Story of Ekadashi
The Story of Ekadashi Fast (Ekadashi Vrat Katha) comes primarily from the Padma Purana. It explains the divine origin of Goddess Ekadashi and why fasting on the 11th lunar day pleases Lord Vishnu and grants spiritual liberation
The Legend of Demon Mura (or Murdanav)
In Satya Yuga, a powerful demon named Mura (or Murdanav) terrorized the universe. He defeated the Devatas (gods), disrupted yajnas and penances and spread fear among devotees and righteous beings. Helpless the Devatas approached Lord Vishnu, the preserver for protection.
Lord Vishnu fought a fierce battle with Mura for thousands of years. Exhausted from the prolonged combat, Vishnu withdrew to a cave in the Himalayas to rejuvenate. The cunning demon followed him, intending to attack while the Lord was asleep or resting.
Birth of Goddess Ekadashi
As Mura approached the sleeping Vishnu with evil intent, a divine feminine energy suddenly emerged from Lord Vishnu’s body — specifically from his 11th sense (mind). This beautiful goddess form was full of power and devotion.
Mura, infatuated by her beauty, proposed marriage. The goddess cleverly replied that she would marry him only if he could defeat her in battle. A fierce duel ensued, and the goddess ultimately slayed the demon Mura, protecting Vishnu and the universe from evil.
Vishnu’s Blessing and the Origin of the Fast
When Lord Vishnu awoke and saw the scene, he was immensely pleased with the goddess. He named her Ekadashi (because she manifested from his eleven senses / on the eleventh day). Vishnu granted her a boon.
Whoever observes a fast on Ekadashi day, controls their eleven senses (mind + senses), and offers devotion to Vishnu will be freed from all sins, impurities, and the cycle of birth and death (Moksha).
Vishnu declared that Ekadashi is dear to him and fasting on this day is equivalent to pleasing him directly. Those who fast will attain his eternal abode (Vaikuntha).
Goddess Ekadashi herself requested that people abstain from grains on her day and focus on spiritual practices. Lord Vishnu agreed, and thus the tradition of Ekadashi Vrat began. This day is considered the personification of Vishnu’s own purifying power
