Aja Ekadashi 2026: Why You Should Read This Vrat Katha, Know the Religious Significance

New Delhi: Ekadashi date is considered to have special religious significance in Hindu religion. Of all the Ekadashis that come in the year, each has its own significance and fasting rules. Ekadashi falling in Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month is called Aja Ekadashi. According to religious beliefs, by worshiping Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi on this day and observing fast as per the rituals, a person's sins are destroyed and happiness and prosperity come in life. Listening or reciting the Vrat Katha on the day of Aja Ekadashi is also considered auspicious.

What is the story of Aja Ekadashi fast?

According to mythology, in ancient times, King Harishchandra was a very majestic and pious king. There was no dearth of happiness, prosperity and splendor in his kingdom. The people were also very happy with him. However, times took such a turn that King Harishchandra had to lose his kingdom, wealth and even his family.

It is said that conditions became so difficult that the king had to work as a slave in the house of a Chandala to earn his living. Sorrows and troubles were continuously increasing in his life, but he did not leave the path of truth and religion.

During this time, one day he met Gautam Rishi. King Harishchandra bowed at the feet of the sage and told about all the troubles he had faced in his life. Knowing his condition, Gautam Rishi advised him to observe a fast on Aja Ekadashi of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha. The sage told that by observing this fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu with devotion and regularly, a person's sins are destroyed and the troubles of life start going away.

King Harishchandra followed the sage's advice and observed Aja Ekadashi fast as per the rituals and worshiped Lord Vishnu. According to religious belief, due to the effect of fasting all their troubles went away. He got back his lost kingdom, wealth and family. At last, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, he attained salvation and went to Vaikuntha Dham.

What is the worship method? 

On the day of Aja Ekadashi, wake up early in the morning, after taking bath etc., meditate on Lord Vishnu and take a pledge to fast. After this, clean the house and the place of worship. Install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu at the place of worship. Offer them yellow clothes and yellow flowers. After this, anoint the Lord with Ganga water and light incense and lamps.

During the puja, fruits, sweets and other sattvik things can be offered to Lord Vishnu. Chanting Lord Vishnu's mantra 'Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay' throughout the day is considered auspicious. In the evening, perform Aarti of Lord Vishnu and read or listen to the fast story of Aja Ekadashi.

How to break the Fast on Dwadashi?

The fast of Aja Ekadashi is completed the next day on Dwadashi Tithi by observing it as per the rituals. According to religious belief, it is auspicious to donate food, clothes and other essential items to the needy or Brahmins as per one's capacity. By fasting and worshiping with devotion one gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu.