Mokshada Ekadashi 2023

Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi, associated with prayers for liberation and Vishnu worship.

The traditional Mokshada Ekadashi vrat-katha tells of King Vaikhanasa. Troubled by a dream in which his deceased father suffered and pleaded for help, the king gathered scholars and asked how he could ease his father's distress. They directed him to Sage Parvata. Through spiritual insight, the sage explained that the father was suffering the consequences of earlier wrongdoing and advised the royal family to observe the bright-fortnight Ekadashi of Margashirsha in devotion to Vishnu.

Vaikhanasa and his family undertook the vow and dedicated its spiritual merit to his father. According to the katha, the father was released from suffering and attained a higher state. This is a religious account expressing remembrance of ancestors, repentance and selfless prayer, not a verifiable report about the afterlife. Mokshada means 'bestowing liberation'.

The same tithi is traditionally Gita Jayanti, commemorating Krishna's teachings to Arjuna, but the two observances have distinct narratives. Devotees may worship Vishnu, recite the Gita, give charity and undertake fasting according to their tradition. Ekadashi and next-day parana times require their own panchang rules.

Mokshada Ekadashi recalls King Vaikhanasa's prayer for his father and the hope of spiritual liberation. It coincides traditionally with Gita Jayanti, although their stories are distinct.

Devotees worship Vishnu, recite prayers or the Bhagavad Gita, and may fast or donate food. The precise fasting day and Dwadashi parana depend on the local panchang and sectarian custom.

Traditional Ekadashi fasting may involve avoiding grains or a stricter fast, according to custom and health. Parana takes place within the prescribed Dwadashi window; it should not be assumed to occur at any convenient hour.

Observed in Vishnu devotional communities across India on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi. It shares its traditional tithi with Gita Jayanti, particularly associated with Kurukshetra, but its Vaikhanasa vrat-katha remains distinct. Smarta and Vaishnava fasting and parana dates may differ.