Saphala Ekadashi: Parana Timing, Vrat Katha, Muhurats, and Rituals

Saphala Ekadashi is an auspicious fasting day observed on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) during the month of ‘Paush’ in the traditional Hindu calendar. This ekadashi is also referred as ‘Pausa Krishna Ekadashi’. If you follow the Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated between the months of December to January. The day of Saphala Ekadashi is sacred to Hindus as it is believed that by fasting sincerely on this day, the devotees can wash away their sins and also enjoy a blissful life. Ekadashi is a revered day that occurs twice in every lunar Hindu month and is a day dedicated to worshipping the preserver of this Universe, who is none other than Lord Vishnu.

The word ‘saphala’ in Hindi means ‘to prosper’ and therefore this ekadashi should be observed by anyone who desires success and happiness in all the fields of life. Saphala Ekadashi is therefore a means to open the doors of abundant, success, prosperity and fortune. It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in all the corners of the country. Huge events are organized on this day in Lord Krishna temples as; He is an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Saphala Ekadashi 2024 is on December 26 Thursday

7 months and 26 days to go for the event

Important Timings On Saphala Ekadashi 2024

Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha English

Saphala Ekadashi Vrat Katha Hindi

Yudhishthira inquired, "O revered one! What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Paush? Could you please elucidate its observance and disclose which deity is to be worshipped during that time?"

Lord Shri Krishna said, "O ruler of men! Listen as I elucidate. The satisfaction I derive from grand and elaborate yajnas is not as immense as the contentment gained from observing the Ekadashi-vrata. Therefore, one should wholeheartedly observe the fast of Ekadashi. In the Krishna Paksha of the month of Paush, there is an Ekadashi named 'Safala.' On that day, following the prescribed rituals, one should perform the worship of Lord Narayana. The tithi of Ekadashi is highly auspicious, and therefore, observing its fast is appropriate. O king! On the day of 'Safala' Ekadashi, recite the names and mantras, and perform the worship of Lord Shrihari through the offerings of fruits such as coconut, betel nut, betel leaves, lemons, pomegranates, beautiful amla (Indian gooseberry), cloves, berries, and especially mangoes. Additionally, the worship should include the offering of incense and lamps.

The observance of 'Safala' Ekadashi has a special provision for the donation of lamps. One should stay awake during the night and engage in the worship vigil. The fruits obtained by those who stay awake during the vigil cannot be achieved even by a thousand years of rigorous penance."

O noble king! Now, let me narrate the auspicious tale of 'Safala' Ekadashi. There was a renowned city named Champavati, which once served as the capital of King Mahishmat. The king had five sons, and among them, the eldest was constantly engrossed in sinful activities. He was inclined towards adultery and was attached to the company of courtesans. He recklessly squandered his father's wealth in sinful pursuits and habitually indulged in immoral conduct. He was a constant critic of the Brahmins, always speaking ill of them and disrespecting Vaishnavas and deities.

Seeing his son's sinful behaviour, King Mahishmat named him Lumbhak and, after consultation with his brothers, banished him from the kingdom. Lumbhak wandered into a dense forest, where he perpetrated numerous acts of robbery, plundering the wealth of entire villages. One day, when he entered a town to commit theft, the night watchmen apprehended him. However, when he revealed his identity as the son of King Mahishmat, the guards released him.

Returning to the sinful life, Lumbhak went back to the forest and started subsisting on meat and fruits from the trees. In that wicked state, he found solace near a peepal tree located at the edge of the forest. This ancient peepal tree was considered a divine entity in the forest, and Lumbhak, despite his evil mindset, chose to reside there.

After many days, due to the accumulated effects of his past good deeds, Lumbhak found himself observing the Ekadashi fast involuntarily. On the tenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Paush, he consumed fruits from the trees and suffered the intense cold of the night without any warm clothing. He experienced tremendous discomfort throughout the night, with neither sleep nor rest. He then lost consciousness and was almost lifeless.

