Also known as: Achala Ekadashi, Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is observed in the Krishna Paksha of the Jyeshtha month and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Removes sins of present and past lives; grants material and spiritual prosperity The Vrat Katha below is drawn from the traditional scriptural narrative.
Spiritual Significance
Removes sins of present and past lives; grants material and spiritual prosperity
Apara Ekadashi Mahatmya and merits described by Shri Krishna
Arjuna said, "O Lord! What is the name of Ekadashi which falls on Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month? And what is its importance? Which deity is worshiped in it and what is the procedure for observing this fast? Please tell me all this in detail."
Shri Krishna said, "O Arjuna! The name of Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month is Apara, because it gives immense wealth and virtues and destroys all sins. The people who fast on it become famous in the whole world. Due to the effect of fasting on Apara Ekadashi, the sins caused by murder, evil spirits, insulting others, etc. are destroyed, not only this, sins like adultery, false testimony, reading false Vedas, making false scriptures, etc. are also destroyed. The terrible sins like misleading people, and cheating people by pretending to be a false doctor are also destroyed by fasting on Apara Ekadashi.
It is believed that a Kshatriya who runs away from the battlefield goes to Hell, but by fasting on Apara Ekadashi, he also gets Heaven.
Those disciples who criticize the Guru after acquiring knowledge from the Guru go to hell. By fasting on Apara Ekadashi, it becomes possible for them to get a place in heaven.
The same result that is obtained by taking a bath in the three Pushkars or by taking bath in the month of Kartika or by offering Pinda Daan to the ancestors on the banks of Ganga, is obtained by fasting on Apara Ekadashi.
The results that natives of the Leo zodiac sign get after taking a bath in river Gomati on Thursday, visiting Shri Kedarnath Ji during Kumbha, staying in Badarika Ashrama and taking a bath in Kurukshetra during solar eclipse and lunar eclipse, can be attained by fasting on Apara Ekadashi. The result of fasting on Apara Ekadashi is like donating elephants, horses, and gold during Yajna. The result of donating cows and land is also equal to the fast of Apara Ekadashi.
This fast is like an Axe for cutting trees of sin and like the Sun for removing the darkness of sin.
Therefore, one must observe this Ekadashi fast. This fast is the best among all fasts. One should worship Lord Shri Vishnu with devotion on the day of Apara Ekadashi. Due to this one can ultimately attain Vishnu Loka.
Hey king! I have told this story of Apara Ekadashi for the welfare of all beings. All sins are destroyed by reading and listening to this Katha."
Key Teachings
- Apara means immense or extra, the people who observe fast on Ekadashi get great devotion of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. Devotion and devotion increase. Because of this beneficial fast, devotion and reverence continuously increase in the heart of devotees.
- Past karmas can be overcome through sincere devotion; Ekadashi vrata removes karmic debts
- Observe this Ekadashi to overcome karmic obstacles and fulfill righteous desires
Benefits of Observing the Vrat
- Removes sins of past lives; grants material and spiritual prosperity
- Removes sins of present and past lives; grants material and spiritual prosperity
- Purification from accumulated sins and negative karma.
- Cultivation of self-discipline, devotion, and remembrance of Lord Vishnu.
- Spiritual merit equivalent to many pilgrimages and charitable acts, leading toward liberation (moksha).
Conclusion
Observing Apara Ekadashi with sincere devotion, fasting, and remembrance of Lord Vishnu purifies the heart and bestows spiritual merit. Devotees who read or listen to this Vrat Katha with faith share in its blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apara Ekadashi Mahatmya and merits described by Shri Krishna. Arjuna said, "O Lord! What is the name of Ekadashi which falls on Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month? And what is its importance? Which deity is worshiped in it and what is the procedure for observing this fast? Please tel…
Removes sins of present and past lives; grants material and spiritual prosperity
Removes sins of past lives; grants material and spiritual prosperity Removes sins of present and past lives; grants material and spiritual prosperity Purification from accumulated sins and negative karma.
Source: Master Ekadashi Vrat Katha Repository. This Vrat Katha is a timeless scriptural narrative, reused across all years and not generated by AI.