Sri Indira Ekadashiइन्दिरा एकादशी

Maharaja Yudhishthira once asked Lord Sri Krishna: "O Madhusudana, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs in the dark fortnight of Ashwin, and what is its glory?" Lord Krishna replied: "This day is famous as Indira Ekadashi. It is most dear to Me, for by it a devotee can liberate his ancestors from hellish conditions. Hear the story of King Indrasena."

In the city of Mahishmati there ruled a most pious king named Indrasena. He was just, devoted to Lord Vishnu, learned in dharma and beloved of his subjects. One day the great sage Narada Muni descended into his court from the heavenly regions. Indrasena received the sage with full honour, washed his feet and inquired about his welfare. Narada Muni gently said: "O king, I have come from Pitr-loka, and there I met your father. He sends you a message: although in this life he was generally pious, he committed a single grave error at the end of life — he ate without first feeding a guest who had arrived on an Ekadashi — and for that reason he has fallen from Pitr-loka into a lower region. He is suffering greatly. He requests that you observe Indira Ekadashi in his name, for by its merit he will be lifted up to Vaikuntha."

The king was stricken with grief but at the same time deeply relieved that a remedy existed. He humbly asked the sage how Indira Ekadashi should be observed. Narada Muni instructed him: "On Dashami, eat only one simple meal, sleep upon the bare ground, and remain celibate. On Ekadashi morning, bathe and take sankalpa to fast for the deliverance of your father. Spend the day in chanting and worship of Lord Sri Hari. Feed brahmanas and Vaishnavas, give them charity, and offer the full merit of your fast at the feet of Lord Vishnu in the name of your father. Stay awake the night in kirtan. On Dvadashi, after feeding brahmanas, break your fast within the proper window. Your father will at once be delivered."

King Indrasena faithfully followed every instruction. As soon as the vrata was complete, dazzling celestial messengers descended from the sky and announced that his father had been lifted from his lower condition and was being carried in a divine vimana to the abode of Lord Vishnu. Showers of flowers fell upon Indrasena. The king continued to rule for many years in righteousness, and at the end of his own life he too returned to Vaikuntha, accompanied by his entire family.

Concluding the katha, Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira: "O king, Indira Ekadashi is unique. It falls during Pitri-paksha — the fortnight sacred to the forefathers — and its merit, when offered to one's departed family members, directly liberates them. Even those who have committed grave sins and fallen into lower regions can be lifted to Vaikuntha by a single sincere observance of Indira Ekadashi performed by a living descendant. Therefore every devotee should observe it not only for his own welfare but for the welfare of all his ancestors."