Mokshada Ekadashi | Date | significance and Rituals

What is Mokshada Ekadashi and when is it celebrated? 

By Intimate Viewpoint

Mokshada Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashi. It is observed in Shukla Paksha in the month of Agrahayana (Margshirsha) in the lunar calendar and in the Gregorian Calendar it falls in November to December. This year, it will be celebrated on the 4th of December i.e.Sunday. 

Suggest to read:

Padmini Vishuddha Ekadashi | Importance | Legend | Rituals 

Tulsi Vivah and Dev Uthani Ekadashi | Date and Significance 2024

Mokshada Ekadashi is considered significant and an auspicious day in Hindu mythology. It is believed that by fasting on this day and following all the rituals and rules properly, one attains salvation and makes a place for oneself in Vaikuntha Dham, which is the abode of Lord Vishnu, that is why, it is called 'Mokshada Ekadashi'. Mokshada means the one who gives salvation. 

celebrations 

In Mokshada Ekadashi, Lord Keshava (Krishna, a form of Lord Vishnu) is worshipped. Devotees take a bath and offer water to the Rising Sun god and to the holy Tulsi ji. Sweets and fruits are offered with Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu and Krishna. Many people go to visit the Vishnu Temple or Krishna temple. Bhajans and kirtans are sung. Basic things like fruits, food, clothes, cereals, and pulses are donated to the needy. The devotees consume only milk, fruits, vegetables, milk products, nuts, and dry fruits. Eating cereals, pulses, salt, or salty things, such as onion and garlic, is prohibited on this day.

Significance 

There are 24 ekadashis observed in a year. All Ekadashi fast holds a significant value in Hinduism. The Mokshada Ekadashi also holds a special significance in people's lives like other Ekadashis.

According to the Hindu mythology, Geeta Jayanti is also celebrated on the same day. This is the day when Lord Krishna imparted the knowledge of Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjun when he refused to take up arms against his own people in the battle of Mahabharat. Therefore, the day is also known as Geeta Ekadasi. The Legend of Mokshada Ekadashi is found in the Brahmanda Purana and Padma Purana.

It is said that the legend of Moksha Ekadashi was narrated by the God Krishna to the elder brother of Pandava, Samrat Yudhishthir.

The Legend is about a kind King named Vaikhanasa who ruled in the city of Champaka. One night, he dreamed, that he saw, that his forefathers were being tortured in the Naraka (hell) and were asking for help from the king for salvation. The king was very disturbed about the nightmare. He shared his botheration with some sages and monks in his Council. They suggested the king approach the Parvata Muni. The king went to him and told him all about his botheration and asked for help so that he could grant Moksha (salvation) to his forefathers.

The Parvata Muni meditated and found the reason for the torture of the forefathers of the king in the Naraka. The Muni suggested the king observe a fast on the Mokshada Ekadashi day. The king did so. He kept the fast with full devotion and deed all the rituals and followed the rules properly. The gods in heaven pleased him and blessed him and gave salvation to his forefathers. Since then the Mokshda Ekadashi fast started.