"Mokshada Ekadashi"- Dispelling Ancestral Imbalances And Overcoming Pitru Dosha

The term "Mokshada" itself suggests liberation or granting Moksha, which adds to the spiritual significance of this Ekadashi. 

"Mokshada Ekadashi", being one of the significant Hindu festivals, falls on the 11th day, i.e. Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha. As per the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either November or December.

This year, "Mokshada Ekadashi" is on the 22nd Dec. 2022.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Mokshada Ekadashi" in the year 2023 is as follows:

Mokshada Ekadashi on Friday, December 22, 2023

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 08:16 AM on Dec 22, 2023

• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 07:11 AM on Dec 23, 2023

 

Importance of "Mokshada Ekadashi"

• On "Mokshada Ekadashi", Lord Sri Krishna shared the teachings of the "Bhagavad Gita" with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. In honor of this, "Mokshada Ekadashi" is also known as "Gita Ekadashi."

• As per Hindu Shastras, there's a belief that Vaikuntha, i.e. Lord Vishnu's abode is open to all his devotees on this day. Due to the same, many people refer to this day as "Vaikuntha Ekadashi."

• This occasion is also observed as "Mauna Ekadashi", literally meaning to observe a Mauna (a vow of silence) the whole day. It holds importance for individuals seeking mental and spiritual benefits as it provides a unique opportunity for introspection, inner peace, and heightened self-awareness.

  By abstaining from verbal communication, one can cultivate a calm mind, allowing deeper insights into one's thoughts and emotions. It also promotes mindfulness, encouraging individuals to listen more attentively to their surroundings and inner thoughts.

• The South Indian people celebrate this occasion as "Baikuntha Ekadashi" & "Mukkoti Ekadashi."

• This Ekadashi is also believed to eliminate "Pitru Dosha" from one's life.

 

Rituals & Observances on "Mokshada Ekadashi"

On the festival of "Mokshada Ekadashi", the devotees engage themselves in various rituals as mentioned follows:

• On this day, Lord Damodara (367th Name of Lord Vishnu from the Vishnu Sahasranama) is worshipped by offering Tulsi leaves.

• People keep a long day fast, from the sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi, abstaining from food and water, as a form of penance and devotion.

"Parana", i.e. breaking of fast, is done on Dwadashi. As per Drik Panchang, the "Parana timings" for "Mokshada Ekadashi" in the year 2023 are as follows:

Mokshada Ekadashi on Friday, December 22, 2023

• On 23rd Dec, Parana Time - 01:28 PM to 03:34 PM

• On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment - 12:59 PM

• Lord Vishnu's devotees consume the leaves of Bel Tree on this day.

• Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha & Mata Lakshmi along with Shri Hari are also worshipped on this day.

• Many devotees also stay vigil the whole night & perform Jagran.

• As this day is related to "Bhagavad Gita", hence people are also involved in reading, worshipping, gifting and distributing copies of this holy book on this day.

• Temples organize special events and discourses on this day to spread the teachings of the Gita.

• In addition to Bhagavad Gita, reading Mukundashtakam and Vishnu Sahasranamam is also very auspicious.

• On Dwadashi, offering Dakshina to Brahmins is also a very common practice during "Mokshada Ekadashi."

 

Precautions on "Mokshada Ekadashi"

As per Hindu Scriptures, on "Mokshada Ekadashi", one should take care of some certain things which are as follows:

• Tulsi leaves, to be offered to Lord Vishnu on this day, should be plucked a day before, not on the exact day of "Mokshada Ekadashi."

• Consuming rice should be prohibited on Ekadashi as it can have negative effects on newborns.

• Also avoid barley, lentils, brinjal, and beans on "Mokshada Ekadashi."

• Refrain from consuming meat, alcohol, onions, and garlic to maintain purity.

• Do not accept food from others on this day, as it may impact your virtues. Consume only self-prepared food.

• Keep emotions in check by avoiding anger and criticism.

• Steer clear of conflicts and arguments to maintain a peaceful environment.

• Practice Brahmacharya, emphasizing self-control.

• Show respect to elders and seek their blessings for positive energy and guidance.

 

Legend behind "Mokshada Ekadashi"

The great story behind this epic day of "Mokshada Ekadashi" was narrated by Lord Krishna to the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, mentioning that merely reading or listening to this Vrat Katha, one can be blessed with immense happiness and fortune in life.

The legend is as follows:

Once upon a time, there was a kind and compassionate king named Maharaja Vaikhaanasa. He ruled over a beautiful kingdom named Champaka-Nagar, where the people were devotees of Lord Vishnu. The king was beloved by the people in his kingdom (Praja) because he treated them like his own children.

One night, King Vaikhaanasa had a troubling dream about his father suffering in hell under the rule of Yamaraja, the Lord of Death. Distressed by the dream, the King sought advice from learned Brahmins in his kingdom. They suggested he visit the sage Parvata Muni, known for his deep knowledge of past, present, and future.

Following their advice, King Vaikhaanasa visited Parvata Muni's ashram and explained his distress. The sage, after meditation, revealed that the king's father was suffering in hell due to a grave sin committed in a previous life.

To liberate his father, Parvata Muni advised King Vaikhaanasa to observe a strict fast on the Ekadashi day falling in the Shukla Paksha of the Margashirsha month. The king diligently followed the sage's guidance and also had his family observe the Ekadashi fast.

On the auspicious Ekadashi day, King Vaikhaanasa dedicated the merits of his fast to his father. Miraculously, flowers from heaven showered upon him, and messengers of the Demi-Gods praised his father. The soul of the king's father was escorted to heaven, and in return, he blessed his son for a blessed life.

The soul of King Vaikhaanasa, having traversed from hell to heavenly realms, finally reached its destination, serving Lord Vishnu. The Ekadashi observed by the good king was Mokshada Ekadashi, a day that brought liberation and blessings to his family.

Similarly, whosoever performs the "Mokshada Ekadashi" Vrat is believed to be blessed by Lord Vishnu & receive a place in Vaikuntha Dhaam.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mokshada Ekadashi is a celebration of spiritual wisdom and the pursuit of Moksha. It offers devotees an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and apply them in their lives for personal growth and enlightenment.

The emphasis on self-realization, righteousness, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge makes Mokshada Ekadashi a time for introspection and self-improvement. It serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom imparted by Lord Krishna, encouraging individuals to lead a righteous and purposeful life.