Date: Thursday 29 August 2024
Also known as: Anada Ekadash
In the Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, there is a story of a Brahmin called Ajamali. He was married into a good religious family. However, he fell in love with a prostitute, became very sinful and had ten children with her. His youngest son, named Narayana, was his favourite. On Ajamali’s deathbed, on his last breath, he called out to his youngest son, Narayana. Due to uttering just the word “Narayana”, the Lord, with unbound kindness, gave him salvation. This day was now also called “Aja Ekadashi”.
Shri Mahaprabhuji has mentioned in the 7th Shloka line of "Shri Krushnashray":
“Ajaammilaadi-doshaanaam, naashakonubhave sthitah;
Gnaapitaakhil-maahaatmyah, Krushna eva gatirmama”
meaning:
Bhaktas know him as the One who removed the impurities of sinners like Ajamali and others and He has thus revealed His total eminence. Krishna alone is my refuge.
In this Kaliyug, chanting the Lord’s name only, can give you salvation. When considering Karma, there are six types of Shuddhi (purification) and four types of Moksh (salvation). But, these cannot be achieved in Kaliyug, but if anyone will get these by any Sadhan Bal, it will end in misery. For example, if a person is a childless, and by the power of some Sadhan or Mantra he/she can get a child they yearned for. In the story of Atmadev, a Brahmin, it is said that he was childless. He wanted a son so badly, that with the power of mantras, he became a father to a son named Dhundhukari. However, as he has the son through the power of mantras, Dhundhukari became evil and hence Atmadev’s life was very troubled and filled with sadness.
Hence, Shri Mahaprabhuji says that we should take the shelter of the Lord at all times.
Another narration of this Ekadashi
In the Brahmavaivarta Purana, there is a conversation between Shri Krishna and Maharaj Yudhisthir. “This holy Ekadashi which destroys all your sins is known as Anada Ekadashi. Those who do the vrat of Anada Ekadashi and do devotion of the Lord Rishikesh faithfully, they can release from their sins.”
In the ancient times, there was King Harishchandra. He was an honest, noble king and is subjects enjoyed prosperity and peace. According to this legend, Harishchandra gave away his kingdom, sold his family, and agreed to be a slave – all because he had sinned the sage Vishvamitra.
The king was a slave for many years. Even in this troubled situation, he faithfully followed his religion and principles. Once, the King was in grief and was thinking that how to relieve from this sin? At that time, Gautam Rishi arrived in front of the King. Seeing the great Rishi, the King thought that Lord Brahma might have sent the Rishi for him. He bowed to the Rishi and told him his sad story.
The Rishi said, “The Ekadashi comes in the month of Shravan Krushna Paksh is so holy and it removes the sins. This Ekadashi is coming soon. Do the fast and Jagaran on this Ekadashi. It will remove all your sins. Dear King, I only came here for you.” After telling this, the Rishi became invisible. Then, the king did the Anada Ekadashi vrat with faithfully and his all sins were removed.
Shri Krishna ended his conversation and said, “Maharaj Yudhisthir, this Ekadashi is very powerful. Any person can remove all their troubles and sins by its power. Due to this Ekadashi, King Harishchandra met his wife again and his dead son got became alive again. So, those who do the vrat of Anada Ekadashi, all their sins will be removed and they can get the place in the heaven.”
About Acharya Goswami Shri Yogesh Kumar Maharajshri (Yaduraiji), Kandivali
Maharajshri is the 15th generation direct descendent of Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji. He is currently residing in Kandivali, Mumbai.
For many years, Maharajshri has been propagating the teaching of Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji through His travels across the globe. He has held numerous discourses, programmes and events in countries such as USA, Canada, UK, Portugal, South Africa, UAE, Bahrain, Muscat, New Zealand and Australia.
His discourse on divine principals of Pushtimarg are renowned for their practical and simple explanation of the seva protocol for Vaishnava’s staying abroad.
