Mokshada Ekadashi: Timings, Vrat Katha, Rituals, Significance

Mokshada Ekadashi is popularly celebrated as ‘Gita Jayanti’ on the Ekadashi tithi (11th day) of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) during the lunar month of ‘Margashira’, according to the Hindu Calendar. If you follow the Gregorian calendar it falls between the months of November to December. As the name reveals, the observer of Mokshada Ekadashi vrat will achieve liberation or ‘Moksha’ from the cycle of birth and death and reach to the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’. This Ekadashi is observed with devotion and zeal all across India. Mokshada Ekadashi is also referred as ‘Mauna Ekadashi’ or ‘Maun Agyaras’ and devotees on this day observe ‘Mauna’ (no talking) all day long. In some states of South India and the adjoining regions of Orissa, this ekadashi is also famous as ‘Vaikuntha Ekadashi’. This ekadashi is very noteworthy as it grants forgiveness for all the evil deeds and sins committed during one’s lifetime.

Mokshada Ekadashi 2024 is on December 11 Wednesday

7 months and 11 days to go for the event

Important Timings On Mokshada Ekadashi 2024

Vrat Katha

Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha English

Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha Hindi

Yudhishthira said, "O Janardhana! I inquire about the name of the Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Margashirsha month. What is the method, and which deity is worshipped on that day? O Lord! Please explain all of this in detail."

Shri Krishna replied, "O best of kings! In the Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month, there is an Ekadashi called 'Utpatti,' the description of which I have already presented to you. Now, I will describe the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha, which bestows the fruit of the Vajapeya Yajna merely by hearing about it. Its name is 'Moksha Ekadashi,' which liberates one from all sins.

On the day of Moksha, or Mokshada, Ekadashi, Lord Damodara must be worshipped using basil sprouts and a ghee lamp. Observing the rules of Dashami and Ekadashi per the prescribed method is appropriate. 'Moksha Ekadashi' destroys great sins. On that night, one should stay awake through dance, song, and praise to please me. Those whose ancestors are trapped in lower realms of Pataal due to sins receive liberation by observing this Ekadashi. There is no doubt about this."

In ancient times, the enchanting city adorned by Vaishnavas named Champak Nagar was ruled by a king named Vaikhanasa. He governed over his subjects with the care of a father for his son. One night, the king had a dream in which he saw his ancestors suffering in the lower realms of Pataal. Witnessing them in such a state, the king was greatly astonished. The following day, he narrated the entire dream to the learned Brahmins of his kingdom.

The king said, "O Brahmins! I saw my ancestors fall and suffer in hell in my dream. They were repeatedly crying and imploring me, 'You are our descendant born of our flesh and blood. Therefore, rescue us from this ocean of torment. Save us from Pataal lok.'"

O eminent Brahmins! Seeing my ancestors in such a state distresses me greatly. What should I do? Where should I go? My heart is filled with agony. O best among Brahmins! Kindly enlighten me about a vow or penance through which my forefathers can immediately be liberated from hell. I, being a valiant and courageous son who conquered, am living lavishly while my parents are suffering in a severe hell. What benefit is there in having such a son?"

The Brahmins replied, O King, Nearby, there is the great hermitage of 'Parvatamuni.' He possesses knowledge of the past, present, and future. O noblest among kings! You should go to him.

Upon hearing the words of the Brahmins, King Vaikhanasa promptly proceeded to the hermitage of Parvatamuni. Upon seeing the venerable sage there, he paid obeisance by prostrating himself and touching the eminent sage's feet. The sage, in turn, inquired about the well-being of the king and the seven aspects of his kingdom. The king, the ministers, the capital, the realm, the treasure, the army, and the ally.

The king said, O revered sage, By your grace, all the limbs of my kingdom are flourishing. However, I have seen in a dream that my ancestors are in hell. Therefore, please tell me by the influence of which virtuous deeds can they be liberated from there.

Upon hearing the king's words, the esteemed sage Parvat remained in meditation for a moment. After that, he addressed the king, saying, O King, In the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha, there is an Ekadashi named 'Moksha.' All of you should observe its vow and, by the merit gained from it, dedicate the virtue to your ancestors. Through the influence of this merit, they will surely be liberated from hell.

Lord Shri Krishna says, Yudhishthira, Upon hearing the words of the sage, the king returned to his palace. When the auspicious month of Margashirsha arrived, King Vaikhanasa observed the vow of 'Moksha' Ekadashi as per the sage's instructions. He dedicated the merit gained from this observance to his ancestors, including his parents. Immediately after offering this merit, there was a shower of flowers from the sky briefly.

The ancestors of Vaikhanasa, along with his parents, were liberated from hell. Appearing in the sky, they spoke these sacred words to the king, 'Son! May you be blessed!' Saying this, they ascended to heaven.

Lord Krishna continued, O Kunti Nandan, Whoever observes the auspicious 'Moksha' Ekadashi in this manner, all their sins are destroyed, and after death, they attain liberation. This 'Moksha' Ekadashi, bestowing liberation, is like a wish-fulfilling gem called Chintamani for humans. Reading or hearing about its glory yields the fruit equivalent to performing the Vajapeya Yajna.

Rituals during Mokshada Ekadashi:

• On Mokshada Ekadashi day one must get up at sunrise and take an early bath.
• Fasting is another important ritual of the day. The fast of Mokshada Ekadashi involves spending the day without eating or drinking anything. The fasting is done for a duration of 24 hours from the sunrise of Ekadashi tithi to sunrise of Dwadashi tithi. It is a popular belief that one who religiously observes this vrat every year will attain salvation after death.
• Partial fasting by eating milk, dairy products, fruits and other vegetarian foods is also allowed for those who are unable to keep a strict fast. Even a pregnant woman can observe this kind of fasting. Consumption of rice, grains, pulses, onion and garlic is strictly prohibited even for those not observing the Mokshada Ekadashi vrat. Eating leaves of the Bel tree is obligatory for Lord Vishnu followers.
• Devotees worship Lord Vishnu with devotion to seek His divine blessings. On this day the Holy Bhagavad Geeta is also worshipped and sermons are read out in many temples. The observer of this vrat offers prayers to Lord Krishna by following all the rituals of the puja. In the evening they visit the temples of Lord Vishnu to witness the celebrations there.
• On the occasion of Mokshada Ekadashi it is considered auspicious to read ‘Bhagavad Gita’, ‘Vishnu Sahasranamam’ and ‘Mukundashtakam’.

Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi:

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that by observing the Mokshada Ekadashi vrat, the observer can even grant moksha or liberation to their ‘Pitrs’ or dead ancestors. This day is called as Gita Jayanti as on this day, Bhagavad Gita, the well-known Hindu scripture was narrated to Arjun by Lord Krishna, during the epic war of Kurukshetra. For this reason, Mokshada Ekadashi is held auspicious for Vaishnavas or Lord Vishnu followers. The day of Mokshada Ekadashi is also favourable for gifting the Bhagavad Gita to any deserving person so that he/she receives the love and affection of Lord Vishnu. The significance of Mokshada Ekadashi is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and by listening them on this day, the person receives as much merits as achieved from a religious horse sacrifice. It is even revealed in the Vishnu Purana that Mokshada Ekadashi fasting is equivalent to the combined benefits of the other 23 ekadashi vrats in the Hindu year. Such is the greatness of Mokshada Ekadashi!

Mokshada Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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