”
The Analogy of the Armor of Devotion
“This Ekadasi acts as divine armor (kavaca) for those who observe it. It protects them from the attacks of illusion and from falling into sin.
Just as a warrior is protected by armor in battle, a devotee who observes Apara Ekadasi is shielded from the reactions of his past misdeeds.
By the power of this observance, one attains both worldly success and spiritual advancement. Those who fast and remain awake through the night, chanting My holy names, are guaranteed liberation at the time of death.”
Examples of Those Delivered
“O king, listen to how even great sinners have been delivered by the observance of Apara Ekadasi:
- Brahmā’s priest, by observing this day, attained liberation.
- Pulastya Muni, who had performed severe penance for countless years, once fell from his vow but was purified by fasting on this Ekadasi.
- King Mahidhvaja, who had killed his brother and was suffering as a ghost, was freed from his ghostly condition through this fast.
- King Harishchandra, who lost his kingdom, his family, and was forced to work in a cremation ground, regained his lost glory and achieved liberation by observing this sacred day.
Even one who hears these examples with faith will be freed from all sins.”
The Story of King Mahidhvaja
“There was once a king named Mahidhvaja who ruled his kingdom with justice and devotion. However, his younger brother, jealous of his power and piety, killed him one night while he was asleep.
Because the king died without proper funeral rites, his soul became a restless ghost, wandering in misery for many years. One day, the great sage Dhundhumāra came to that place and saw the ghostly king suffering terribly. Out of compassion, the sage asked him about his condition.
The ghost explained his tragic story and begged for deliverance. Hearing this, Sage Dhundhumāra instructed him to observe the fast of Apara Ekadasi. By the power of this vow, King Mahidhvaja was immediately freed from his ghostly form and attained a divine body, rising to the heavenly planets.”
The Blessings of Observing the Fast
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this fast with faith and devotion becomes pure in heart and mind.
The merit obtained by observing Apara Ekadasi surpasses that of visiting all sacred pilgrimages or giving unlimited charity.
Whoever remains awake on this night, hearing and chanting My glories, becomes free from all bondage and attains residence in My eternal abode.
Those who observe this Ekadasi will not be touched by sin, even if they live in the midst of sinful people, just as a lotus remains untouched by water.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O King, observing this sacred day fulfills all desires. It destroys the reactions of sinful life, grants good fortune, and leads one to Me.
Even one who simply hears the glories of Apara Ekadasi with devotion becomes freed from the sins of ten million births.
Whoever fasts on this day and offers prayers to Lord Viṣṇu will not enter the dark regions of Yamarāja but will instead ascend to the heavenly realms and finally attain liberation.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, observe this Ekadasi and instruct others to do the same. It brings happiness in this life and perfection in the next.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Apara Ekadasi is found in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira the great power of fasting on this sacred day. Observing Apara Ekadasi delivers even the most fallen souls from sin and grants protection, prosperity, and final liberation.
