Nārada Mahā Purana
120 - The exposition of the Vratas to be observed on Ekadashi (eleventh) days (of the lunar fortnight)
The NP. being a Vaisnava Purana gives full details of Ekadashi Vrata. It has devoted the whole of Uttarardha in glorification of this Vrata.
The NP. follows Purnimanta reckoning. Hence the Ekadashi in the dark half is treated first. It is not known why Chaitra Ekadashi should be an exception and why Ekadashi in Chaitra Shu. and Kru are so much bifurcated (Chaitra Shu in VV 5-8a and Chaitra Kru in VV 80-82)
The following is the Tabular statement of Ekadashis and the month and fortnight for their performance. The difference of name in the list in HDV. i P. 108 Note 278 is noted in the bracket.
N. of the lunar Fortnight and month N. of the Ekadashi
Vrata
1. Chaitra Shu. Kamada
2. ,, Kru. Papamochani
(Varuthini)
3. Vaishakha Shu. Mohini
4. ,, Kru. Varuthini (Apara)
5. Jyeshtha Shu. Nirajala
6. ,, Kru. Apara (Yogini)
7. Ashadha Shu. Shayani
8. ,, Kru. Yogini (Kamika or
Kamada)
9. Shravana Shu. Putrada
10. ,, Kru. Kamika (Aja)
11. Bhadrapada Shu. Padma (Parivartini)
12. Kru. Aja (Indira)
13. Ashvina shu Papankusha
14. „ Kru. Indira (Rama)
15. Karttika Shu Prabodhini
16. „ Kru. Rama (Utpatti)
17. Margashirsha Shu Moksha
(Mokshada)
18. „ Kru. Utapanna (Saphala)
19. Pausha Shu. Putrada
20. „ Kru. Saphala (Shat-tila)
21. Magha Shu. Jaya
22. „ Kru. Shat-tila (Vijaya)
23. Phalguna Shu. Amalaki
24. ,, Kru. Vijaya (Papa-
mochani)
VV. 1-4 give general instructions on the common ritual in the Ekadashi Vratas.
Sanatana said:
1-4. On the eleventh day in cither of the fortnights of (any month), O sage, the devotee must desist from taking food. With great concentration, he must construct an auspicious pavilion decorated with flowers of various kinds exquisitely. After taking bath perfectly in accordance with the injunctions, he should observe fast and conquer his sense-organs. With faith and great concentration, he should duly worship Vishnu with various Upacharas, Japas, Homas and circumambulations. He should also recite different hymns in prayer to the Lord, along with songs and instrumental music that captivate the mind. He should glorify the Lord with charming shouts of Jaya (Be victorious). He should prostrate on the ground like a long staff. He should keep awake during the night. (By carrying out all these instructions) he attains the great region of Vishnu.
5-8a. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Chaitra, the excellent man should observe fast and maintain these observances mentioned hereinafter for these days (the previous and the subsequent days included i.e., the 10th, 11th + 12th Tithis). On the Dvadashi (twelfth) day, he should devotedly worship the eternal Vasudeva with all the sixteen Upacharas.
Then, he should feed his kinsmen. * After giving Dakshina to them he should bid farewell to them and take food himself. This holy Ekadashi Vrata is called Kamada (the granter of desires). It destroys all sins. O Brahmana, if observed properly and perfectly, it yields worldly pleasures and salvation.
*The wording in the next line shows that here the reading should have been Brahmanam instead of bandhavan. If the reading be Vadavan it will do as Vadava=a Brahmana.
8b-10. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Vaishakha, a person should observe, with all formalities (of this Vrata), fast on this Varuthini (name of this Ekadashi.) On the next day, he should worship Madhusudana. The charitable gift of gold, cooked food, cow and virgin on this day is highly commendable. By performing the holy Vrata of Varuthini (Ekadashi), the man devoted to the regular requisite observances is liberated from all sins. He attains the region of Vishnu.
11-12a. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Vaishakha, the devotee observes fast on this Mohini Ekadashi. On the next day, he takes his bath and worships Purushottama with scents and other things. By feeding Brahmanas, (thereafter), he shall undoubtedly be liberated from sins.
