Happy Mokshada Ekadashi 2019, readers! The holy day of Mokshada Ekadashi is considered to be very significant for the people belonging to the Hindu community. It is said that the person who observes Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat, then he/she will achieve moksha (liberation) from the cycle of life and death. It is also celebrated as ‘Gita Jayanti’ by many devotees. So, when is Mokshada Ekadashi 2019? What is the story of Mokshada Ekadashi? What is the significance of Mokshada Ekadashi? If you are searching for answers for these questions, then you have landed at the right place. We at LatestLY tell you all about the festival of Mokshada Ekadashi, its rituals, importance and much more. Mokshada Ekadashi 2019 Date: History, Significance and Rituals Associated With Margashirsha Mokshada Ekadashi Day.
When is Mokshada Ekadashi 2019?
The Mokshada Ekadashi 2019 will be celebrated on December 8, i.e. Sunday, this year. It is observed every year with zeal and enthusiasm. The sacred day of Mokshada Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha as per the Hindu Samvat calendar. If one looks at the Gregorian calendar, the day falls in the months on November-December.
Mokshada Ekadashi Story or Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
As per a legend, it is said that there lived a king Vaikhanasa once, who ruled the city of Champakanagar. He was very passionate about his subjects and used to treat them as his children. One night, the King had nightmares of his late father being tortured in ‘Hell’ by the God of Death, Yama. He was advised to meet Parvata Muni (Sage of the Mountains) where he was asked to observe fast (came to be known as Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat) after which his father will be freed from hell and attain moksha.
The King, along with his entire family, in full devotion, observed the fast religiously. The fasting bore fruits as the Gods of Heaven were pleased by the King’s faith and devotion, and his late father was then carried to heaven from hell. The following story was narrated to Pandava King Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna in the Brahmanda Purana.
Another legend says that Mokshada Ekadashi was the same day when Lord Krishna narrated the sermons of holy book Bhagavad Gita to Pandava Prince Arjuna before the beginning of the Mahabharata war.
What Are the Rituals Followed During Mokshada Ekadashi?
It is said that taking a bath during the sunrise is considered very auspicious. Observing a fast, popularly known as Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat, for a whole day is another ritual that is followed. The devotees, who cannot commit to a whole-day fast, can observe it partially as well. People worship the holy book of Bhagavad Gita and sermons are read out during the day. Prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu, and people celebrate the day by visiting Lord Krishna’s temples throughout the day.
The day of Mokshada Ekadashi is considered to be very important for Hindus. It is said that observing Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat will grant them forgiveness for all the evil deeds they have committed in their lifetime. It is also said that observing Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat is equivalent to observe 23 Ekadashi Vrats observed during the entire year.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 08, 2019 06:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).