Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O protector of the universe, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Kārttika (October–November). Kindly describe the procedure for observing it and the merit one gains by doing so.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of Kārttika is known as Rāma Ekadasi. It is very dear to Me, and by observing it, one becomes freed from all sinful reactions and attains residence in the spiritual world.
This Ekadasi destroys all misfortunes, fulfills all desires, and brings the devotee close to Me. Now hear from Me the ancient history that reveals its glory.”
The Story of King Muchukunda
“In ancient times, there lived a glorious and truthful king named Muchukunda. He was a descendant of Ikṣvāku and ruled his kingdom according to dharma. He was kind, wise, and devoted to the worship of Lord Viṣṇu.
Because of his devotion and valor, he was once requested by the demigods to help them in their battle against the demons. Muchukunda fought heroically and, by the Lord’s grace, defeated the demons.
After the victory, the demigods offered him many benedictions, but the king refused all material rewards, asking only for pure devotion to Lord Viṣṇu and liberation from material bondage.”
The King’s Life of Devotion
“King Muchukunda regularly worshiped Me, offered prayers, lamps, and tulasī leaves, and fasted on every Ekadasi. He always remained absorbed in My remembrance. Because of his devotion, he became renowned throughout the three worlds.
He had a daughter named Candrabhāgā, who was beautiful, chaste, and devoted to religious principles. The king married her to a noble prince named Śobhana, the son of King Candrasena.
One day, Śobhana came to visit his father-in-law, King Muchukunda, during the month of Kārttika, when the sacred Rāma Ekadasi was approaching.”
The Challenge of Ekadasi Fasting
“When the time for Ekadasi arrived, King Muchukunda announced that everyone in the palace, including guests, must observe a complete fast without food or water.
Hearing this, Śobhana became anxious and said to his wife, ‘O gentle one, I have a very weak constitution. How can I possibly fast without food and water for an entire day and night?’
Candrabhāgā replied softly, ‘My beloved, in my father’s kingdom, no one dares to eat or drink on Ekadasi. Even the birds and animals fast. Therefore, you should also follow this sacred rule. If you desire good fortune, please observe this fast, for breaking it will bring sin.’
Encouraged by her words, Śobhana resolved to observe the fast, though his body was frail.”
The Prince’s Death and Divine Result
“By the next morning, Śobhana’s body had grown weak from fasting. As the sun rose, he could no longer bear the strain and fell lifeless. Seeing her husband dead, Candrabhāgā wept bitterly, but remembering the sanctity of Ekadasi, she did not lament excessively.
King Muchukunda performed the funeral rites for his son-in-law and instructed his daughter to remain in his palace.
However, because Śobhana had observed the fast of Rāma Ekadasi—even at the cost of his life—he attained a celestial body and was transported to the heavenly realm on a divine chariot.”
Nārada Muni’s Visit to Śobhana
“One day, by divine arrangement, Nārada Muni happened to visit that heavenly realm. There he saw Śobhana, seated upon a dazzling throne, adorned with jewels and surrounded by celestial maidens.
Nārada, astonished by the prince’s opulence, asked, ‘O Prince Śobhana, by what merit have you attained such a glorious abode? Please tell me in detail.’
Śobhana replied, ‘O great sage, all this is the result of my observance of Rāma Ekadasi, which I performed in the kingdom of my father-in-law, King Muchukunda. Although I died during the fast, by its power, I was elevated to this heavenly position. However, my opulence is temporary, as I did not observe the fast with full knowledge or faith. Please advise me how to make it permanent.’”
Nārada’s Mission
“Moved by compassion, Nārada Muni descended to the earth and went to the kingdom of King Muchukunda. There he met Princess Candrabhāgā and told her everything about her husband’s celestial condition.
Overjoyed, she said, ‘O revered sage, if my husband is living in the heavenly realm due to his observance of Rāma Ekadasi, I wish to join him. Kindly show me how I may help him attain eternal liberation.’
Nārada replied, ‘O princess, you are pure and devoted. If you yourself observe the Rāma Ekadasi fast with full faith and offer the merit to your husband, his position will become permanent and eternal.’”
The Deliverance of Śobhana
“Following Nārada’s instruction, Candrabhāgā observed the next Rāma Ekadasi with great devotion. She fasted completely, worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with lamps, flowers, and tulasī leaves, and remained awake the whole night singing the Lord’s glories.
When she offered the merit of her fast to her husband, Śobhana’s temporary heavenly kingdom transformed into an eternal abode of Vaikuṇṭha-like splendor.
Thereafter, Nārada Muni returned to that realm and saw the couple shining with divine radiance, surrounded by countless attendants and celestial opulence. Both Śobhana and Candrabhāgā had attained liberation and eternal service to Lord Viṣṇu.”
The Greatness of Rāma Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes Rāma Ekadasi with faith and devotion attains immense merit and the blessings of Lord Viṣṇu.
This sacred day removes all sins, grants prosperity, and ensures liberation after death. Even one who simply hears or recites the glories of this Ekadasi becomes freed from the sins of a hundred lifetimes.
Observing this fast destroys the fear of death and guarantees that one never falls into the hands of Yamarāja, the lord of punishment.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O King, fasting on Rāma Ekadasi pleases Me greatly. One who remains awake through the night, chanting My names and worshiping Me, attains all desired blessings in this life and the next.
Even if a person is full of sins, by observing this Ekadasi just once, he becomes purified and attains residence in My eternal abode.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, you should observe this sacred fast and instruct others to do so as well, for it grants both worldly happiness and spiritual perfection.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Rāma Ekadasi is found in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa and the Padma Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira the deliverance of Prince Śobhana and Princess Candrabhāgā through the observance of this sacred fast.
Observing Rāma Ekadasi with faith destroys all sins, grants liberation, and brings eternal joy in the service of Lord Viṣṇu.