12b-14a. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Jyeshtha (which is called Apara,1 he should observe fast of the Apara Ekadashi, O king,2 on the Dvadashi day, he performs the daily prescribed (Nitya) rites and worships Trivikrama. Thereafter, feeding prominent Brahmanas and giving them Dakshina, he becomes liberated from all sins and goes to Vishnu’s Region (Vaikuntha).
1. As Apara is the name of Ekadashi which follows Mohini (HD VI. 1 p. 108 Ft. note 278), the reading in this verse should have been Samuposhyaparam instead of Samuposhya param; Here param is meaningless and syntactically unrelated to any substantive.
2. This is an obvious quotation, as the epithet Nrupa is not applicable to Narada.
14b-16. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Jyeshtha, the holy rite of Nirjala (Abstention from water) Ekadashi is observed. O excellent Brahmana, from the sun-rise to sunrise (i.e., through-out the Ekadashi day) (not even water is to be taken in). On the twelfth day in the morning, he performs the prescribed daily routine rites and worships Hrushikesha with all the Upacharas; (thereafter) he feeds Brahmanas with devotion. By observing this holy rite, the devotee attains the benefit of twenty-four (Ordinary) Ekadashis.
17-18. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Ashadha, the devotee observes the fast of Yogini Ekadashi. On the twelfth day, he performs his daily rites and worships Narayana. Then, he feeds leading Brahmanas and offers Dakshina to them. He attains the benefit of all charitable gifts and rejoices in the abode of Vishnu.
19-24. Listen to the injunctions regarding the holy rite on the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Ashadha.1 The devotee observes fast on that day in accordance with the injunctions. He should instal the image of Vishnu made of gold or silver, on an auspicious pavilion. The image should be of exquisite workmanship, with the four hands shining with conch, discus, iron club and the lotus. A yellow silk-cloth should be wound round the image. O Brahmana, the image should be placed on a couch neatly covered with (silk) cloth. Uttering the Mantras, he should bathe the Lord with Panchamruta and pure water. The hymn ‘Purusha Sukta’ (RV. X. 90) is recited. The Upacharas (articles and modes or details of worship) begin with Padya (offering of water to wash the feet of the Lord) and end with Nirajana (waving of lights in front of the Lord’s image). Then he prays to Hari as follows “O Lord of the Universe, if you are asleep, this Universe too shall be asleep. When you wake up, the entire Universe consisting of the mobile and immobile being wakes up.” After praying thus in the presence of the Lord, the devout man should adopt regulations (or Vratas) laid down for observance during the period of the Chaturmasya. He should adopt them to the extent of his capacity.
1. For the detailed discussion of the Vrata vide HD. V. 109-112. The details of this Vrata given in NP. (VV. 19-27) are rather different from these in HD (ibid).
I doubt the Indo-European origin of this Shayani Vrata for lack of evidence in comparative mythology. Kane's other theory viz. the monsoons causing paralysis of activities, journey etc. is more plausible.
In Maharashtra, this is treated as a Maha-ekadashi and perhaps the biggest pilgrimage is held at Pandharpur on this occasion. One wonders why *farmers who are normally very busy at this time of the year, leave aside their agricultural activities and gather at Pandharpur. Is it a continuation of such gathering since the days of food-gathering economy?
2. This verse (No. 23) is probably a quotation as we find it quoted in the Dharma Sindhu (P. 53) and Nirnaya Sindhu (P. 102).
25-26. On the morning of the Dvadashi day, he should worship Sheshashayin (Lord Vishnu reposing on the couch of the body of Shesha) with all the sixteen types of Upacharas. He should then feed the Brahmanas and propitiate them with Dakshinas. After that he should take food silently. From that time onwards, O leading Brahmana, he should worship the Lord with scents and other things every day.
27. By performing this holy rite of “Shayani-Vrata” of the Lord duly, O Brahmana, the man enjoys worldly pleasures and Salvations, thanks to the grace of Vishnu.
