Padmini Ekadashi is the eleventh day from the Amavasya day (Shukla Paksha Ekadashi) which occurs on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi Tithi of the Sravana Adhika month as per Amantha and the Purnimantha Calendars. The month is also called as Purushotham mas. Adhik or Purushotham Mas happens once in every 32 months.
In the year 2023, it occurs on Saturday, 29th July 2023. The exact duration of the Ekadashi Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Legend
As per the legend, King at the time of Treta Yuga, Krita Veerya and his wife Padmini were doing penance at Mandara Mountains praying to Bhagwan Sri Maha Vishnu. They were doing the penance to seek progeny.
The penance which was done for a long period did not yield any benefit. Rani Padmini had asked Sri Anasuya Matha for the solution for their woes. Anasuya Devi had advised to observe Ekadashi Vrat praying to Sri Vishnu on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Adhik Shravan month.
Padmini had duly observed the Ekadashi Vrat. Bhagwan Vishnu appeared before her and asked her about her worries. Padmini and Krita Veerya prayed for a son with valor. Bhagwan had granted their wish.
In due course, the couple were blessed with a son and they named him Karta Virya Arjuna. He had become a great King and he was powerful enough even to catch Ravan, the demon King.
Other names
The other names of this Ekadashi are Kamala Ekadashi, Padmini Vishudh Ekadashi, Purushotham Ekadashi, Shravan Padmini Ekadashi, Shukla Paksha Adhik Mas Ekadashi.
Rituals
The general rituals followed for Ekadashi Vrats are given below:
-The exact time of dawn of Ekadashi tithi is ascertained either from family elders / astrologers. It is mentioned in the Holy Almanac (Panchang) as well. Even daily Calendars provide the information.
-The idol or picture of Sri Vishnu is decorated with flowers. Incense sticks are lit. Diyas are lit with ghee. Pujas are done with tulsi leaves.
– The items such as Jambira fruit (goose berry), Pomegranate, Mangoes, Guava, Betal nuts and leaves, Coconut, Varieties of nuts and Cloves and other aromatic spices are offered in Puja subject to availability.
Slokas or stotras of Sri Maha Vishnu including Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama are recited with devotion. Srimad Bhagavad Gitaa is also recited.
-Special Puja is done for Sri Lakshmi Devi as well.
-The Vrat Katha is read and recited.
-At the end of the puja, aarti is done. Prasad is distributed to the family members.
-Devotees of Bhagwan Maha Vishnu observe strict fasting from the dawn of Ekadashi.
-They do not sleep on the night of Ekadashi. At this time, tales of Sri Maha Vishnu are recited by the elders. Others listen to the stories.
-Various bhajans and kirtans are held.
-The fast shall continue till the sunrise of the next day, i.e., Dwadashi.
-Those devotees who cannot do fasting due to medical or other reasons can take sattvic food. Mostly prasadams and fruits are partaken.
-Making daan / donation to the needy on Ekadashi day is believed to please Sri Maha Vishnu.
-On Dwadashi day, unless it happens to be another Vrat day, a nutritious meal is partaken to balance the internal physical effects of fasting on the previous day. It is considered pious to forego eating of brinjal on Dwadashi day.
Especially for Padmini Ekadashi, it is considered auspicious to take holy dip in Punya Nadhis such as Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada etc., Performing havan / yagna is also considered beneficial.
Benefits
-Alleviation of all the sins both intentional and unintentional.
-Fulfillment of the wishes.
-Attainment of moksha.
Importance should be given to the sincere prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu.
The synopsis of Kamada Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, Apara Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi and Devshayani Ekadashi are narrated in the previous articles.
