Aja Ekadashi Vrat is being observed on September 7, 2026. The Ekadashi that falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month is known as Aja Ekadashi. According to religious beliefs, worshipping Lord Vishnu and observing a fast on this day helps devotees get rid of sins and brings happiness and prosperity into their lives.
It is also considered important to read or listen to the Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha while observing the fast. According to the belief mentioned in the tradition, the puja is not considered complete without listening to or reciting the Ekadashi vrat katha. Here is the story associated with Aja Ekadashi.
Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha
According to the mythological story, there was once a king named Harishchandra in the city of Ayodhya. He was known for his truthfulness and honesty. Once, the gods decided to test him.
King Harishchandra dreamt that he had donated his entire kingdom to Sage Vishwamitra. The next morning, Vishwamitra actually arrived at his doorstep and reminded the king that he had given him his kingdom in the dream.
Following his vow of truthfulness, King Harishchandra handed over his entire kingdom to Vishwamitra. However, he still had to pay the required dakshina. Because of the consequences of his past-life deeds, the king was forced to sell his wife, son and even himself to arrange the money.
Harishchandra was bought by a Dom who was involved in cremation-related work. The king became a servant of a Chandala and was given the responsibility of collecting shrouds. Even while going through this difficult phase of his life, Harishchandra did not give up the path of truth.
Harishchandra seeks a way out of his suffering
Years passed while Harishchandra continued performing this difficult work. He was deeply distressed by his circumstances and began looking for a way to free himself from his suffering.
While he was sitting in worry, Sage Gautama arrived. Harishchandra narrated the painful story of his life to the sage.
Sage Gautama then advised him to observe the Aja Ekadashi fast during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. According to the sage, observing this fast would help destroy all his sins.
King Harishchandra observes Aja Ekadashi fast
Following Sage Gautama's advice, King Harishchandra observed the Aja Ekadashi fast according to the prescribed rituals and stayed awake throughout the night.
According to the story, the power of the fast destroyed all his sins and his life was once again filled with happiness. He eventually regained his kingdom.
At the end of his life, Harishchandra is believed to have attained heaven along with his family.
According to the religious belief associated with Aja Ekadashi, those who observe this fast according to the prescribed rituals are freed from their sins and attain heaven after death. It is also believed that merely listening to the Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha gives the merit of performing an Ashwamedha Yajna.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on religious beliefs and traditional practices. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. India TV does not vouch for the accuracy of any of the information provided.
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