28-31a. O excellent Brahmana, the excellent man performs the holy rite of ‘Kamika’ (also known as Kamada) on the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Shravana along with due observances. On the twelfth day, after performing the daily routine rites, he worships Shridhara, Hari, with all the sixteen Upacharas.1 He then feeds Brahmanas, gives them Dakshina and bids them farewell. Thereafter, he takes his food along with the kinsmen. O Brahmana, he who thus performs the excellent Kamika (Ekadashi) Vrata obtains all the cherished desires in this world and attains the greatest region of Vishnu.
1. The NP. constantly refers to sixteen Upacharas. They are as follows: avahana (invitation), asana (offering a seat), Padya (water for washing feet), arghya (respectful offering of water with or without grains of rice, durva grass, flowers mixed in it), achamaniya (offering spoonfuls of water for sipping), snana (bath), vastra (cloth), yajnopavita (the sacred thread). anulepana or gandha (sandal paste or some fragrant paste), pushpa (decoration with flowers) dhupa (burning of incense), dipa (waving of light), naivedya (offering of eatables, food) tambula (offering betel-leaves, just after dinner or naivedya), dakshina (religious fee or monetary gift), pradakshina (clockwise circumambulation).
Many of these were current in Vedic times for receiving guests and pitrus at the time of Shraddha and these were extended to images when idol-worship came in vogue. It is a superstition to attribute all these to Dravidians (For details vide HD. V. i PP. 33-39).
31b-33. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Shravana, the devotee performs the holy rite of “Pavitra* (prob. an alternative name for Putrada) Ekadashi” On the Dvadashi day, he should worship Janardana strictly adhering to the rules, with all the sixteen Upacharas. Thereafter, he feeds Brahmanas and gives them Dakshinas. He obtains a son endowed with good qualities and then attains Vishnu’s region. He will be bowed to by all Devas.
34-36a. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Bhadrapada, the devotee observes fast of the holy rite named ‘Aja-Ekadashi’. On the Dvadashi day, he should worship Upendra with various Upacharas, He should feed Brahmanas with sweet cooked rice and bid farewell to them after giving them Dakshina. O Brahmana, he who observes the holy rite in this way with great concentration and devotion to Aja, enjoys all worldly pleasures. In the end he attains the abode of Vishnu.
36b-41a. The devotee has to perform the holy rite of PadmaVrata* (Ekadashi fast called Padma) on the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada, After finishing the daily worship, he should perform the rite of Kotidana (giving of a crore of things). O excellent Brahmana, the image installed before is worshipped with great festivities. The image is taken to the water-reservoir and is touched with water and is then worshipped in accordance with the injunctions. It is then brought to the platform and laid to rest on the left side. On the morning of the Dvadashi day, he worships Vamana with scents and other things. The Brahmanas are fed, given Dakshinas and bidden farewell to. O Brahmana, he who performs the excellent holy rite of Padmavrata thus, enjoys all worldly pleasures. In the end he attains release from Samsara.
*It is also called Parivartini as Lord Vishnu is supposed to have turned on one side during his sleep on this day. (Kane —HD V. I. 109). The NP. subscribes to this supposition as v. 39a instructs that the image of Vishnu should be laid to rest on the left side.
41b-44. The devotee performs the holy Ekadashi rite called Indira, on the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Ashvina. He observes fast and at midday, he performs Shraddha rite in front of a Saligrama stone. O Brahmana, this is highly pleasing to Vishnu. On the next morning of Hari’s day, the intelligent devotee worships Padmanabha and feeds Brahmanas. After giving them Dakshina, he bids farewell to them and takes food himself. The man who performs the holy rite thus, enjoys all desired worldly pleasures and uplifts a crore of his ancestors. In the end he goes to Vishnu’s abode.
45-47. O Brahmana, the devotee observes the holy rite called ‘Pashankusha’, on the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Ashvina. After observing fast on this day, he should worship Vishnu on the day of Vishnu (i.e., Dvadashi day). He then feeds prominent Brahmanas, gives them Dakshina and after bowing to them devotedly, he bids farewell to them. Thereafter, he takes food himself. The man who performs the holy rite of Pashankusha Vrata thus with devotion, enjoys excellent worldly pleasures and attains the Saloka Mukti i.e., residence in the same region as that of Vishnu.