Even after the sunrise, the sinful Lumbhak remained unconscious. On the day of 'Safala' Ekadashi, he continued to be in a state of stupor. It was only in the afternoon that he regained consciousness. Slowly rising from his seat and staggering like a lame person, he moved within the forest. He was weakened by hunger and in pain. O king! At that moment, Lumbhak, famished and distressed, carried various fruits from around the forest and returned to his resting place near the tree. As soon as he arrived at the resting spot, the sun began to set.

Then, with folded hands, Lumbhak, addressing the roots of the tree, offered the fruits, saying, "May the Lord of prosperity, Bhagwan Vishnu, be pleased with these fruits." Having spoken these words, Lumbhak stayed awake the entire night. In this way, effortlessly, he observed the Ekadashi fast.

At that moment, a celestial voice resounded, "O prince! Through the blessings of 'Safala' Ekadashi, you will attain both a kingdom and a son." Pleased with this divine proclamation, Lumbhak accepted the boon, saying, "So be it." Subsequently, his appearance transformed into a divine one. From that day onwards, he developed superior intelligence and immersed himself in the worship of Lord Vishnu. Adorned with divine ornaments, he acquired an unblemished kingdom and ruled it for fifteen years.

During this time, due to the grace of Lord Shri Krishna, a beautiful son named Manogya was born to him. When the child grew up, Lumbhak, relinquishing his attachment to the kingdom, handed it over to his son and went to the proximity of Lord Shri Krishna, where sorrow never befalls anyone. O king! In this way, whoever observes the excellent fast of 'Safala' Ekadashi achieves bliss in this world and attains liberation after death.

Those individuals who steadfastly observe the fast of Ekadashi in this world are truly fortunate. Their birth is successful, and in the material realm, they enjoy happiness. Maharaja! Reading about the glory of 'Safala' Ekadashi, listening to it, and adhering to its practices bestows the same merit as performing a Rajasuya Yagya.

Rituals during Saphala Ekadashi:

• On Saphala Ekadashi day, devotees observe a strict fast in the honour of Lord Vishnu. The fast begins from the dawn of ekadashi and continues till the sunrise of the next day, ‘dwadashi’. While keeping the Saphala Ekadashi vrat, only ‘saatvik’ food is eaten by the devotees. For people who are not capable to keep the complete fast, can even fast observe partial fast or fast for just half day.
• Lord Vishnu is the main deity of the Saphala Ekadashi. Vaishnavas worship Lord Vishnu with devout hearts to invoke His love and affection. Offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu on this day is believed to remove all the sins of an individual. Devotees please Lord Vishnu by offering incense sticks, coconut, betel nut and other aromatic objects. Lighting of diyas during the evening will make it more rewarding.
• On the day Saphala Ekadashi, the observer of the vrat, should not sleep whole night. They partake in various bhajans and kirtan programs in the honour of Lord Vishnu. Devotees listen to the famous tales of Lord Vishnu. At the end ‘aarti’ is done and later Prasad is distributed among family members. On Saphala Ekadashi one must donate money, food and other essentials to the Brahmins and needy.

Significance of Saphala Ekadashi:

The importance of Saphala Ekadashi is mentioned as a conversation between Dharamraja Yudhisthira and Lord Krishna in the ‘Brahmanda Purana’. According to the Hindu scriptures, it is said that even 100 Rajasuya Yagas and 1000 Ashvamedha Yagas are not as beneficial as observing a sacred fast on the day of Saphala Ekadashi. The day of Saphala Ekadashi is rightfully described as a day that transforms bad luck into rewarding fortune by ending all the miseries of life. Saphala Ekadashi has powers to help a person accomplish his/her desires and dreams in reality. Besides it also give satisfaction and inner peace to the observer of the Saphala Ekadashi fast.

Saphala Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

Other Related Festivals