Mokṣadā Ekādaśī
Purāṇic Glories & Sacred Lore · Mārgashīrṣa · Śukla Pakṣa
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa
Revealing transcendental glories
King Yudhiṣṭhira
Seeking liberation for all beings
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः
oṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
The Legend of Mokṣadā Ekādaśī
The sacred Purāṇic dialogue between Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and King Yudhiṣṭhira revealing the transcendental glories and vows of this holy vrata.
Liberation from accumulated sins and attainment of Viṣṇuloka.
The Sacred Gift of Liberation (Mokṣadā Ekādaśī & Gītā Jayantī)
King Yudhiṣṭhira said with great devotion:
“O Keśava! Which Ekādaśī falls in the bright fortnight of the month of Mārgaśīrṣa (November–December)? What is its supreme glory, and how does it bestow liberation (mokṣa)?”
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied with a divine smile:
“O righteous King! This sacred day is celebrated as Mokṣadā Ekādaśī—the granter of spiritual liberation! On this very day, on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra, I spoke the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā to Arjuna. Therefore, this day is also celebrated with deep reverence across the world as Gītā Jayantī. Observing this fast has the power to liberate even departed ancestors who may be caught in suffering realms.”
The Vision of King Vaikhānasa
In the ancient city of Campakanagara, ruled by the saintly King Vaikhānasa, the people lived in harmony and peace. One night, however, King Vaikhānasa had a distressing dream.
In his dream, he saw his departed father trapped in the suffering fires of Naraka (the lower realm), weeping and crying out to him:
‘O my dear son! Save me from this torment! My past karmic debts have bound me here. Perform some holy deed to release me!’
The king awoke in tears of agony. He called his assembly of ministers and brāhmaṇas, asking how he could liberate his father from suffering.
The Hermitage of Sage Parvata
The courtiers advised the king to visit the venerable Sage Parvata, who lived in a quiet hermitage outside the city and possessed divine sight into past, present, and future.
King Vaikhānasa hurried to the ashram and prostrated before the holy sage. Sage Parvata closed his eyes in deep meditation and saw the past life of the king’s father:
‘O King! In his previous life, your father was proud and neglected his spiritual duties toward his wife and ancestors. That neglect has bound him to this lower realm. But do not despair, for there is a supreme remedy.’
Sage Parvata continued: ‘In the bright fortnight of Mārgaśīrṣa arrives Mokṣadā Ekādaśī. Observe this fast with your whole family with pure devotion. On Dvādaśī morning, offer the spiritual merit of your fast to your father. By the grace of Lord Dāmodara, he will be instantly liberated!’
The Father’s Ascension
King Vaikhānasa returned to his palace with renewed faith. When Mokṣadā Ekādaśī arrived, the king, his queens, and their citizens observed a strict and prayerful fast. They recited verses from the holy scriptures, sang hymns of praise, and kept a loving vigil through the night.
On Dvādaśī morning, after offering worship, the king poured sacred water from his palms and said:
‘O Supreme Lord! Whatever merit has been gained from our observance of Mokṣadā Ekādaśī, let it all be given to my father, that he may attain eternal peace!’
Instantly, celestial flowers showered from the heavens. The king saw his father appear in the sky, radiant with divine light, clothed in heavenly robes and smiling with tears of joy:
‘My beloved son! By your piety and the grace of Mokṣadā Ekādaśī, I am freed forever and am ascending to Vaikuṇṭha!’
With these words, his father ascended to the eternal abode of joy, blessing his son’s lineage for all time.
How to Observe Mokshada Ekādaśī
- Celebration of Gītā Jayantī: Read or recite selected verses from the Bhagavad Gītā, especially Chapter 9 or Chapter 12 on devotion.
- Worship of Lord Dāmodara: Offer pure ghee lamps, incense, yellow flowers, and tulasī leaves before Lord Viṣṇu / Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
- Gentle Fasting: Observe a peaceful fast suited to your strength.
- Prayers for Ancestors: Pray that any spiritual merit gained brings peace and liberation to your parents and ancestors.
- Dvādaśī Pāraṇā: Next morning on Dvādaśī, offer food or charity to the needy and break your fast within the auspicious window.
Source: Padma Purāṇa, Uttara Khaṇḍa, Chapter 39, ‘Mokṣadā Ekādaśī Mahātmyam’. Translated and retold in classical devotional prose for contemplation and daily observance.
Deepen Your Spiritual Immersion
Support the preservation of authentic Vedic astronomy and scripture. Sanctum Patrons unlock deep commentaries, printable altar cards, and uninterrupted contemplation.
100% of contributions fund authentic scriptural research & planetary ephemeris maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Mokshada Ekadasi?
- Mokshada Ekadasi is the ekādaśī tithi, the eleventh lunar day, of the waxing fortnight (śukla pakṣa) of Mārgashīrṣa. Its name signifies "bestower of liberation". Like every Ekadasi, it is observed by fasting and remembrance of Lord Viṣṇu. The sacred narrative and transcendental fruits (phalaśruti) of Mokshada are preserved in Purāṇas.
- When is Mokshada Ekadasi observed?
- Mokshada Ekadasi falls on the ekādaśī tithi of the waxing fortnight of Mārgashīrṣa in the Hindu lunar calendar. The exact Gregorian date varies each year because the lunar calendar shifts relative to the solar year. Smārta and Vaiṣṇava observers occasionally fast on different civil days when the tithi spans two sunrises; see the timings table above for your locality's exact window.
- Who is worshipped on Mokshada Ekadasi?
- Mokshada Ekadasi, like all Ekadasis, is dedicated to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa / Mahāviṣṇu. Traditional devotional observances include chanting the Viṣṇu-sahasranāma, reading the corresponding chapter from Purāṇas, hearing the sacred katha, and meditating on the divine holy names.
- What is the spiritual fruit (phalaśruti) of observing Mokshada Ekadasi?
- Canonical scriptures declare that observing Mokshada Ekadasi bestows: Liberation from accumulated sins and attainment of Viṣṇuloka.. Across all sacred Ekadasis, the fast purifies consciousness, dissolves karmic impressions, and elevates the soul toward spiritual liberation.
- How is Mokshada Ekadasi observed?
- A complete observance begins the prior evening (Daśamī) with a light sattvic meal, followed by a dedicated fast on Ekadasi day. Devotees may observe nirjala (without water), phalahāra (fruits, milk, and water), or a single sattvic meal according to physical capacity. Grains, rice, wheat, beans, onion, and garlic are strictly avoided. The fast concludes on Dvādaśī morning during the designated pāraṇa window with sacred Caraṇāmṛta and Tulasī.
- What is the difference between Smārta and Vaiṣṇava observance of Mokshada Ekadasi?
- On most occasions, both traditions observe the fast on the identical date. A variation occurs during an atirikta Ekādaśī when the tithi spans two consecutive sunrises. Smārtas fast on the first day (Viddhā), while Vaiṣṇavas observe the fast on the subsequent morning (Śuddhā), ensuring adherence to Dvādaśī touching sunrise.