Rama Ekadashi Vrat 2021 Date: Significance, Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha 2021

Rama Ekadashi is the last ‘Ekadashi’ of Chaturmas and is named after Goddess Lakshmi. Rama Ekadashi is celebrated on Shukla Paksha of Karthik Month. In 2021, Rama Ekadashi is on Thursday, 1 November 2021.

Significance of Rama Ekadashi

On Rama Ekadashi, the ‘Rama’ form of Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. The merit of ‘Rama Ekadashi Vrat’ is more than Havan, yagna, and other Vedic rituals. Also, whoever observes the Rama Ekadashi Vrat gets rid of extreme sins like Brahma-hatya. Observing Rama Ekadashi Vrat with full faith and devotion, one receives the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. All his desires get fulfilled, gets rid of debts. The Punya accrued during the month of Kartik can be donated.

The Story of Rama Ekadashi Vrat (Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha)

There lived a virtuous and noble king named Muchukund. King Muchukund had a daughter named Chandrabhaga who was married to Prince Shobhan, the son of King Chandrasen. Once Prince Shobhan came to visit his father-in-law during the month of Kartik. Chandrabhaga also came with him. It was the time of Rama Ekadashi. The prince got anxious after knowing that as a rule, everybody in the kingdom observes the Ekadashi Vrat and fast on Ekadashi. Worried Chandrabhaga also knew that Prince Shobhan was unable to control hunger. Prince Shobhan asked his wife to help him out by finding a way. Chandrabhaga told Shobhan how her father is strict about observing the Vrat and everyone in the kingdom observes the fast. Even animals in the kingdom are not given their ration of food and water on this day. Chandrabhaga said, “Dear, if you wish to eat something, then you must leave the kingdom”. At last, Shobhan decided to keep the fast. On Rama Ekadashi, as night approached, excessive hunger and thirst became unbearable to Shobhan. Unable to bear the austerity of the hunger, Shobhan was dead by the morning of Dwadashi. King Muchukund performed the last rites of Shobhan. Chandrabhaga stayed at her parent’s palace after Shobhan’s death. Due to the merits accrued by the Ekadashi Vrat, Shobhan took birth in an abundant Kingdom set high on the Mandarachala Mountain. Shobhan ruled that heavenly kingdom. Once a brahmin named Somasharma from Muchukund’s Kingdom reached this abundant Kingdom during his pilgrimage travel. He at once identified Shobhan sitting on the pure canopy graced with necklaces and bejewelled armlets. Shobhan welcomed the brahmin, paid his respects, and asked about the wellbeing of his father-in-law and wife Chandrabhaga. Brahmin said, “O King, everybody is quite well but please tell me about yourself. How come we found you here in this beautiful city?” To that Shobhan said, “As I observed Rama Ekadashi fast, I was bestowed with this splendid kingdom. But due to observing the fast without any faith, I got this city where all its grandeur is only temporary. Kindly tell me how do I make this ephemeral city permanent.” The brahmin returned from the travel and narrated this in front of the king and Chandrabhaga. He also informed how his city was unstable. Chadrbhaga’s joy knew no bounds. She wanted to meet her husband eagerly. She visited Vaam Rishi on their way to Shobhan. The sage recited hymns and sprinkled holy water upon Chandrabhaga and they continued their journey. Shobhan was overwhelmed upon seeing his wife and father-in-law. Chandrabhaga then donated all the Punya she accumulated by observing Ekadashi all her life, which made the kingdom permanent and more influential.