Rama Ekadashi

Story of Rama Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

King Muchukunda ruled Chandrabhaga's city and had everyone, even animals, keep Ekadashi. His daughter Chandrabhaga married Shobhana, a weak man who could not bear hunger. When Rama Ekadashi came and the royal order was to fast, Shobhana kept it but died by the next morning. By the merit of the fast he got a shining city on Mount Mandara, but it was unstable. Chandrabhaga, who had kept Ekadashi since childhood, gave her own merit to him, and the city became permanent. The couple lived there happily.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Rama Ekadashi

Rama Ekadashi comes just before Diwali, and Lakshmi (Rama) is worshipped along with Vishnu. Many families light lamps on this day to begin the Diwali season.

The tradition says that keeping Rama Ekadashi gives prosperity and freedom from sin (Rama is a name of Lakshmi). It falls in Kartik Krishna Paksha (Purnimanta) · Ashwin Krishna Paksha (Amanta) and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu together with Goddess Lakshmi (Rama).

How to keep Rama Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu together with Goddess Lakshmi (Rama).
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.