In Sanatan Dharma, fasts and festivals are not just religious traditions, but paths to inner awakening and spiritual growth. Every fast has a special purpose, which, along with purification of the body and mind, provides a way for the soul to move towards the ultimate truth. Among these fasts is Ekadashi Vrat, which is considered to be dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This date is called the giver of liberation (Moksha-dayini).
Have you ever wondered how Ekadashi originated? Why is this date so dear to Lord Vishnu? And what spiritual secret is hidden behind it?
Ekadashi is not just a date, it is a remembrance of that divine event when a special consciousness manifested for the destruction of unrighteousness and negative tendencies.
This story is not merely religious but is connected with the divine play of Lord Vishnu Himself. That is why this fast is considered different and special from others.
Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting- it is an opportunity for self-restraint, mental stability, and union with God.
This date, which comes every month, becomes a means of spiritual energy and revival of consciousness for devotees.
What is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day (tithi) in the Hindu calendar, which falls on the 11th day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon each month. This day is considered most auspicious for sattvic conduct, fasting, and the worship of Lord Vishnu. It is said that one who observes a proper fast on Ekadashi attains freedom from sins, purified intellect, and ultimately, liberation (moksha).
The Amazing Origin Story of Ekadashi
In our Sanatan Dharma, there are many festivals and fasts that have incredible origin stories. One such story is that of Goddess Ekadashi. Once, the divine sage Narad asked Lord Mahadev, “O Mahadev, which is the most supreme fast of Maha-Dwadashi, and how did it originate?” To this, Lord Mahadev replied, “O divine sage, you are not the first to express this curiosity. When King Yudhishthir was performing his fifth Ashwamedha Yajna, he too asked the same question to Lord Shri Krishna. The story that Madhav narrated to Dharmaraj, I will now tell you as well. O great sage, this is a tale from ancient times.
In Satyuga, there lived a demon named Mur. He was extremely fierce, astonishing in power, and terrifying for all the gods. That evil, time-shaping demon had even defeated Indra. All the gods were overpowered and driven out of heaven. One day, all the gods came to me. There, Indra narrated the whole situation to me. Indra said, “O Maheshwar, these gods have been cast out of the heavens and are now wandering on Earth. It does not suit us to live among humans. O Lord, please suggest some solution.” Then I said, “O King of Gods, why have you come to me? The one who offers refuge to all, who protects everyone, the Lord of the Universe, the one who bears Garuda as his flag, is seated—go to Him. He will protect you.” Hearing this, the highly wise King of the Gods, Indra, went with all the other gods to Lord Gadadhar, who was resting in the ocean of milk (Kshir Sagar). Upon seeing Him, Indra joined his hands and began his prayer. Indra said, “O Lord of Lords, we bow to You. Both gods and demons worship You. O Pundarikaksha, enemy of demons, O Madhusudan, please protect us, O Lord of the Universe. All the gods, frightened by the demon named Mur, have come to seek refuge in You. O protector of devotees, save us, O Lord of the gods, O Janardan, protect us.” “The extremely fierce and powerful demon Mur has defeated all the gods and driven them out of heaven.” Hearing Indra’s plea, Lord Vishnu said, “O King of Gods, what is this demon like? What is his appearance and strength? And where is this wicked being residing?” Indra replied, “O Lord of the gods, in ancient times, a great and terrifying demon named Talajang was born in the lineage of Brahma. His son became famous as the demon Mur. He too was incredibly powerful and terrifying to the gods. There is a city known as Chandravati, and that is where he has built his residence.”
That demon defeated all the gods and drove them out of heaven. O sage, he even placed another false Indra on the throne of heaven. He also created alternate versions of Agni, Chandra, Surya, Vayu, and Varuna. Hearing this from Indra, Lord Janardan became extremely angry, O divine sage. He went to the city of Chandravati along with the gods.
There, the gods saw the demon king roaring again and again. Seeing Lord Vishnu, that demon shouted, “Stand there! Stand there!” Hearing his challenge, Lord Vishnu’s eyes turned red with anger. He said, “O wicked demon, look at these arms of mine!”
