This festival falls a few days after Krishna Janmashtami, in the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. It is also known as 'Annada Ekadashi'. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Aja Ekadashi
The legend of Aja Ekadashi is linked to the truthful King Harishchandra, who, to uphold truth, gave up his kingdom, his wife Taramati, and his son Rohitashva, and himself became a servant at a Chandal's cremation ground, collecting its fee.
Distressed by this sorrowful life, King Harishchandra asked a sage for a way out of this hardship, and the sage advised him to observe the vow of Bhadrapada Krishna Ekadashi, that is, Aja Ekadashi, with full rites.
King Harishchandra observed this vow with devotion, and by its merit, all his sins were destroyed, he regained his lost kingdom, wife, and son, and eventually attained heaven. For this reason, Aja Ekadashi is regarded as a vow that grants freedom even from the most severe hardships.
How Aja Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotees bathe in the morning and take the vow, observing a fruit-based or waterless fast through the day. Lord Vishnu is worshipped, and the legend of Aja Ekadashi is heard.
The night is spent in vigil with bhajan-kirtan, and the next day, on Dwadashi, alms are given and the fast is broken within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat.
This vow is observed especially by devotees seeking freedom from life's severe hardships, debt, and poverty, and it inspires observing the vow with truth and patience, just as King Harishchandra did.
Aja Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning, take the vow, and observe a fruit-based or waterless fast. Worship Lord Vishnu and listen to the legend of Aja Ekadashi. The next day, on Dwadashi, give alms and break the fast within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat.
About Aja Ekadashi
Aja Ekadashi is the vow observed on Bhadrapada Krishna Ekadashi for freedom from severe hardship and sin. This page covers the vow's significance, the legend of King Harishchandra, and the vidhi for observing it.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Aja Ekadashi observed?
This vow is observed every year on Bhadrapada Krishna Ekadashi, a few days after Krishna Janmashtami.
How is King Harishchandra's legend connected to Aja Ekadashi?
King Harishchandra, who gave up everything to uphold truth, observed the vow of Aja Ekadashi on a sage's advice, and by its merit, regained his kingdom, family, and eventually attained heaven.
Why is Aja Ekadashi also called Annada Ekadashi?
In some regions like Bengal and Odisha, this Ekadashi is also known as 'Annada Ekadashi', though its date and core significance remain the same as Aja Ekadashi.
What is the benefit of observing Aja Ekadashi?
It is believed that this vow grants freedom from life's most severe hardships, sins, and poverty, and when observed with devotion, also paves the way toward liberation.