48-50. O excellent Brahmana, the devotee performs the holy rite of Rama Ekadashi on the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Karttika. After duly observing fast on that day, he worships Keshava on the morning of Dvadashi day. He worships Keshava, the eternal Lord of the Devas, the destroyer of Keshin. He should then feed Brahmanas and bid farewell to them after Dakshina has been given. O Brahmana, he who performs the holy rites thus, enjoys all desired pleasures here. He attains to the presence of Ramapati (Vishnu) by means of an aerial chariot! (This is known as samipata Mukti).
51 -56a. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Karttika, the devotee observes the fast of Prabodhini Ekadashi. At night, the devotee wakens up the sleeping Keshava (Vishnu) with auspicious songs, with Ruk, Yajus and Saman Mantras and with various kinds of instrumental music. He propitiates the Lord presenting him grapes, sugarcane, pomegranate and other fruits and the plants of banana and Srungataka (Trapa Bispinosa etc). After the night is over, on the next day, he takes bath and performs his daily routine. He should then worship Gadadamodara with all the sixteen Upacharas and with the recital of the Purushasukta. After feeding Brahmanas and giving them Dakshinas to their satisfaction, he should bid farewell to them. He shall give that gold image to the preceptor along with a cow. He who respectfully performs this Bodhini Vrata with devotion, enjoys all worldly pleasures and attains the region of Vishnu.
56b-59a. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Margashirsha, the devotee observes fast of Utpanna (or Utpatti) Ekadashi. On the Dvadashi day, he should worship Lord Krushna with scents and other requisites of services or upacharas. He then feeds leading Brahmanas and gives them Dakshinas, After bidding them farewell, he should take food himself along with friends and kinsmen. He who performs the Utpanna (or Utpatti) Ekadashi Vrata with devotion, rides an aerial chariot and attains the region of Vishnu.
59b-62a. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Margashirsha, the devotee observes the holy rite of Moksha
(Mokshada) Ekadashi by fasting. On the Dvadashi day, in the morning, he worships Ananta who is the embodiment of the Universe, with all the Upacharas. The Brahmana devotee then feeds the Brahmanas. He bids farewell to them after giving them Dakshina. He then takes food along with the kinsmen. O Brahmana, by performing this Vrata, he enjoys all the desired worldly pleasures. He uplifts ten generations of his ancestors and ten generations of successors. He then attains Hari.
62b-64a. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Pausha, the devotee observes the holy Saphala Ekadashi rite. On the Dvadashi day, he worships Achyuta with all Upacharas. After feeding Brahmanas with sweet-meats and giving them Dakshinas, he bids them farewell. O Brahmana, after performing the Saphala Ekadashi Vrata thus in accordance with the injunctions, he enjoys all worldly pleasures here (in this world). In the end, he goes to the region of Vishnu.
64b-67a. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Pausha, the devotee observes the holy rite of Putrada Ekadashi On the Dvadashi day, he should worship the discus-armed Lord with Arghya and other Upacharas. Thereafter, he should feed leading Brahmanas. After giving them Dakshina, he should bid farewell to them and eat the cooked rice left over, along with his loving kinsmen. O Brahmana, he who performs the holy rite thus, enjoys all desired pleasures, in the end; he rides in an aerial car and goes to Hari’s abode (Vaikuntha).
67b-70. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Magha, the devotee observes the holy rite of shattila Ekadashi He takes bath with gingelly seeds; he makes gift of them; he uses them in the Tarpana rite; he performs Homa with them; he eats them and he worships with them on the morning of the Dvadashi day. After perfectly worshipping Vaikuntha (Vishnu) with all the Upacharas, he feeds the Brahmanas. Then he bids farewell to them, after Dakshina has been duly paid, O Brahmana, by performing the holy rite, thus in accordance with the injunctions, the devotee, with great concentration, enjoys all desired pleasures here. In the end he attains Vishnu’s region.
