The Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha is narrated by Shri Krishna himself to King Yudhishthira. This is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. To explain the importance of fasting on this holy Ekadashi, Lord Krishna tells the story of King Harishchandra and assures that the devoted observer will ultimately reach the spiritual world.
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha
King Yudhishthira asked, “O Krishna! What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls during the Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada? Lord Sri Krishna said, “O King! The name of this Ekadashi, which destroys all sins, is Aja Ekadashi. Whoever observes this vrata and worships Lord Hrishikesha becomes freed from all sins.”
Once upon a time, there was a King named Harishchandra. He was extremely truthful, but due to the sins committed unknowingly and to fulfill his promise, he had to give up his kingdom. Not only that, he was even forced to sell his wife and son. He had to become a servant of a Chandala and work at the cremation ground, collecting clothes from dead bodies. Even while performing such a difficult task, he never abandoned the path of truth.
Years passed away and one day, the king was thinking about his misfortune. Seeing the king in such a miserable condition, Gautama Rishi came to him. Seeing the sage, the king thought that Lord Brahma created the Brahmins for the welfare of the world. The king bowed before Gautama Rishi and told him about his wretched condition.
Seeing the king's distress, the sage compassionately said, “O King! Your good fortune will soon return. He instructed the King to observe vrata and remain awake throughout the night on Aja Ekadashi. After instructing the king, Gautama Rishi assured him that he would be free from all the difficulties and disappeared. The king faithfully observed the instructions of Gautama Rishi and became free from all his troubles.
Lord Sri Krishna said that the sufferings people experience for many years are destroyed immediately by the wonderful effect of this vrata. By the influence of this vrata, King Harishchandra was reunited with his wife and his dead son was restored to life. After ruling the kingdom for many years, King Harishchandra, along with his relatives, attained Bhagavad-dhama, the abode of the Lord. Anyone who hears or reads the glories of Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha with faith receives the pious merit of performing an Ashvamedha Yajna.
Conclusion
The story of King Harishchandra illustrates the significance of observing Aja Ekadashi. This Ekadashi has immense power that can eradicate the effects of one’s past karmas or sins. Aja Ekadashi becomes more sacred because Lord Krishna personally narrated its katha to King Yudhishthira. Anyone who devotedly observes Aja Ekadashi and worships Lord Hrishikesha attains the abode of the Lord.