Padmini Ekadashi

"Padmini Ekadashi" is a sacred Hindu observance celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm throughout India. As per Hindu North calendar, it falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi tithi) of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in Adhik Maas or Malamaas or Purushottam Masam.

No lunar month is fixed to observe Padmini Ekadashi. Actually, it's decided on the basis of leaped month which is also known as 'Adhik Maas.'

It is also known by the name "Kamala Ekadashi."

As per Drik Panchang, the tithis for "Padmini Ekadashi" in 2023 are as follows:

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 02:51 PM on Jul 28, 2023

• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 01:05 PM on Jul 29, 2023

In 2023, we are commemorating this very auspicious occasion of "Padmini Ekadashi" on the '29th July 2023.'

Just like Ekadashi tithi, Adhik Maas is considered to be the favorite of Lord Vishnu. As Adhik Maas (being an additional & special lunar month as per Hindu calendar) comes once in approximately every 3 years, so does "Padmini Ekadashi." Hence it makes this day more virtuous. It is very significant to appease Lord Vishnu for fulfillment of worldly desires on this day.

"Padmini Ekadashi", falling within Adhik Maas, holds immense importance and offers unique opportunities for devotees to deepen their spiritual journey. Adhik Maas is already regarded as a special time for self-reflection, penance, and spiritual activities. When "Padmini Ekadashi" occurs during this month, it amplifies the spiritual potency, making it an ideal occasion for seeking divine grace and spiritual progress.

"Padmini Ekadashi" is celebrated to honor Lord Purushottam (one of the names of Lord Vishnu), the preserver and sustainer of the universe. In Sanskrit language, the word 'Purushottam' stands for the "Supreme being." Both the 7th & the 8th Avatars of Lord Vishnu being Shri Ram & Lord Krishna have been given the title of 'Maryada Purushottam' & 'Leela Purushottam' respectively.

Other than Lord Vishnu, there are also many traditional beliefs to worship Radha Krishna & Shiv Parvati on "Padmini Ekadashi."

Devotees worship the deities with great fervour, sincerity and devotion on this day. They offer flowers, incense, ghee lamps and fruits to the deity while chanting sacred mantras and hymns.

Devotees also engage in the recitation of sacred texts, particularly the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu), Narayana Stotra and the Bhagavad Gita. Reading and contemplating these texts is believed to bring spiritual upliftment and divine blessings.

It is believed that observing a fast and performing the prescribed rituals on this divine day can wash away sins, purify the soul, and bestow divine blessings upon the devotees. Devotees believe that by observing Padmini Ekadashi Vrat, they can attain prosperity, spiritual enlightenment, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Hence, Padmini Ekadashi Vrat finds an immense significance for this day.

Most of the people even refrain from drinking water (keeping Nirjala Vrat), while many perform Falahaar Vrat (consuming fruits, milk & other dairy products). Non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, salt, urad dal, rice, spinach, chickpeas, red lentil and honey are totally prohibited.

The Parana time (releasing the fast) is 6.11am to 8.47 am on 30th July 2023.

Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, engaging in devotional singing (bhajans) and listening to religious discourses. This practice is believed to enhance spiritual consciousness and create a sacred atmosphere.

Visiting pilgrim places, taking holy baths, and performing Yajnas (homas) is also very blissful on "Padmini Ekadashi."

Charity is also an important aspect of "Padmini Ekadashi." Devotees donate food, clothes, and other essential items to the needy and perform acts of kindness and compassion.

Reading or listening to "Padmini Ekadashi Vrat Katha" is also a very significant part of the day. It carries valuable lessons and teachings that can inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journey.

The legend is as follows:

Once, there was a King namely Kirtvirya of Mahishmati Kingdom in Treta Yuga. He was very kind. He had so many wives and was living his life with all the comforts. One and only thing troubling him was that he had no successor for his kingdom. He could not bear even a single child from any of his queens.

In order to fulfill this wish, he had performed so many powerful Yajnas but he did not receive any fruitful outcome.

One day, Raja Kirtvirya, along with his first queen Padmini, decided to go through austerities and went to the forest. After several years of devoted penance, they still didn't get any result.

To this, Rani Padmini became very overwhelmed seeing his husband worried. Hence, she met Anasuya Devi. She narrated the whole story to the Goddess and asked for help. To this, Anasuya Devi suggested Queen Padmini to observe a fast on Shukla Paksha of Adhik Maas. The Goddess narrated the whole Vrat Vidhi to Padmini and told her to keep a fast with full dedication. Queen Padmini did the same: she followed all the prescribed rituals and customs, kept a strict fast & prayed to the Lord wholeheartedly. Seeing her dedication, Lord Vishnu was pleased. He appeared in front of her & asked the Queen to get the desired boon. She reverently passed her boon to her husband, King Kirtvirya who requested Lord Vishnu for a son with all the best possible qualities & who's undefeatable. Lord Vishnu granted the King with the boon of a son namely Kartavirya who couldn't be defeated by anyone in this world except Lord Vishnu himself.

In due course of time, Kartavirya grew up to be a very powerful and valiant King of the century. It is also said that he was the one who once captured the mighty demon King of Lanka, Ravana.

As this Vrat was first observed by Queen Padmini, the very first wife of King Kirtvirya, hence this day came to be known as "Padmini Ekadashi" since then.

This Vrat Katha emphasizes the power of the divine and the transformative potential of sincere devotion. It offers valuable insights into devotion, commitment, self-control, humility, and the power of divine grace. By imbibing these lessons in our own lives, we can strive for spiritual growth, overcome obstacles, and deepen our connection with the divine.

Overall, "Padmini Ekadashi'' amplifies the spiritual potency, making it an ideal occasion for seeking divine grace and spiritual progress. It serves as an opportunity to make sincere resolutions, cultivate virtues, and deepen one's commitment to spiritual practices.

Shubh Padmini Ekadashi !!

|| Om Namo Narayanaya ||