Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the source of eternal joy and liberation. By observing Saphala Ekadashi, devotees can please Shri Krishna and purify their hearts. This holy day is very important in the Vaishnava calendar and holds a prominent place in ISKCON. Devotees observe a fast and worship Shri Krishna on this day to attain spiritual as well as material success.
When is Saphala Ekadashi 2024?
Saphala Ekadashi 2024 will fall on December 26. It falls on the 11th lunar day during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Pausha. It usually falls either in December or January. Many ISKCON temples around world organize special prayers and kirtans to celebrate this day with devotion.
Importance of Saphala Ekadashi
Saphala Ekadashi acts as a stepping stone in spiritual progress and blessings of Shri Krishna. The word “Saphala” refers to success so this Ekadashi is believed to bring the spiritual success to its observers.
1) Connecting with Shri Krishna: The observance of this Ekadashi helps in strengthening your connection with the Supreme Lord.
2) Sin Cleansing: This fast and prayer help to cleanse sins of the past life and purifies you spiritually.
3) Material and Spiritual Success: Devotees get blessings for prosperity, health, and moksha (liberation).
4) Emphasis in ISKCON Teachings: Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra and remembering Shri Krishna gives immense joy and peace.
ISKCON brings out the significance of Saphala Ekadashi as a day when one can surrender himself completely to Lord Krishna.
Story of Saphala Ekadashi
The story of Saphala Ekadashi is found in the Brahmanda Purana. It is said that in the city of Champaka, there lived a king by the name of Mahismati. He had a son whose name was Lumpaka. This prince led a very sinful life and also disrespected his father. The king became extremely disappointed with his son’s behaviour and said, “You are no longer my son! Get out of my sight and never return to this kingdom!”
Lumpaka wondered how he would survive without his father’s money so he decided to go into another forest where nobody knew him or cared about who he was. He travelled into this deep dark forest where he survived on stolen food.
One day Lumpaka observed a fast on Saphala Ekadasi unknowingly. When Lord Krishna was watching over his great devotees performing millions of immoral activities daily. His prayers reached to Shri Krishna. He was pleased with his devotion, therefore, forgave his sins, and transformed his life spiritually.
This incident is a proof of the power and importance of Saphala Ekadashi in wiping out sins and completely changing one’s life.
What to Do on Saphala Ekadashi
On Saphala Ekadashi, devotees do the following things to please Shri Krishna:
1) Fasting: Keep a full fast and avoid eating grains and lentils. Some people also observe nirjala (without water) fasts.
2) Chanting: Chanting at least 16 rounds of Shri Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
3) Reading Scriptures: Read and try to understand the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures. These will help you to get closer to Lord Shri Krishna and also guide you how to live a life happily in every situation.
4) Temple Visits: Visit ISKCON temples to join kirtans and devotional gatherings.
5) Offerings to Shri Krishna: Cook sattvic food and offer it to Shri Krishna before eating it.
Donations on Saphala Ekadashi
The donation on Saphala Ekadashi become more spiritually beneficial.
In Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna emphasizes on donating and how such donations please him on this day.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 13
Sloka:
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः।
भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्॥
Explanation:
The act of sharing and giving away through sacrifices (including donations) cleanses the soul and fosters selflessness.
- Food donation: Giving food to poor and in ISKCON temple can get blessings of Shri Krishna.
- Charity for Temples: Making donations to temples is an act of devotion itself. We help in spreading Shri Krishna’s teachings through temple activities and helping the temple management.
- Helping the Poor: We can give clothes, money, and essentials as charity to the poor.
As per the scriptures, donations made on Ekadashi bless a person with peace and prosperity.
Spiritual Rewards of Saphala Ekadashi
Saphala Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting; it is a journey of transformation. If one observes it with devotion, the sacred rewards that one reaps are innumerable in materialistic as well as spiritual.
1) Removal of Sins: Fasting and praying to Shri Krishna cleanses the soul of all the sins from past karmas.
2) Spiritual Growth: Chanting Shri Krishna’s name increases love for the Lord and strengthens devotion.
3) Material Prosperity: Devotees who observe this day with sincerity are blessed with success in life.
4) Path to Liberation: Shri Krishna showers his mercy upon devotees and guide them toward moksha (liberation).
ISKCON teachings stress that even a single observance of Saphala Ekadashi can bring immense spiritual rewards.
Saphala Ekadashi at ISKCON Temples
ISKCON temples all over the world celebrate Saphala Ekadashi with full devotion. The whole day is spent in performing various spiritual activities that are meant to glorify Shri Krishna.
1) Morning Aarti: Followed by the rhythmic sounds of bells and drums, you can see many devotees gathered early in the morning to have a glimpse of Lord Krishna during Mangala Aarti.
2) Kirtans and Bhajans: The temple is filled with beautiful and rhythmical chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra throughout the day.
3) Scriptural Readings: Discourses on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam inspire devotees.
4) Prasadam Distribution: Devotees who observe fast, break their fast with prasadam, food sanctified by offering to Shri Krishna.
5) Charity Drives: ISKCON periodically organizes food donations and essential items donation drives to include the habit of giving back.
The collective prayers create an atmosphere of peace and spiritual upliftment for everyone.
Message of Saphala Ekadashi
Saphala Ekadashi teaches devotees about the importance of surrendering themselves and their lives completely to Shri Krishna. On this day, one has to –
- Repent and seek pardon.
- Surrender to Shri Krishna with full faith.
- Spread love and kindness, help others.
ISKCON says that true devotion lies in the purity of heart and selfless service to the Lord. On Saphala Ekadashi, devotees grow one step closer to the eternal grace and blessings of Shri Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 21
Sloka:
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलम् उद्दिश्य वा पुनः।
दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम्॥
Explanation:
This verse warns against giving with selfish motives, emphasizing that true charity is selfless and detached from material gains.
Conclusion
Saphala Ekadashi is a chance to revive the connection with Shri Krishna and gain Spiritual success. Fasting, chanting, and performing charity washes away the impurities from our hearts and lives. ISKCON’s teachings make us believe that Shri Krishna’s bounty knows no limits and if Saphala Ekadashi is marked with sincerity, then divine blessings can be unlocked.
