Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Madhusūdana, O killer of the demon Madhu, please describe the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Āśvina (September–October). What is its name, and what merit does one gain by observing it? Kindly tell me everything in detail.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, this Ekadasi is called Indirā Ekadasi. It is most auspicious, capable of destroying all sins, and bestows deliverance upon the ancestors.
By observing this fast with devotion, one’s forefathers are released from suffering in the lower regions and ascend to the heavenly planets. Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, this Ekadasi is especially dear to Me.”
The Story of King Indrasena
“Long ago, there lived a great and righteous king named Indrasena, who ruled the kingdom of Mahīṣmatī. He was a devotee of Lord Viṣṇu and a follower of truth.
One day, while seated on his royal throne surrounded by sages and brāhmaṇas, the sage Nārada Muni suddenly appeared, shining with spiritual effulgence and holding his veena. The king rose from his seat, offered obeisances, and welcomed him with folded hands.”
Nārada’s Revelation
“After receiving the king’s respectful greetings, Nārada Muni said, ‘O King, I have just come from Yamarāja’s abode. While there, I saw your father suffering among the spirits of the departed because of some minor sinful acts he had committed in his previous life.
Although he had performed many sacrifices and was devoted to Lord Viṣṇu, due to certain mistakes in the performance of his duties, he did not attain liberation. Seeing his suffering, he requested me to inform you of his condition so that you might deliver him from that plight.’”
The King’s Concern
“Hearing these words, King Indrasena became filled with grief and concern. With folded hands, he said, ‘O revered sage, please tell me how I may free my father from his suffering. What kind of vow or austerity must I perform to help him attain peace?’
Nārada replied, ‘O King, listen carefully. The fast of Indirā Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Āśvina, has the power to deliver the ancestors from suffering and grant them heavenly happiness.
By observing this Ekadasi with faith and devotion, you will free your father and many generations of your ancestors from the realms of Yamarāja.’”
The Observance of Indirā Ekadasi
“Nārada then instructed, ‘On the day before Ekadasi, you should take only one meal, and on the Ekadasi day, you should fast completely, refraining from food and drink.
You should rise early, bathe in pure water or in a sacred river, and with devotion, worship Lord Śrī Hari with lamps, incense, flowers, fruits, and tulasī leaves.
Throughout the day and night, you should chant His holy names, meditate upon Him, and remain awake, listening to and reciting the stories of the Lord’s pastimes.
On the next day, Dvādaśī, you should feed the brāhmaṇas and devotees with love, offer food to Lord Viṣṇu, and then break your fast by taking the Lord’s prasāda. By this observance, your father will be liberated from all suffering and attain the spiritual realm.’”
The King’s Faithful Observance
“Following Nārada’s instructions, King Indrasena observed the fast of Indirā Ekadasi with great devotion. He fasted completely, worshiped the Lord with incense, lamps, and flowers, and spent the entire night in kīrtana and meditation.
The next morning, he gave charity to brāhmaṇas, fed the poor, and then broke his fast according to the prescribed rules.
Suddenly, a voice from the sky proclaimed, ‘O King, your father has been delivered from the lower realms and has ascended to the heavenly planets by the power of your observance of Indirā Ekadasi.’
Hearing this, the king bowed his head in gratitude, his heart filled with joy and devotion to Lord Viṣṇu.”
The Blessings of the Fast
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this Ekadasi with faith and devotion liberates not only his forefathers but also himself from the bondage of sins.
Even one who merely hears or reads the glories of Indirā Ekadasi attains the merit of performing many sacrifices and is freed from all sinful reactions.
Fasting on this day grants one the merit of donating a thousand cows in charity and offering all kinds of charity to the poor and needy.”
The Power to Deliver Ancestors
“O King, by observing Indirā Ekadasi, one’s ancestors who have fallen into distressing conditions in the lower realms are delivered and attain higher abodes.
A devotee who fasts and worships Me on this day becomes blessed with happiness, prosperity, and ultimately liberation. Therefore, this sacred Ekadasi should always be observed with sincerity.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, fasting on Indirā Ekadasi destroys all sins, brings the blessings of ancestors, and pleases Me greatly.
Whoever keeps vigil during the night, glorifying My name and hearing My stories, attains residence in the spiritual world.
Even one who listens to or reads the glories of this Ekadasi with devotion gains merit equal to that of performing great sacrifices and giving all charity.
Therefore, observe this Ekadasi and encourage others to do the same—it bestows deliverance upon both the living and the departed.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Indirā Ekadasi is described in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa tells Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of King Indrasena’s father through the observance of this holy fast.
Observing Indirā Ekadasi liberates one’s ancestors, purifies the heart, and grants eternal happiness and devotion to Lord Viṣṇu.
