Mokshada Ekadasi is an important Hindu festival, generally during the bright half of the lunar month. It comes during November or December. The Ekadasi will fall on the Eleventh of December 2024. Two Ekadasis falls in each month, Mokshada Ekadasi is one of them. People say that performing it will purify the soul destroy all evil deeds and bring peace and prosperity.
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Story of Mokshada Ekadasi
Mokshada Ekadasi finds importance in Hindu mythology. According to Brahmanda Purana, Lord Krishna explained the episode to Yudhishthira. King Vaikhanasa had a dream, in which his father suffering in hell due to previous vices. He wanted to rid his father of this suffering and so consulted Parvata Muni, a very great sage who could see past, present, and future. Parvata Muni instructed the king to celebrate Mokshada Ekadasi to free his father from the torment. Parvata Muni told the king to celebrate Mokshada Ekadasi to liberate his father from his torment.
The king, accompanied by his family, performed Ekadasi as per these instructions. As a result, he could send his father to heaven. Therefore, people believe that Mokshada Ekadasi even sends the souls of the departed ancestors to heaven. This is the day to worship Vishnu and purify the soul so that a way for moksha can be prepared.
How to Observe Mokshada Ekadasi?
Mokshada Ekadasi observance requires devotion, belief and the correct rituals. For a hassle-free pooja Buy online puja kits at affordable price on onlinetemple.com.The steps below guide you on how to observe the day:
Fasting and Worship
All Ekadasis emphasize fasting. It is forbidden to consume grains and a few more food items for the day of Mokshada Ekadasi. This fasting helps to purify both body and mind. On this day, one must worship Lord Krishna by devoting to him and prayer. In the Damodar form, the godhead is given more prominence in its worship using Tulsi leaves and seeds.
Offer Tulsi and Ghee Lamp
Tulsi (Holy Basil) is used to perform the rituals. On this day, offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Krishna along with praises. Devotees believe that offering Tulsi seeds to Lord Damodar Krishna will help obtain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. A lamp needs to be lit using ghee on this day. The coriander seeds known as dhaniya are also added to the ghee for greater blessings, making the offer pure.
Chandan and Dhoop
On this day, sandalwood paste, Chandan, and incense, dhoop, are mandatory in the Puja. Sandalwood paste is offered to Lord Krishna, and you should also apply the same on your forehead. The combination of sandalwood and dhoop gives a religious meaning of purity and devotion. People assume that such holy offerings trigger the presence of godly blessings.
Offerings and Prayers
On this day, fruits like Sitaphal or custard apple are offered to Lord Krishna. Sweet dishes are also prepared and offered. These all are symbols of thanksgiving to the deity. The Mantra “श्री कृष्ण दामोदराय नमः॥” (Shri Krishna Damodaraya Namah) is chanted 108 times to invoke the grace of Lord Krishna.
Other Rituals
You may choose to wear a Roli as one of the other optional practices on Mokshada Ekadasi. Giving bananas to cows is also considered extremely inauspicious on this day. People believe that it eliminates all types of fears and negativities. You can also plant and maintain the Tulsi plants for peace and prosperity.
Significance of Mokshada Ekadasi
On Mokshada Ekadasi, devotees look forward to gaining spiritual growth and liberation.
Apart from its importance as the worship of Lord Krishna, devotees observe the day as Gita Jayanti. It is that day which is known when Lord Krishna gave the Bhagavad Gita to Arjun. Thus, the same is being read or heard on Mokshada Ekadasi by most followers.
Other Ekadasis on the Day
In some years Mokshada Ekadasi occurs in the same month and on some occasions, it falls on the same date as the two other auspicious Ekadasis—Guruvayur Ekadasi and Kaisika Ekadasi. Guruvayur Ekadasi is at Guruvayur Temple in Kerala and Kaisika Ekadasi is celebrated at Srirangam and any Vishnu Temples in Tamil Nadu. They add to the religious value of the day.
Conclusion
Mokshada Ekadasi is a day of great spiritual importance that allows getting purified, devoted, and free. To lock peace and blessings from Lord Vishnu, Book special pujas online only on the authentic website Onlinetemple.com. Check the Site Right Now!!
Also Read: Ekadasi Rules: What to do and what not to do