Did you know that the dawn of Saphala Ekadashi brings a special vibrancy to the holy town of Kurukshetra? The devotees of Krishna all flock to the grounds of the ISKCON temple, singing kirtans and bhajans filled with deep spiritual fervour. One of the devotees amongst them is Swami Haridas, an excellent storyteller with immense knowledge of the timeless glories of the Ekadashis. Swami Haridas started with his storytelling this morning at ISCKON Kurukshetra, and it was worth listening to!
The Tale Saphala Ekadashi
Long ago, a powerful king called Mahishmata lived when virtuous kings ruled the Earth. He was attracted to worldly wealth in spite of being rich enough, and that somewhere misled him! He had a son named Lumpaka, and he was an unethical man who committed crimes and, openly rejected dharma and was a thief. This greatly embarrassed the royal family, but the king could not properly reprimand him for his behaviour. He was too enamoured with him.
One day, Lumpaka’s actions grew beyond bounds, and the king, who was his father, banished him from his kingdom. As a result, he started hating his father more for his selfish ways. He started living under a banyan tree in a forest, sustaining himself by stealing from nearby villages. This banyan tree was near an ancient Vishnu shrine, and this tree was a scary one! This brought him spiritual merit, and one such day was Saphala Ekadashi!
The Importance of Saphala Ekadashi
Simply put, Saphala Ekadashi is Pausha’s eleventh day of the waxing moon. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as the universe’s preserver! It is believed that if you take a vrata (vow) on this day with devotion and purity, you gain experience great spiritual benefits that wash off your sins and set you on the path of liberation!
The word ‘saphala’ means ‘fruitful,’ and this Ekadashi is believed to get you spiritual insight and success if you honour it, as explained by ISKCON Kurukshetra.
Continuing the story of Lumpaka, in the morning of Saphala Ekadashi, he saw a dream where he witnessed a radiant figure, Lord Vishnu Himself, who spoke to him with compassion rather than wrath. Lord Vishnu told Lumpaka, ‘Your sins are heavy on your soul, but you can find redemption through sincere devotion. The banyan tree you are sitting under is sacred, and today, it is Saphala Ekadashi. So, it is time that you humbly offer your prayers and reflect upon your deeds.
When Lumpaka woke, he felt different and fasted the whole day under the banyan tree. At night, he offered the fruits he had to Lord Vishnu as an apology for his sins.
Why is Saphala Ekadashi Celebrated Even today?
All devotees keeping the story of Lumpaka in mind, keep a fast to wash their sins and gain success on Saphala Ekadashi day! It is done for many other reasons, including:
1. A way to strengthen your bond with the Divine.
2. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of bhakti, which means devotion and humility to the Lord.
3. It keeps one away from temptations and distractions.
4. It helps you become spiritual by observing a fast and doing prayers and service just as Lumpaka did.
5. It proves to be an act to make your life asphalt—fruitful—in every sense.
The Story of a Devotee of Vishnu
A devotee of Vishnu on the occasion of Saphala Ekadashi offered the only fruit he had even after fasting for the entire day with faith. As a result, the Lord Krishna bestowed upon him immense spiritual wealth and prosperity. This showcased the importance of the smallest act of devotion Ekadashi!
The Celebrations of Saphala Ekadashi at ISKCON Kurukshetra
At the dawn of Saphala Ekadashi at ISKCON Kurukshetra, the celebrations begin with bhajans, kirtans and the sounds of holy name chants are heard aloud, making devotees flock to the temple for meditation to deepen their connection with Lord Krishna.
One of the highlights of this holy day is also the grand abhisheka (ceremonial bathing) of Lord Krishna, where devotees offer flowers, prayers and fruits to showcase their devotion and humility to Lord Krishna.
An interesting story behind Saphala Ekadashi involves Lord Krishna telling Yudhishthira in the holy scriptures of Padma Purana. Here, the Lord explained that observing this Saphala Ekadashi with sincerity and faith lets you get rid of your sins and gives you spirituality, as witnessed in the story of Lumpaka.
The celebration and indulgence in Saphala Ekadashi at ISKCON Kurukshetra are a powerful reminder of the ancient wisdom imparted by the gods that make your life truly asphalt—fruitful and spiritually rewarding.
Come to ISKCON Kurukshetra to experience your soul transform with spirituality and humbleness owing to your devotion to Lord Vishnu and the power of steadfast devotion.