Saying this, Lord Vishnu began to strike the demon standing before Him with His divine arrows. The demons trembled with fear. Then Lord Vishnu hurled His chakra at the demon army. Hundreds of warriors were torn apart and fell into the jaws of death. After this, Lord Madhusudan went to the Bhadrika ashram. There was a cave named Singhavati, which was 12 yojanas long. O best of sages, that cave had only one entrance, and Lord Vishnu was resting inside it. The demon Mur, intent on killing Lord Vishnu, followed Him there. He too entered the same cave. Seeing Lord Vishnu asleep, the demon was overjoyed. He thought, “This is the god who terrifies the demons. Without a doubt, I will kill Him.” As soon as the demon thought this, a maiden emerged from Lord Vishnu’s body. She was extraordinarily beautiful, auspicious, and equipped with divine weapons. O divine sage, the demon king Mur saw the maiden. The maiden, ready for battle, challenged the demon to a fight. A fierce battle ensued. The maiden was skilled in every form of warfare. With a single roar, she turned the mighty demon Mur into a heap of ashes. After the demon was slain, Lord Vishnu awoke. Seeing the demon lying dead on the ground, He asked, “This enemy of mine was extremely fierce and terrifying.”
Who has slain him? the maiden replied, Lord, by Your grace alone, I have killed this great demon. Shri Bhagwan said, Auspicious one, with this deed of yours, the sages and gods of all three worlds have been filled with joy. Therefore, ask from me any boon you desire, as per your wish. Even if it is rare among the gods, I shall grant it to you—there is not the slightest doubt in this. That maiden was none other than Ekadashi herself. She said, “O Lord, if You are pleased with me, then by Your grace may I become foremost among holy days, remover of all obstacles, and bestower of every kind of success. O Janardan, may those who fast on my day with devotion to You attain all kinds of accomplishments.” Shri Vishnu replied, “Auspicious one, all that you have said shall come true.” O divine sage Narad, any human who observes the Ekadashi fast attains Vaikuntha Dham, where Lord Garudadhwaj Himself resides. One who constantly recites the glory of Ekadashi attains the merit equal to donating a thousand cows. So, O great sage, this was the answer to the question you asked. That supreme fast is none other than Ekadashi.
Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi is not just a fast — it is a divine practice that brings balance and purification to the body, mind, and soul. Its benefits are effective on religious, mental, and scientific levels.
1. Spiritual Benefits:
• One receives the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
• It cultivates devotion, faith, and self-control in the mind.
• Fasting leads to the destruction of sins and purification of the soul.
• The observer ultimately attains Vaikuntha Dham (as per the Puranas).
2. Mental and Emotional Benefits:
• Fasting and meditation improve focus and reduce anxiety and stress.
• A disciplined lifestyle develops a sense of restraint and self-control.
• Negative thoughts decrease, promoting mental balance.
3. Physical and Scientific Benefits:
• Fasting on Ekadashi gives rest to the digestive system and cleanses the body.
• Scientific studies show that regular fasting strengthens the immune system.
• Fasting helps eliminate excess fat and toxins accumulated in the body.
Why Should One Observe Ekadashi Vrat?
• This fast has been described by Lord Vishnu Himself as dear to Him and a giver of liberation.
• Its greatness is extensively mentioned in the Puranic texts, where it is considered the best among all fasts.
• Ekadashi Vrat purifies the mind, body, and soul, which forms the foundation for spiritual progress.
• One who observes this fast attains merit equal to donating thousands of cows.
The story of Ekadashi is not just a religious event, but it shows that through devotion, self-control, and faith, even demon-like challenges can be overcome. Goddess Ekadashi was born from the very limbs of Lord Vishnu, and her fast still leads devotees toward Vaikuntha.
“One who observes the Ekadashi fast with faith and discipline becomes free from all worldly bonds and attains a place at the feet of the Lord.”
Source URL: https://www.sanatanjyoti.com/blog/origin-of-ekadashi-vrat-1636
