Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Janārdana, O master of the three worlds, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Māgha (January–February). Kindly describe its glories and the way by which one should observe it properly.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Māgha is known as Jaya Ekadasi. Observing this sacred fast destroys all sins and grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Now hear attentively from Me a wonderful ancient history that reveals the glories of this holy day, as once narrated by Lord Brahmā to Nārada Muni.”
The Story of Malyavān and Puṣpavatī
“Long ago, in the heavenly planets, there lived a mighty king of the demigods named Indra. He ruled over the celestial realm with great power and opulence.
Among his attendants was a beautiful Apsarā named Puṣpavatī and a Gandharva (celestial musician) named Malyavān. Both were exceptionally talented and attractive. Indra appointed them to sing and dance before him in his court during the festival in honor of Lord Śiva.
As they performed together, their eyes met, and they became captivated by each other’s beauty and charm. During their performance, they forgot their duty and became lost in thoughts of love. Their movements slowed, their songs faltered, and their minds were absorbed only in one another.”
Indra’s Anger and the Curse
“When Indra, the king of heaven, noticed their distraction, he became furious and shouted, ‘O Malyavān! O Puṣpavatī! You have insulted Lord Śiva by neglecting your duty and allowing your minds to be overcome by lust in the middle of a sacred performance! Therefore, I curse you both to fall from the heavenly planets and take birth among the demons on earth!’
Hearing the curse of Indra, the two celestial beings trembled with fear and instantly fell from the heavenly world into a dreadful region on the earth, where snow and freezing winds prevailed. The place was dark, desolate, and full of misery. Their divine forms vanished, and they assumed the bodies of demons, ugly and terrifying.”
Their Suffering on Earth
“Living in that fearful wilderness, Malyavān and Puṣpavatī suffered terribly from hunger, thirst, and cold. They had no shelter and were tormented by the biting wind. Because of their past piety, however, they still remembered their heavenly existence and constantly lamented their fall.
One day, by the will of Providence, they took shelter under a huge banyan tree to protect themselves from the piercing cold. It was the sacred day of Jaya Ekadasi, though they did not know it. Having no food or shelter, they remained fasting the entire day and night, shivering in the cold, unable to sleep.
Without realizing it, they had perfectly observed the vow of Jaya Ekadasi—fasting and keeping vigil throughout the night, remembering the Supreme Lord even in their suffering.”
The Lord’s Mercy and Liberation
“When the night ended and the dawn of Dvādaśī arrived, a shower of celestial flowers descended from the heavens. The divine messengers of Lord Viṣṇu appeared before them, smiling, and said, ‘O Malyavān and Puṣpavatī, your sins have been destroyed by the power of Jaya Ekadasi.
By fasting and remaining awake throughout this holy day, even unknowingly, you have pleased the Supreme Lord. Now you shall regain your celestial bodies and return to the heavenly planets.’
Hearing these words, they were filled with joy. Their demoniac forms vanished, and they regained their beautiful celestial forms, adorned with shining ornaments.
Mounting a heavenly chariot, they ascended to Indra’s court, radiant and glorious, surrounded by divine music and fragrance. Seeing them restored, Indra was astonished and inquired how they had been delivered. They narrated the entire story, glorifying the greatness of Jaya Ekadasi.”
The Glories of Jaya Ekadasi
“After hearing their account, Indra became delighted and declared, ‘Indeed, the observance of Jaya Ekadasi is most powerful. By fasting and remaining awake on this sacred day, one can be freed even from the greatest sins and from the most terrible conditions of life.’
Lord Kṛṣṇa then said, ‘O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this sacred Ekadasi with devotion will never experience suffering in this world or the next. Observing Jaya Ekadasi grants liberation from ghostly existence, freedom from sinful reactions, and ultimately, entrance into My eternal abode.
Even one who merely hears or recites the glories of this day becomes purified of all sins accumulated over thousands of births.’”
Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O king, this sacred Ekadasi removes all kinds of fear, destroys all sins, and brings peace, prosperity, and devotion to Me. Whoever observes this fast faithfully and remains awake at night chanting My holy names attains perfection in life and ultimately reaches My supreme abode, Vaikuṇṭha.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, one should never neglect this sacred day, for it bestows freedom from all suffering and guarantees liberation from the cycle of birth and death.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Jaya Ekadasi is described in the Padma Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of Malyavān and Puṣpavatī. By the mercy of fasting on Jaya Ekadasi, they were freed from demoniac birth and restored to their heavenly abode.
