Rama Ekadashi 2024: Rituals, Significance And Puja Muhurat

Rama Ekadashi, also known as the “Kartik Krishna Ekadashi” or “Rambha Ekadashi”. This Ekadashi is specially named after Goddess Lakshmi as she is also referred to as Rama. Also, Rama Ekadashi 2024 falls on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha, the dark phase of the Moon in the month of Kartik. 

Rama Ekadashi Date and Time 

Below are the exact dates and times for the Rama Ekadashi 2024. But before that, a very Happy Rama Ekadashi to all the readers! 

What is Rama Ekadashi? 

Rama Ekadashi is a special observance during which devotees worship Lord Vishnu and his wife, Goddess Lakshmi. Worshipping the Goddess of fortune and wealth can be highly beneficial, as this Ekadashi falls four days before Diwali. On Ekadashi, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in his different avatars, and on this day, they worship his 8th avatar, Lord Krishna, in the form of Damodara.

Moreover, the word “Damodara” is the alternative name for Lord Krishna. It is taken from two different Sanskrit words: Dam, which means Cord, and Udhar, which means belly. Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, often refers to him as Damodara because she tied him around her waist when he was a baby to keep checking on him, as he was very naughty. 

Also Read: Aja Ekadashi 2024: A Day to Wash Away One’s Sins!

Why do We Celebrate Rama Ekadashi? 

The Rama Ekadashi is associated with several dieties: Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna. Observing fast and following the rituals of this Ekadashi with complete devotion can be advantageous for the devotees. Also, as Rama Ekadashi falls four days before Deepawali, it can be the best day to seek blessings for well-being, washing away sins, wealth and prosperity. 

Furthermore, many believe that fast observation, worshipping the deities, and following its rituals are equivalent to conducting 1000 Ashwamedha Yajnas and 100 Rajasuya Yajnas. These yajnas are considered the most powerful according to the significance of Rama Ekadashi. 

Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Ancient Story Tale 

The vrat katha of Rama Ekadashi revolves around the story of Chandrabhaga, her father, King Muchukunda, and her husband, Prince Shobhana. Chandrabhaga married Shobhana, who was the son of King Chandrasena. So, one day, Chandrabagha and Shobhana visit his father’s kingdom on Rama Ekadashi’s day. The king, Muchukunda, was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu; thus, he was very strict about observing the fast. 

Moreover, this made Chandrabagha trapped in a tough situation where she couldn’t deny her father’s order. On the other hand, she knew her husband was weak and would not be able to fast for so long. Therefore, Chandrabagha gives her husband the option to go to another kingdom and return only after the Ekadashi. 

Prince Shobana’s Decision to Observe the Fast

After hearing his wife Chandrabagha’s words, Shobana observed the fast, leaving the rest to his fate. So, as the day proceeds, it starts to get very difficult for him, and he struggles out of thirst and hunger. However, due to extreme hunger, Shobana dies by midnight. But despite his health issues, he observed the fast.

As a reward, he gets a kingdom in Mandarachala Mountain when he dies during Ekadashi vrat. Moreover, Lord Krishna narrated the story to Yudhisthira, describing Mandarachala Mountain as a magical palace and comparing its beauty to the residences of Gods and Devas. Krishna mentioned that fast observation and following the rituals of Rama Ekadshi eliminate even the greatest sins.

Also Read: What is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi? Know the Vrat Katha

Rituals and Vrat Vidhi of Rama Ekadashi 2024 

The Rama Ekadashi has some specific rituals to follow to get the benefits and blessings of dieties. 

• Firstly, on the day of Ekadashi, the devotees wake up early and take a holy bath in the nearby river. 
• After that, we set up a puja to pray to Lord Vishnu.
• The puja starts with worshipping Lord Vishnu, followed by Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. 
• Devotees should offer a special bhog (white butter and Mishri) to the dieties as a sign of gratitude. 
• The puja starts with offering bhog, lighting diya and incense sticks, followed by aarti and bhajan. 
• Devotees observing the fast must remember that the fast and rituals start from Dashami, one day before the actual Ekadashi. 
• The end of the fast, Parana, occurs on the dwadashi tithi. Devotees should break the fast by eating the bhog and the proper satvik meal. 
• People who do not observe the fast must only eat the satvik food and abstain from eating grains and rice. 
• On the day of Ekadashi, one should avoid sleeping the entire night. Devotees should dedicate the day to bhajans and kirtans and reading the verses of the Bhagwad Gita. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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