Annada Ekadasi

Annada Ekadasi, also known as Aja Ekadasi, is observed during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in August/September. The importance of this Ekadasi was mentioned by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira and is found in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana. It is believed that a person who observes this Ekadasi becomes free from the reactions of his/her sinful activities.

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The Glories of Annada Ekadasi

From the Brahma-vaivarta Purana

Sri Yudhishthira Maharaja said, "Oh Janardana, protector of all living entities, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September)."

The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, replied, "Oh King, hear me attentively. The name of this sin-removing, sacred Ekadasi is Annada. Any person who fasts completely on this day and worships Hrishikesh, the master of the senses, becomes free of all reactions to his sins. Even one who simply hears about this Ekadasi is freed from his past sins. Oh King, there is no better day than this in all the earthly and heavenly worlds."

The Ordeal of King Harishchandra

"There once lived a famous king named Harishchandra, who was the emperor of the world and a person of great truth and integrity. His wife's name was Chandramati, and he had a son named Lohitashva. By the force of destiny, however, Harishchandra lost his great kingdom and sold his wife and son. The pious king himself became a menial servant of a dog-eater, who made him guard a crematorium. Yet even while doing such menial service, he did not forsake his truthfulness and good character."

"The king passed many years in this condition. Then one day he sadly thought: 'What shall I do? Where shall I go? How can I be delivered from this plight?' He drowned in an ocean of anxiety. One day, a great sage happened to pass by, and when the king saw him, he paid his respectful obeisances. The sage's name was Gautama Muni. With joined palms, the king stood before him and narrated his pitiful story. Gautama Muni was astonished to hear the king's tale of woe, and out of deep compassion, he instructed him on the process of fasting for purification."

"Gautama Muni said: 'Oh king, during the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada, there occurs an especially meritorious Ekadasi named Annada, which removes all sins. Indeed, if you simply fast on that day and perform no other austerity, all your sins will be nullified. It is coming in just seven days. I urge you to fast and remain awake through the night. If you do so, all the reactions of your past sins will come to an end.' So saying, Sri Gautama Muni disappeared."

Restoration of the Kingdom

"King Harishchandra followed Gautama Muni's instructions concerning fasting on the day of Annada Ekadasi. Oh Maharaja Yudhishthira, because the king fasted on that day, the reactions to his previous sins were completely destroyed at once. Oh lion among kings, just see the influence of this Ekadasi fast! It immediately vanquishes whatever miseries one may be suffering."

"Thus, all of Harishchandra's miseries were relieved. Just by the power of this wonderful Ekadasi, he was reunited with his wife and son, who had died but were now revived. In the heavenly regions, the devas began beating on their celestial kettledrums and showering down flowers upon Harishchandra, his queen, and their son. By the blessings of the Ekadasi fast, he regained his kingdom without difficulty. Moreover, when King Harishchandra left the planet, his relatives and all his subjects went with him to the spiritual world."

Lord Sri Krishna concluded, "Oh Pandava, whoever fasts on Annada Ekadasi is surely freed from all his sins and ascends to the spiritual world. And whosoever hears and studies the glories of this Ekadasi achieves the merit gained by performing a horse sacrifice."