Bhaimi Ekadashi 2013: Burns All The Sins

Bhaimi Ekadashi 2013 will be celebrated on 21st February. This day comes on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Magh month of the Hindu Calendar.

The story of Jaya Ekadashi was narrated to the Eldest Pandava by the Supreme Lord Krishna himself. It is believed that by fasting on this day a person goes straight to the heavenly abode (Vaikuntha). Also, this Ekadashi is very powerful as it helps eliminating all the sins that a person has committed.

All the cereals and grains should be avoided on this day. People should listen to hymns and other religious discourses. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this auspicious day of Jaya Ekadashi. Such festivals provide us with an opportunity to connect to our inner self and the supreme Lord Vishnu.

While observing these festivals like Bhaimi Ekadashi we should ensure that we do not end up following the rituals without understanding them. Instead we should put in all the efforts to understand and realize the importance of these festivals.

Bhaimi Ekadashi Legend

A long time ago the Indra Deva used to rule the entire planet with the demigods. At that time in the Nadana forests there were many flowers called the Parijata. Indra drank the juice of those flowers and enjoyed the service many celestial maidens (Apsaras) who danced to please him.

He had many singers and musicians who composed and sang for his pleasure. His chief musician was Chitrasena, who was also present there with his wife Malini and son Malyavan.

There was a gorgeous maiden named Pushpavati, whose beauty enchanted Malyavan. She too got really attracted toward him. In their mutual attraction they forgot that they were performing for Indra Deva. In their newly found love for each other they started performing without any grace and rhythm. The pronunciation was wrong and they even forgot what they were doing.

This angered Indra Deva and he cursed them to become a demon couple and face the consequences of their acts on the Earth. Due to the curse�s effect the couple immediately got converted into demons and was thrown down to the Earth.

They fell over the Himalayas which was not at all suitable for any kind of habitation. With their demon bodies they wandered around the mountains. Fortunately for them it was the day of Bhaimi Ekadashi (Jaya Ekadashi).

Heartbroken, both of them did not eat anything all day and couldn�t sleep at night, hence unknowingly observing the fast of Jaya Ekadashi. The next morning they woke up to see that they had converted back to their original form.

Seeing this they were really surprised and happy. Just then a Holy Viman arrived to receive them and they were taken back to Amaravati. They then went to pay a visit to the Indra to inform him about the happenings.

The Indra was really shocked to see them in their beautiful forms and asked them how they got rid of the curse. They told him the entire story of how they had observed the Bhaimi Ekadashi fast on that fateful day.

On hearing the whole story Indra told them that since they had worshipped Lord Vishnu, they deserved the respect from everyone. After which King Indra forgave them and allowed them to enjoy the heavenly planet.

Power of Jaya Ekadashi

By reading the above story we can grasp that this day has a great significance. The power of this day can be concluded by the fact that it was capable of eliminating the effects of a curse given by the King Indra.

It is believed that fasting on this day frees a person from all the worldly sins and fosters a new beginning. By observing this fast all of us can get unending happiness and bliss. This Ekadashi is observed by fasting, staying awake all night (Jagran) and taking Holy Dip in the river.

We take this opportunity to wish all of you a very happy and prosperous Bhaimi Ekadashi. We hope that Lord Vishnu blesses you and your family with a bright and promising future. Observe this fast and receive the blessings of the Almighty.