Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, O protector of all beings, please describe the Ekadasi which occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Śrāvaṇa (July–August). What is its name, and what is the process of observing it? Kindly tell me about its glory and the merit it bestows.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O King, this sacred Ekadasi is known as Pavitrōpana Ekadasi or Pavitropana-vrata. By observing it with devotion, one attains great merit, freedom from sins, and ultimately liberation.
This Ekadasi is dear to Me because it purifies the heart of all contamination and marks the time when the sacred thread (pavitra) is placed upon My deity form. Therefore, it is known as Pavitra or Pavitropana Ekadasi.
Now hear from Me the ancient history that illustrates the glory of this day.”
The Importance of Purification
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, this Ekadasi destroys all sinful reactions committed by the mind, words, or deeds. Whoever observes it with sincerity and devotion attains purity of heart and the blessings of all the demigods.
Fasting on this day removes the reactions of even the most grievous sins—such as killing a brāhmaṇa, eating forbidden food, breaking vows, or engaging in falsehood.
On this day, one should purify oneself internally and externally by bathing, worshiping Lord Viṣṇu, chanting His holy names, and controlling one’s mind and senses.
A person who worships Me on Pavitrōpana Ekadasi becomes adorned with spiritual knowledge and devotion.”
The Story of King Mahājit
“Long ago, there was a righteous and charitable king named Mahājit who ruled over the city of Mahīṣmatī. Although he possessed great wealth and power, he had no son. Without an heir, he was constantly afflicted by sorrow.
One day, the king went to the forest and met the great sage Lomāśa, whose hair fell off each time one kalpa (age of creation) passed. The king bowed down before him and said, ‘O great sage, I am living in constant grief because I have no son. Please tell me what I must do to obtain a worthy heir to continue my lineage.’
Sage Lomāśa, moved by compassion, replied, ‘O King, in your previous life, you committed certain sins that have prevented you from having a child. But there is a way to nullify those sins. Observe the sacred fast of Pavitrōpana Ekadasi, which falls during the bright fortnight of Śrāvaṇa. By observing this vow with your queen and devotees, you will be blessed with a virtuous son who will bring you joy and glory.’”
The King’s Observance
“Hearing the sage’s instructions, King Mahājit returned to his palace and, along with his queen, priests, and citizens, observed the fast of Pavitrōpana Ekadasi with full devotion.
They bathed early in the morning, worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with lamps, incense, flowers, and fruits, and remained fasting throughout the day and night, chanting the holy names of the Lord.
The next morning, they offered food and charity to the brāhmaṇas, fed the poor and devotees, and then broke their fast with great devotion.
By the power of this sacred vow, the king’s sins were destroyed, and his queen soon conceived and gave birth to a beautiful, virtuous son.”
The Blessings of Pavitrōpana Ekadasi
“By observing Pavitrōpana Ekadasi, King Mahājit was delivered from the bondage of sin and attained happiness and prosperity. His son grew to become a noble ruler devoted to the worship of Lord Viṣṇu.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this Ekadasi with faith and devotion gains similar blessings. The merit obtained from fasting on this day equals that of donating one thousand cows and performing a hundred fire sacrifices.
Even one who merely hears or recites the glories of this Ekadasi becomes purified of all sins and obtains the result of performing great austerities.”
The Ritual of the Sacred Thread
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “On this day, devotees of Lord Viṣṇu renew the sacred thread (pavitra) that adorns My deity form. They purify the temple, clean the altar, and decorate it with fresh flowers and lamps.
By offering a new thread to My deity with devotion, one obtains the merit of performing all sacrifices and pleases Me greatly. Whoever sees or participates in this ceremony attains liberation from all sins and gains residence in My spiritual abode.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this sacred fast with faith becomes free from all previous sins and attains long life, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
By remaining awake through the night, singing hymns, and glorifying My name, one gains the merit of visiting all holy places.
Even one who hears or reads the glories of Pavitrōpana Ekadasi with devotion becomes liberated from material bondage and attains the supreme destination.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Pavitrōpana Ekadasi is described in the Skanda Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa instructs Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of King Mahājit through the observance of this sacred vow.
Observing Pavitrōpana Ekadasi brings purity, prosperity, and liberation, and marks the auspicious beginning of renewing the Lord’s sacred pavitra thread.
