Saphala Ekadashi

Story of Saphala Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

King Mahishmat had a wicked eldest son, Lumbaka, who spent his days in vice and insulted gods and sages. Fed up, the king banished him. Lumbaka lived in the forest under a peepal tree, ate wild fruit and robbed travellers. On the Dashami night of Pausha Krishna he was very cold and ill and could not sleep. The next day, weak with fever, he ate nothing and remained awake. Without knowing it he had kept the Saphala Ekadashi. He later changed his ways, his father took him back and he ruled well.

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

Significance of Saphala Ekadashi

Saphala means "bringing success". People start a business, exam preparation or a fresh task after seeking blessings on this day. Offering seasonal fruit and lighting a lamp is the main custom.

The tradition says that keeping Saphala Ekadashi gives success in every effort. It falls in Pausha Krishna Paksha (Purnimanta) · Margashirsha Krishna Paksha (Amanta) and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

How to keep Saphala 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.
• 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.