Lord Vishnu rules over Ekadashi. As we all know, Lord Vishnu is the maintainer of this world. It is said, the one who fasts on Ekadashi gets the merits equal to visiting all sacred places on earth. Padma Purana states that one should not differentiate between Ekadashis of bright and dark night. Both are equally important. Saphala Ekadashi 2024, is the last ekadashi of the year. Let’s explore the significance of Saphala Ekadashi 2024, the vrat katha (fasting story), the fasting rituals, and the correct timings for observing this holy day.
Saphala Ekadashi 2024 – Timings
To observe Saphala Ekadashi 2024 properly, it is crucial to follow the precise timings
Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 10:29 PM on Dec 25, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 12:43 AM on Dec 27, 2024
On 27th Dec, Parana Time – 07:12 AM to 09:16 AM
On Parana Day, Dwadashi End Moment – 02:26 AM, Dec 28
Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 – Significance, Timing, Vrat Katha
Saphala Ekadashi 2024 – Vrat Katha
There was a king named Champavati in the city of Mahishmati. That royal sage had five young sons. Of them, the eldest son was always busy in committing sins. He was fond of adultery, prostitutes, and drinks. He spent his fathers’ money for committing the sins. His name was Lumpaka, meaning Robber. One day, tired of his behavior, the king and his other sons threw out Lumpaka from the kingdom.
Lumpaka thought he was expelled from the kingdom by his father and brothers, now he must destroy their entire kingdom. He went into dense forests, and engaged in killing living beings. He was master in the art of stealing and gambling and once got arrested by the men of the kingdom. He said to them, he is the son of Mahismat and was thus released and returned to dense forest. Near him lived a worshiper of Vishnu. There was an old Ashvattha tree. It was a divine tree and abode of Vishnu. Sinful Lumpaka sat below it and ate and lived there for many days. He ate the fruit of trees due to his past life good deeds.
One day he was oppressed by heat, he removed clothes and lost his sight. Then he got oppressed by a harsh cold and did not enjoy the sleep. It was the day of Saphala ekadashi. He did not wake up at sunrise. He only woke up in the afternoon. His body was paining with hunger. He somehow walked to the middle of the forest to get food but didn’t have energy to kill living beings. He returned to the tree when the Sun was setting. He saw some fruits lying there. He thought, what would happen to me and offered food to the tree by saying, May Vishnu be pleased by these fruits. He tried to sleep at night but couldn’t sleep. Vishnu regarded as his keeping awake and offering the fruits as vow of Saphala ekadashi. As soon as the next sunrise happened, Vishnu appeared before him and said, O son, by the merits of Saphala ekadashi, you will obtain the kingdom.
This is how Lumpaka, who was thrown from the kingdom, obtained the kingdom by the merits of Saphala ekadashi fasting. He got married, had a beautiful wife, and sons. He ruled the kingdom for 15 years and then handed it over to his son and went to Krishna Bhakti.
The Skanda Purana highlights the transformative power of Saphala Ekadashi, as illustrated in the story of Lumpaka. Despite his sinful ways, Lumpaka was granted a second chance due to the simple acts of staying awake, offering fruits, and unknowingly observing Saphala Ekadashi. This highlights the compassionate nature of Lord Vishnu, who looks beyond our past mistakes when we turn to Him with sincerity.
How to Fast on Saphala Ekadashi 2024
On Saphala Ekadashi 2024, the devotees should fast for the entire day and only break fast the next day on Dwadashi, in the morning after doing Paraná. Only fruits, milks and vrat fruits are allowed. No grains, vegetables, meat, liquor, is to be consumed on Ekadashi or while breaking fast. It’s essential to maintain celibacy while fasting on Ekadashi.
- Wake up before sunrise and take a bath.
- Light a pure cow ghee lamp.
- Pray to Lord Vishnu by offering fruits, flowers, and dhoop.
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Listen to Saphala ekdashi Vrat Katha.
Wrapping Up
Fasting on Saphala Ekadashi can help us get lost things back. However, the main importance of fasting on Saphala Ekadashi is healing. For those who have lost their health due to chronic illness, it’s particularly beneficial to fast on Ekadashi days. In Rituals of Happy Soul book, the importance of each tithi is mentioned along with several rituals to help you heal on all levels. For those wanting to start the new year with good energy, you can take the Lunar Astro consultation and resolve the issues to start the new year with a good note.
FAQs About Saphala Ekadashi 2024
Q1. Why is Saphala Ekadashi 2024 considered the most auspicious Ekadashi of the year?
A: Saphala Ekadashi 2024 is the last Ekadashi of the year, symbolizing closure and renewal. The Skanda Purana narrates that fasting on this day destroys accumulated sins, granting prosperity and success. The term “Saphala” means fruitful, highlighting the Ekadashi’s power to help devotees recover lost opportunities and achieve their goals.
Q2. Can one observe both Mokshada Ekadashi and Saphala Ekadashi 2024 in the same month for double benefits?
A: Yes, observing both Ekadashis within the same month is highly meritorious. Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 focuses on liberating ancestors and attaining spiritual enlightenment, while Saphala Ekadashi 2024 helps overcome personal struggles and material challenges. Together, they create a holistic approach to spiritual growth, as emphasized in the Padma Purana.
Q3. What should devotees do if they accidentally break their fast on Saphala Ekadashi 2024?
A: If a devotee unintentionally breaks the fast, they should repent by performing a Vishnu Puja and chanting His holy names. The Padma Purana suggests that sincere repentance and continued devotion can mitigate the effects of such mistakes. However, care should be taken to follow the Parana timing to avoid this situation.
