Rama Ekadashi (Kartik Krishna Ekadashi)

Sacred Katha Synopsis

Princess Chandrabhaga, daughter of King Muchukunda, was married to Prince Shobhana who had a frail constitution. In her father's kingdom even animals fasted on Ekadashi. Shobhana fasted on Rama Ekadashi with devotion, passed away at dawn, and by the merit of this single fast attained an eternal golden city on Mount Mandarachala, which became permanent when Chandrabhaga shared her life-long Ekadashi merits.

Ekadashi Fasting Rules & Observance

• Worship Lord Keshava (Vishnu) alongside Goddess Rama (Mahalakshmi) with Tulsi leaves and yellow lotus
• Abstain completely from rice, grains, and tamasic food from Dashami sunset to Dwadashi sunrise
• Light a pure cow-ghee diya before Shaligram or Vishnu vigraha throughout the Kartik night
• Perform Parana on Dwadashi morning after feeding a Brahmin and offering Dakshina