71-73. On the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Magha, the devotee observes the holy rite of Jaya Ekadashi. On the day of Hari, in the morning, O Brahmana, he should worship Purusha, the Lord of Sri. After feeding, giving Dakshina and bidding farewell to the Brahmanas, he should take in the food left over by them along with his kinsmen. He should be pure, in mind and body. O Brahmana, he who thus performs the holy rite that propitiates Keshava, enjoys excellent pleasures here. In the end, he shall attain the region of Vishnu.
74-76. On the eleventh day in the dark half of the month of Phalguna, the devotee observes the holy rite of Vijaya Ekadashi. On the Dvadashi day, in the morning, he worships Yogisha (the Lord of Yogins) with scents and other things. He feeds Brahmanas and gives them Dakshinas to their satisfaction. After bidding them farewell he should himself silently take food in the company of his kinsmen. The man who performs the holy rite thus, enjoys the desired pleasures. After death, he goes to Vishnu’s region. He is well honoured by the Devas.
77-79. O excellent Brahmana, on the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Phalguna, the devotee* observes the holy rite of Amalaki Ekadashi. On the Dvadashi day, in the morning, he should worship Pundarikaksha with all Upacharas. With excellent cooked food, he should feed the Brahmanas and give them Dakshina. By performing worship etc. duly on the eleventh day in the bright half of the month of Phalguna, that is called Amalaki Ekadashi, the devotee attains the greatest region of Vishnu.
80-82. The eleventh day in the dark half of the month of chaitra is called Papamochanika (that which releases one from sins). Having observed fast on that day, the devotee worships Govinda in the morning on the Dvadashi day, with all the sixteen Upacharas. He should feed the Brahmanas, give them Dakshina and bid them farewell. Then he should take food along with his kinsmen. O Brahmana, he who thus performs the holy rite of Papamochanika Vrata attains the world of Vishnu by means of a shining aerial chariot.
83. O Brahmana, thus the salvation-yielding holy rites on the Ekadashi days in both bright and dark halves (of all the months) have been extolled to you. There is no doubt at all in this (that they are conducive to the attainment of salvation).
84. Since this Vrata is to be observed for three consecutive days, it is glorified as the most excellent of all the Vratas. Hence, it must be known as highly fruitful.
85. O Narada, the devotee should miss four meals in the course of these three days. On the first day and the third (i.e., on Dashami and Dvadashi days) he shall miss one meal each (in the evening). On the day in the middle (i.e., Ekadashi day) he should miss both the meals.
86-90. Now, I shall recount to you the restraints in regard to this Vrata in the course of these three days.1 A true devotee Vishnu should always avoid ten things on the Dashami day: - Bell metal vessel, meat, cooked lentil, Bengal gram, Kodrava grains, greens, wine, food at others’ houses, the second meal and sexual intercourse.
1. VV. 86-90 lay down the restraints and rules to be observed on the three days of Ekadashi Vrata. It is noteworthy that the number of restraints to be observed is the same as the number of Tithi. Thirteen restraints are prescribed for the Dashami day (The 10th Tithi), eleven ones for the Ekadashi day, and twelve for the Dvadashi day.
He should avoid these eleven things on the Ekadashi day: - gambling, sleep, chewing the betal leaves, washing the teeth, slandering, backbiting, stealing, injury to others, sexual intercourse, anger and telling lies. He should eschew the following twelve on the Dvadashi day: - Bell metal vessel, meat, wine, honey, oil, conversation with outcaste people who remove ordure, physical exercises, journey, second meal, sexual intercourse, touching the untouchables and cooked lentil.
91-92. A Brahmana should observe fast with due observances of all the restraints, if he is physically competent. Otherwise, the intelligent devotee should take a single meal. He should not take food during the night, or he should Perform the rite of Ayachitavrata (i.e., taking in what is not begged for). On no account should he miss such a Vrata as this.
Summary of chapter 120 of the Nārada Mahā Purana is as follows:
Sanatkumāra proclaimed the supreme, unexcelled glory of Vishṇu-bhakti as the ultimate panacea for all worldly suffering and karmic bondages. The chapter explains that Bhakti is not dependent on birth, wealth, or learning, but on pure, unmotivated love for the Supreme Person. Sanatkumāra revealed that even the most fallen individual who takes total refuge in Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa is instantly purified of all sins and elevated above the reach of Yama's messengers.