The Power of Apara Ekadashi
Lord Krishna further said, “Warriors who flee the battlefield are sent to a ferocious hell. But even such a fallen Kshatriya attains heaven if he fasts on Apara Ekadashi. A disciple who blasphemes his spiritual master suffers immensely, yet even he can attain liberation by observing this Ekadashi.”
The Lord emphasized that the merit gained by observing Apara Ekadashi equals performing numerous sacred acts: bathing in holy rivers like Pushkara, Prayag, and Gaya; worshipping Lord Shiva in Varanasi; donating cows, elephants, and gold; and visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath. Observing Apara Ekadashi bestows all these pious results combined.
Apara Ekadashi – The Destroyer of Sins
Lord Krishna beautifully described the purifying power of this day using vivid imagery: “Apara Ekadashi is an axe that cuts down the forest of sins, a forest fire that burns the trees of misdeeds, a radiant sun that removes the darkness of ignorance, and a lion that devours the deer of impiety.”
He concluded, “O Yudhishthira, whoever fears his past and present sins must observe Apara Ekadashi strictly. One who neglects it will be reborn in material existence again and again.”
The Worship of Lord Trivikrama
Lord Krishna instructed, “One must faithfully observe Apara Ekadashi and worship Lord Trivikrama (Vamana-deva). Whoever does so is freed of all sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Vishnu. Whoever hears or reads the glories of Apara Ekadashi is also purified of all sinful reactions.”
Lord Trivikrama (Vamana Deva) – Worshipped on Apara Ekadashi
Observing Apara Ekadashi
Devotees observe Apara Ekadashi by increasing devotional activities such as chanting the Holy Names, reading scriptures like Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and serving the Lord with devotion. Since Lord Vamana’s pastime of covering the universe with His two steps occurred on this day, devotees often read about this from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Canto 8, Chapter 20).
On this day, one should avoid grains, pulses, and beans, and instead take simple offerings like fruits, milk, and non-grain foods. The key principle is purity of consciousness and devotion to Lord Krishna.
Apara Ekadashi is a day of blissful spiritual austerity. By observing it sincerely, one can attain immense spiritual benefits and the mercy of Lord Vishnu.
