इंदिरा एकादशी व्रत कथा

The beginning
Dharmaraj Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna, “O Lord, what is the name of the Ekadashi in the Krishna paksha of Ashwin? How is its fast kept?”
Shri Krishna said, “O King, this Ekadashi is called Indira Ekadashi. It comes during Pitru Paksha, so on this day people remember their ancestors with love and respect. Now listen carefully to its story.”

The story
In the Satya Yuga there was a city called Mahishmati, ruled by a mighty king named Indrasen. He cared for his people with dharma. He had sons and grandsons, plenty of wealth, and he was a great devotee of Vishnu ji.

One day, as the king sat in his court, Devarshi Narad came down from the sky. The moment the king saw him, he stood up with folded hands, gave him a seat of honour and worshipped him. Narad ji asked, “O King, is all well in your kingdom? Is your mind still set on dharma and devotion to God?”

The king said, “O Devarshi, by your grace all is well. Please tell me, what brings you here today?”

Narad ji said, “O King, I once went from Brahmalok to Yamlok. There, in the court of Yamraj, I saw your father. He was wise and good, but in a past life one of his Ekadashi vows had been broken. That is why he has to stay there. He has sent you a message. He said, ‘Tell my son that if he keeps the Indira Ekadashi fast of Ashwin Krishna paksha for me and gives its merit to me, I can go to heaven.’”

Hearing about his father, the king was filled with sorrow. He said, “O Devarshi, I will surely keep this fast. Please tell me how it is done.”

Narad ji explained, “On Dashami, bathe in the morning, and bathe again in a river at noon. Then perform the shraddha for your ancestors with faith, and eat only once that day. On Ekadashi, bathe in the morning and take the vow: ‘Today I give up all comforts and will keep the fast without food. O Achyut, I take refuge in you.’ Then perform the shraddha before Shaligram ji in the proper way, offer fruit to the Brahmins and give them dakshina. Feed some of the shraddha food to a cow. Worship Lord Vishnu with incense, a lamp, flowers and food offerings, and keep vigil near the Lord through the night. On the morning of Dwadashi, do the puja and feed the Brahmins, and then eat in silence with your family.”

Saying this, Narad ji disappeared. When Indira Ekadashi came, the king kept the fast exactly as Narad ji had told him, along with his family and his servants. As soon as the fast was complete, flowers rained from the sky. The king’s father rode on Garud to Vishnulok.

King Indrasen also ruled in peace for a long time. In the end he handed the throne to his son and he too went to heaven.

This story teaches that remembering our ancestors with faith, and doing good deeds in their name, is a beautiful duty for every child.

May Vishnu ji keep faith and peace in every heart.
Bolo Shri Hari Vishnu Bhagwan ki Jai!