उत्पन्ना एकादशी व्रत कथा

The beginning
Dharmaraj Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna, “O Janardan, what is the name of the Ekadashi in the Krishna paksha of Margashirsha? And why does the Ekadashi tithi hold such a high place among all the lunar days? Please tell me.”
Shri Krishna said, “O King, this Ekadashi is called Utpanna Ekadashi, because on this day Ekadashi Devi appeared. People keep a fast, worship Vishnu ji, light lamps and sing his name at night, and stay away from lies, gossip and bad company. Now listen to the story of how Ekadashi appeared.”

The story
In the Satya Yuga there was a very strong and fearsome asura named Mur. He was the son of an asura named Nadijangh and lived in the city of Chandravati. He defeated Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama, Vayu and all the other gods, drove them out of heaven and took their places for himself. In fear, the gods wandered here and there on earth.

In their sorrow, Indra and all the gods went to Bhagwan Shiv on Kailash and told him their pain. Shiv ji said, “O gods, go and take shelter with Vishnu ji, the lord of the three worlds. He will take away your sorrow.”

The gods reached the Ocean of Milk, where Vishnu ji rested on the bed of Sheshnag. Folding their hands, they sang his praises and said, “Prabhu, the asuras have driven us out of heaven. We have come to you for shelter. Please protect us.”

The Lord asked, “Who is this asura who has defeated all the gods? Where does he live?” Indra told him all about Mur. The Lord said, “Do not worry. Come, let us go to Chandravati.”

The Lord went to Chandravati with the gods. Mur came out to the battlefield with his army, roaring. Hearing his roar, the gods ran away in fear. Then Vishnu ji himself stepped forward. The asura army was defeated, but Mur stood firm. Every weapon the Lord used felt to him like a flower. They fought for thousands of years, and still Mur was not beaten.

Then Vishnu ji went to Badrikashram to rest. There was a very long cave there called Hemavati, with only one entrance. The Lord went into that cave and lay down in yoga nidra.

Mur followed him there. Seeing the Lord asleep, he thought, “Today I will defeat my enemy.” But as he stepped forward, a radiant and beautiful goddess appeared from Vishnu ji’s body, holding divine weapons. She challenged Mur. Mur was stunned to see her. They fought, and in a short while the goddess defeated Mur and put an end to him. The other asuras fled in fear to Patal lok.

When Vishnu ji woke from his yoga nidra, he was amazed to see Mur defeated. The goddess folded her hands and said, “Prabhu, this asura came to strike you while you slept. I appeared from your body and stopped him.”

The Lord was very pleased and said, “You have taken away the sorrow of the gods of all three worlds. Ask me for a boon.” The goddess said, “Prabhu, may the sins of whoever keeps my fast with faith be wiped away, and may they find a place at your feet.”

The Lord said, “So be it. You appeared on the Ekadashi tithi, so your name will be Ekadashi. My devotees will be your devotees, and you will be dearest to me among all the tithis.” From then on the custom of the Ekadashi fast began, and this day came to be called Utpanna Ekadashi, the Ekadashi of her appearing.

This story tells us that Ekadashi Devi is Vishnu ji’s own power. When a devotee remembers God with a true heart, they do not find themselves alone.

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