Vishnushayani Ekaadashi: Fasting for well-being of the nation and fellow citizens
Fast on the 11th day of Aashaadh Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon heading towards Purnima, the full moon) in the month of Aashaadh is Vishnushayani Ekaadashi. Also known by names like Devshayani, Harivasar, Harishayani, Shayani, and Padmaa Ekaadashi. This Ekaadashi also marks the beginning of Chaturmasya (The four holy months that coincide with the monsoon in Bharat). This is the longest chapter in the collection of Ekaadashi stories with 267 lines (Sanskrit line). On average, the stories in the collection are about 56 lines. A significant part of this story is dedicated to enlightening us on the fasting rituals of various Chaturmasya fasts.
Stroy of Vishnushayani Ekaadashi
Yudhishthira seeks to be educated about Vishnushayani from Krishna, who then tells Yudhishthira this fascinating story that was told by Lord Brahma to Sage Naarad. Krishna recites the scene where Sage Naarad enquires about the Vishnushayani Ekaadashi from Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma enriches Sage Naarad with the following story:
King Mandhata looks after his nation like a father who cares for his children. This allows the nation to prosper. Famines and plagues were not known in the kingdom. Along with the high quality of life enjoyed by the citizens, the King’s treasury was free from wrongful gains. All was good for many years but as a result of his actions, the kingdom faced a three-year-long drought causing a big famine and mass suffering. People who have no access to resources to conduct any Vedic rituals become distraught and turn to the King.
They plead that grains are a source of food security and harvest possible only through the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who rests in the water. They highlight that any action of the ruler greatly impacts the subjects. It dawns on King Mandhata that the deadly drought maybe be a result of some of his careless or/and thoughtless action. He must contemplate his shortcomings and rectify them. In his efforts to reflect he ventures into deep woods seeking guidance from various Sages. He is fortunate enough to meet Sage Angiras, the second son of Lord Brahma.
Sage Angiras enquires about the King’s well-being and his people. When he learns why Mandhata is there he reveals to him that there is a person in his kingdom who is carrying out certain powerful religious rituals that the said person is not qualified to perform. His undertaking of such powerful rituals is causing problems for the entire kingdom as the delicate balance of things is getting disturbed. He is advised to punish the man with death to restore balance to his kingdom. However, Mandhata refuses to kill a person who is devoted to the Lord and seeks an alternative remedy. He is then informed of the powerful Shayani Ekaadashi fast that he and his people must undertake. Learning of this collective fast that he and his people must undertake, Mandhata returns to his people.
When the day of Aashaadh Shukla Paksha’s Ekaadashi arrives, every citizen across all ranks and classes fasts and worships Lord Vishnu. Their collective spiritual endeavor is rewarded in the form of rain.
Yudhishthira further seeks from Krishna the ways and rituals of Harishayani Ekaadashi and the various fasts one can attempt in the holy months of Chaturmasya. Krishna then proceeds to provide a detailed account of various fasts and how they are to be undertaken. These rituals revolve around devotion to Lord, charity, and commitment to cleansing one’s body.
Themes in the Story
All stories in the collection of Ekadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha are simple yet layered. Some themes and lessons that I could reflect on are:
Contemplating one’s shortcomings
When King Mandhata is approached by his subjects about what could be the cause of the drought and the possibility that the said drought is a result of his actions, King Mandhata does not get angry or defensive. He agrees to take on the contemplation of his action. This is a very important quality that one must practice regularly. It is important to identify what you could have done wrong and work to rectify them.
Wherever possible seek the peaceful alternative
Mandhata is offered an easier and quicker alternative to correct the balance. But because it involves needless violence, he chooses the more challenging but alternative peaceful alternative. While a blanket shunning of the use of force is politically and practically untannable, a general norm of seeking peaceful alternatives even if they are harder is an approach to live by.
Collective Effort for Collective Good
It is multiple times highlighted in the story that there was a need for a collective effort by the people to achieve the collective good for the nation. All citizens regardless of class, or gender take part in the Ekaadashi fast. Fraternity is often forgotten in the modern era which is supposed to be based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. This story reminds us that we must also focus on coming together if we want to prosper.
Not to carelessly experiment
The action of one person experimenting with powerful rituals and mantraas brought about drought to the nation. All things from the Lord are for everyone but qualifications are needed to take on certain religious roles. Like the benefits of nuclear energy is for everyone but we cannot let anyone and everyone handle nuclear reactors. It requires proper training and certification. Some things are discouraged for a reason. One need not question it unnecessarily be a headset rebel against tradition.
NOTE:
Ekadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha (published by Babu Madav Prasad Sharma, Varanasi) is a Nepali translation/commentary of the Sanskrit Ekadashi Stories. The author is avoiding posting a straight translation of the Nepali commentary.
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