Utpanna Ekadasi

The 11th day of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Margashirsha (November–December) is observed as Utpanna Ekadasi. It is believed that fasting on this Ekadasi relieves one from the reactions to sins of past and present lives. This day is also known as Uttpatti Ekadasi.

The glories of Utpanna Ekadasi are found in the Bhavisya-Uttara Purana. Sri Suta Gosvami addressed the assembly of brahmanas: "If one hears with devotion and faith the process and glories of executing Ekadasi as prescribed by Sri Krishna, then happiness in this life and liberation in the next is assuredly granted."

The Origin of Ekadashi

Arjuna once asked Krishna, "O Janardana, please describe the fruits of fasting, eating at night, or eating at midday only, on the Ekadasi day."

Lord Krishna replied, "Oh Arjuna, in the early Autumn, there is an Ekadasi that falls during the waning moon of Margashirsha (November). On this auspicious day, a person should take the vow of Ekadasi. In the early morning, he should make a firm sankalpa (vow) to fast. At high noon, he should purify his body, mind, and senses by taking a bath, praying to Mother Earth to destroy his prarabdha karma (reactions from previous births)."

"Once upon a time, Indra approached the Supreme Personality of Godhead and prayed: 'Oh Lord of the Universe, the demigods have been evicted from their heavenly abodes by the demons. Please protect us. We have fallen to the Earthly stratum and are merged in the ocean of miseries.'"

"Lord Vishnu asked, 'Who is this great demon who has triumphed over the demigods? What is his name? From whom did he get such power? Have no fear!'"

"Indra said, 'Oh Lord of all demigods, a mightily ferocious demon named Mura, son of Nadijangha, has attacked us. He lives in the city of Candravati. The Mura demon has invaded the heavenly planets and is now living there. He has dethroned Indra, Agni, Yama, Vayu, Isha, Candrama, Nairita, and Varuna and taken their positions. We demigods could not stop his powerful assault. Oh Lord, please kill this demon.'"

"Upon hearing this, Lord Vishnu became furiously angry and said, 'Oh king of the demigods, this rascally demon will undoubtedly perish at the hand of My personal might. You should not fear; you can return to the city of Candravati with peace of mind. I will solve this situation post haste!'"

The Battle of ten thousand years

"Thereafter, the demigods along with Lord Vishnu proceeded towards the city of Candravati. A wonderful battle scene arose. Lord Vishnu and the demigods prepared an array of weaponry, and the demons also had a formidable arsenal. When the skirmish commenced, the demigods fought with skill, but were eventually scattered by the demons. Lord Vishnu led a group attack, fighting with the demon Mura."

"In spite of attacking with various weapons, the Lord was unable to kill Mura. He wrestled with the archfiend for more than ten thousand years! Finally, after a considerable struggle, the Divine Lord defeated Mura and went to Badarikashrama. In Badarikashrama, the Lord rested in a splendid cave called Hemavati."

"Lord Krishna continued: 'Oh Arjuna, the Mura demon followed Me to that cave and seeing Me resting, prepared to attack. Suddenly, an incandescent daughter appeared from My body! She held many mystical and divine weapons and began to unmercifully fight the demon. After slaying the demon, the effulgent goddess cleaved his head from his body. When I arose from My slumber, I saw the dead body of the Mura demon and the radiant goddess stood before Me with folded palms.'"

"Startled, the Lord asked, 'Who are you?' The goddess replied, 'Oh my Lord and Master, I am born from out of Your own body. I have removed this demon from his torment by cutting off his head. When he saw You resting, he shamefully thought to kill You in Your sleep! Therefore, I appeared and severed his head.'"

"The Supreme Lord said: 'Oh Goddess, I am grateful for your protection and well pleased with you. You may ask any benediction you like from Me.'"

"The goddess replied: 'If You wish to give a boon unto me, then please give unto me the potency to deliver even the most heinous sins from all who fast on this day. It is my heartfelt desire that even if one simply eats in the evening, that person will receive half the benefit of fasting; and if one eats only at noontime, that person will receive half as much credit again. Please gift me with this auspicious favor.'"

"The Lord said: 'You are My spiritual energy, and since today is called Ekadasi – your name will be Ekadasi. Anybody who observes fasting on this, your day, will have his sinful reactions alleviated and attain unending spiritual bliss.'"

"Oh Arjuna, from that day until this, all Ekadasi days are vitalized by the Supreme Lord's blessings. I award entrance to the supreme abode unto those who observe the day of Ekadasi."