Saphala Ekadashi

Meaning and its Importance

Ekadashi is an important day that falls on the 11th day of the half-month, or sometimes within the same fortnight. An Ekadashi fast is observed twice a month, and Lord Vishnu followers celebrate Ekadashis.

Saphala Ekadashi is one of the Ekadashis in which devotees only eat one kind of food called 'Saphala'. Saphala Ekadashi usually falls at the end of the year in December. Lord Krishna said to Yudhisthira that devotees will get benefits of Saphala Ekadashi the same as a devotee who will perform meditation for God for five long years.

What is Saphala Ekadashi?

It is one of the Ekadashis that is celebrated on the 11th lunar day during Krishna Paksha in Paush month. Lord Krishna said if you keep this Ekadashi fast, you can quickly make Lord Vishnu happy.

Lord Vishnu will quickly shower blessings on the devotee and his family. Saphala Ekadashi aradhaya devta is 'Narayan'. On this day, devotees worship Lord Narayan by following all rituals.

Lord Krishna said to Yudhisthira, with an example, that Lord Vishnu is the supreme in Gods just as 'Sheshnag' is supreme in nag, 'Garud' is supreme in Birds and 'Sun-Moon' is supreme in planets.

Lord Krishna said if you worship and perform Ekadashi vrat even by mistake, then also you will get benefits from it. Even if you worship Lord Vishnu on Saphala Ekadashi by mistake, then also you will get blessings as seen in Saphala Ekadashi vrat Katha.

Importance of Saphala Ekadashi

• Devotees who celebrate Saphala Ekadashi with proper rituals get happiness, fortune and victory in life.
• The Lord Vishnu believers who perform fast get blessings for strong health and a peaceful mind.
• Lord Krishna said to Kunti Putra Yudhishthira that no other fast or sacrifice would bring peace and happiness like Saphala Ekadashi fast.
• It is the most powerful fast, and it brings the same benefits you get by performing Ashvamedha Yagya.
• Lord Damodar devotees who will keep fast on this day will remain victorious and fortunate. They will get Moksha after death and get freedom from the rotation of birth and death.
• The Saphala Ekadashi believer will feel positive and light-hearted. His wishes will get fulfilled if he worships Lord Damodar and keeps fast on this Ekadashi.

Know About Saphala Ekadashi Vrat

Saphala Ekadashi Vrat is very important if you want blessings from Lord Damodar (Vishnu). You have to follow the rituals of Saphala Ekadashi properly to get the benefits of it in your life.

• On the auspicious day of Saphala Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu devotees keep fast for 24 hours and break it on the next (Dwadashi) day.
• The devotee takes a bath first and then cleans his puja ghar with drops of holy water.
• The believers will worship Lord Damodar and offer him prasad. The puja ghar will be decorated with flowers and divas.
• The devotee will chant mantras, read Vishnu Sahastranam and Vishnu Aarti. He will keep listening and singing spiritual songs on Saphala Ekadashi.
• In Saphala Ekadashi fast, devotees are strictly not allowed to eat anything on this day. But, people with health issues have the liberty to eat fruits, some vegetables and dairy products during the fast.
• During this Ekadashi vrat, devotees and their families have to strictly avoid alcohol, grains, rice and non-vegetarian food items.