Gita Jayanti and Moksada Ekadasi

Today marks the 5161st anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita, which falls on Mokṣadā Ekādaśī, also known as Kausika Ekādaśī. Nampaduvan is one of the key figures associated with this Ekādaśī.

Yudhishthira Mahārāja once addressed Lord Viṣṇu, saying, “O Viṣṇu, Master of all creation, delight of the three worlds, and protector of the Universe, I offer my deepest obeisances unto You. Kindly enlighten me regarding a matter of great spiritual significance.

“What is the name of the Ekādaśī that occurs during the waxing fortnight of the month of Mārgaśirṣa (November–December), known for absolving all sins? How should it be observed properly, and which deity is worshipped on this most sacred of days? I beseech You, Lord, to elucidate this in detail.”

Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O noble Yudhishthira, your enquiry is most auspicious and will bring you lasting renown. As I previously explained about the sacred Utpannā Mahā-Dvādaśī, which marks the appearance of Ekādaśī-devī to vanquish the demon Mura and benefits all creation, I shall now narrate the significance of the Ekādaśī occurring during the waxing fortnight of Mārgaśirṣa.

“This Ekādaśī is known as Mokṣadā Ekādaśī. It purifies those who observe it faithfully, absolves their sins, and grants liberation. The presiding deity of this holy day is Lord Dāmodara, who should be worshipped with offerings of incense, a ghee lamp, fragrant flowers, and fresh Tulasi buds.

“Now, O best of kings, listen attentively to an ancient account that illustrates the sanctity of Mokṣadā Ekādaśī. Merely hearing this story confers the spiritual merit equivalent to performing a horse sacrifice, and this merit can liberate one’s ancestors from the torments of hell.

“Long ago, in the beautiful city of Campaka-nagara, there ruled a virtuous king named Vaikhānasa. Revered by his subjects, he governed them with affection, treating them as his own children. The city’s learned brāhmaṇas were adept in the four Vedas and upheld dharma with dedication.

“One night, King Vaikhānasa dreamt of his father enduring grievous suffering in a hellish realm. Overcome with anguish, the king awoke, unable to find peace. The next day, he assembled his council of learned brāhmaṇas and shared his vision, seeking their guidance. ‘O wise brāhmaṇas,’ he said, ‘I saw my father in a pitiful state, tormented in a hellish world. His cries for deliverance haunt me. Despite all my wealth and the pleasures of my kingdom, I am consumed by sorrow. Pray, tell me how I might relieve his suffering and grant him liberation.’

“The brāhmaṇas advised, ‘O King, near this city lies a forest where the great sage Parvata Muni resides. Seek his counsel, for he knows the past, present, and future and can guide you.’

“The king immediately set out to the ashram of Parvata Muni. Upon arriving, he humbly prostrated himself before the sage and recounted his predicament. The sage meditated for a moment and then revealed, ‘Your father suffers the consequences of a grievous sin. In a past life, he committed a transgression against dharma by forcing himself upon his wife during her menstrual period, despite her protests. To atone for this sin and liberate your father, you must observe the sacred Mokṣadā Ekādaśī and offer the spiritual merit to him.’

“Upon hearing this, the king returned to his palace and prepared for the arrival of Mokṣadā Ekādaśī. When the day arrived, he observed the fast with unwavering devotion, along with his family. He offered the accumulated merit to his father. At that moment, divine flowers rained down from the heavens, and celestial beings praised the king. His father was liberated from his hellish existence and ascended to the heavenly realms, expressing heartfelt blessings for his son.

“O Yudhishthira, whoever observes Mokṣadā Ekādaśī with faith and devotion attains liberation. This day, as pure as a cintāmaṇi gem, destroys sins and elevates the soul to the divine abode, never to return to this mortal world.”

Thus concludes the narration of the glories of Mokṣadā Ekādaśī, as described in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa.

Source: pages 23 - 27, Ekadasi: The Day of Lord Hari by Sri Krsna Balaram Swami