Sanatani Kashi.

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...

Fast on the 11th day of Aashaadh Krishna Paksha (the wanning phase of the moon heading towards new moon) is Yogini Ekaadashi. Story in Short A man’s failure to control is lust makes him fail his duty. Thus, he is cursed and left wondering the worlds in abject suffering. His past good deeds allow him a chance for redemption as he chances upon a meeting with Sage Markandeya. The Sage reveals the powers of the Yogini Ekaadashi fast and opened the vista, redemption through undertaking of the fast.  Yogini Ekadashi (Story in some details) This story is being narrated to Yudhishthira by Krishna.  King Kuber is a known devotee of Lord Shiva. To assist his daily prayers and meditation the King has intrusted Hemamali to procure flowers on a daily basis. The King’s daily worship requires flowers as an essential item.  One day Hemamali is so enchanted by his wife that on his way back from plucking the flowers from Mansarovar he ignores his duty to deliver the flowers and directly go...

Fast on the 11th day of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon heading towards full moon) is Nirjala Ekaadashi. Nirjala means without water. As the name suggests, this is an Ekaadashi with stricter endurance in comparison to other Ekaadashis as a dry fast is a defining undertaking of this day. It is also known as Pandava Ekaadashi and Bhimseni Ekaadashi. Story in Short Before Vyas, Bhim puts forward his failure of not being able to observe a fast. He expresses his admiration for his Mother Kunti, wife Draupadi, and all other brothers (Pandavas) who fast every Ekaadashi. He enquires about a way to get the benefits of fasting without fasting. He claims that he is ready to take on great charities and make offerings to the Gods but his hunger is such that he cannot take on a fast. He is informed that the only way to get the benefits of fasting is to fast. But he continues to press at his inability to fast regularly. He seeks one day so powerful that by observing it he can att...

Fast on the 11th day of Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon heading towards new moon) is Aparaa Ekaadas hi. The name Aparaa comes from the word Apar meaning immense or boundless. This day confers immense benefits on those who undertake the fast. Story in Short More than a story or a parable, this chapter is told as a conversation between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas. Lord Krishna lists out the advantages of this fast to Yudhishthira. There is no specific story. Lord Krishna highlights that observing a fast on this day can bring about immense benefits.  One does come across reference to a Mahabharata time story of King Mandhata, who ruled over the kingdom of Ayodhya and a poor farmer named Kuber when researching about Aparaa Ekaadashi. However, this story is not in the Ekaadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha (published by Babu Madav Prasad Sharma, Varanasi). This is a good place to note that the reasons and inspirations for different peopl...