Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Once Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira inquired from Lord Kṛṣṇa, “O Lord of the universe, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, please tell me about the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Mārgaśīrṣa (November–December). Kindly describe its name, glories, and the process by which it is to be observed.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O king, please listen attentively. The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Mārgaśīrṣa is known as Utpannā Ekadasi. Observing this sacred vow destroys all sins and leads one to the supreme goal of life. This is the first of all Ekadasis, for it marks the very appearance of the sacred Ekadasi day itself.
Now, O lion among kings, hear from Me the ancient history of this Ekadasi, which was once related by Me to Arjuna.”
The Demon Mura and the Oppression of the Demigods
“In ancient times, during the Satya-yuga, there was a fearsome demon named Mura who lived in the city of Chandravati. He was extremely cruel and powerful. Mura conquered the entire universe, defeated the demigods, and constantly harassed the sages and devotees of the Lord.
Seeing the demigods oppressed and unable to perform their duties, Lord Indra, accompanied by the other celestials, went to the ocean of milk and offered heartfelt prayers to Lord Viṣṇu:
‘O Supreme Lord, O maintainer of the universe, we have taken shelter of You. Please protect us from this powerful demon Mura. We are helpless before him and can no longer perform our sacrifices or maintain cosmic order. Only You can destroy him.’
Hearing their sincere prayers, the Supreme Lord, mounted on Garuḍa, went to the city of Chandravati accompanied by the demigods. A terrible battle then ensued between the Lord and the demon Mura, which continued for one thousand celestial years.”
The Lord Rests and the Demon’s Attack
“Finally, after a long struggle, the Lord decided to rest for a while. He went to the holy place of Badrikāśrama and entered a beautiful cave named Hemāvatī to take rest. Seeing the Lord asleep, the wicked demon Mura thought to himself, ‘Now my enemy is vulnerable; I shall destroy Him while He sleeps.’
With this wicked thought, Mura entered the cave, his sword raised high, determined to slay the resting Lord.”
The Appearance of Ekadasi Devi
“Just as the demon approached, from the transcendental body of Lord Viṣṇu suddenly emerged a dazzling maiden, radiant like millions of suns. She was adorned in divine garments, carried celestial weapons in her hands, and her beauty was beyond description.
Confronting the demon, she declared fearlessly: ‘Stop, O wicked one! You shall not harm My Lord while I am present!’
A fierce battle took place between the celestial maiden and the demon. Within moments, she severed his head with her shining sword, thus killing him instantly. When Lord Viṣṇu awoke, He saw the demon lying dead and the radiant maiden standing before Him with folded hands. Astonished, the Lord asked her, ‘O beautiful one, who are you, and where have you come from?’”
The Lord Names Her Ekadasi
“The maiden replied humbly, ‘O Lord, I am born from Your transcendental body, from Your divine energy, to protect You and Your devotees from this wicked demon.’
Hearing this, Lord Viṣṇu was deeply pleased and said, ‘Because you have appeared on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight, you shall be known as Ekadasi. From now on, all people shall honor and worship you. Whoever observes fasting on this day with devotion will be freed from all sins and will attain My eternal abode.
This sacred day will destroy all sinful reactions and grant all auspiciousness. You are My own energy, and you will deliver all living beings from the bondage of material life. Therefore, you shall be revered throughout the three worlds.’”
The Glory of Observance
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, those who observe fasting on this day with faith and devotion, remaining awake throughout the night while chanting My holy names and hearing My glories, become completely freed from all sins.
Even one who merely hears or recites this story with sincerity attains the same merit as one who performs great austerities and sacrifices. Observing this vow grants good health, beauty, long life, fame, happiness, prosperity, and ultimately leads to My eternal abode.”
The Results of Observing Utpannā Ekadasi
“By observing this sacred Ekadasi, one attains the merit of performing one thousand horse sacrifices and giving the entire earth in charity.
If a person who is unable to perform severe austerities or sacrifices observes this fast with devotion, he attains the same results. The ancestors of such a devotee are delivered from all sufferings, and the devotee himself attains My supreme abode, free from the cycle of birth and death.
Therefore, one should observe this Ekadasi with full sincerity and devotion — refraining from grains, beans, and all forms of indulgence — and spend the day absorbed in chanting, hearing, and remembering My divine pastimes.”
Phala-śruti (Results of Observance)
Lord Kṛṣṇa concluded, “O king, whoever observes this Utpannā Ekadasi and worships Me with devotion attains the merit of observing all Ekadasis combined.
Even by hearing the glories of this sacred day, one becomes free from all sins and achieves the supreme destination. Thus, this Ekadasi, which is the mother of all Ekadasis, should be observed by everyone with great faith and devotion.”
Origin of the Story
This history of Utpannā Ekadasi is recorded in the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa and the Padma Purāṇa, where it is narrated by Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira. It describes the divine birth of Ekadasi from the body of Lord Viṣṇu to destroy the demon Mura and to liberate all living beings from sin through the practice of fasting and devotion.
