Aja Ekadashi 2024 । Aja Ekadashi Fast Story

Ekadashi during Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha is known as Aja or Kamika Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. This year, Aja Ekadashi will be celebrated on 29  August 2024. It is believed that keeping a fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day frees a person from all kinds of sins. A lot of things have to be considered while keeping this fast.

On the night of Dashami Tithi, you should not eat Masur dal. You should not eat grams, karod, shaak etc. You should also not eat honey. You should follow the principles of Brahmacharya on the day of this fast.

Aja Ekadashi Fast Worship

A person should remember all the points mentioned above. He should also wake up early on this day. He should clean his house and use sesame seeds and mud to take a bath. Lord Vishnu should worshipped once everything is done.

In order to worship Lord Vishnu, rice should be kept in an auspicious location. A kalash should be kept on top of this rice and decorated with red colored clothes. This kalash is worshipped once it is established. Lord Vishnu’s idol is placed on this kalash and the fast begins. Dhoop, lamps and flowers are also used in this worship.

Aja Ekadashi Fast Story

Aja Ekadashi story is associated with King Harishchandra. He was extremely brave, courageous and honest. Due to his honesty, he sold his wife and son. He served a devil too. Saint Gautam told him a way to free himself from this misery. Saint Gautam told King Harishchandra about Aja Ekadashi fast. King Harishchandra kept this fast as told by the saint.

Due to the effects of this fast, the king as able to free himself of all sins. He was able to acquire his kingdom and went to heaven with his family upon his death. It is believed that a person who keeps a fast on this day and worships Lord Vishnu is freed from all kinds of sins. This fast is equivalent to an Ashwamedha yagya.

Importance of Aja Ekadashi Fast

Aja Ekadashi fast is considered to be the most beneficial of all. A person keeping this fast has to control his emotions, body, food and behaviour. This fast motivates a person to walk on the path of salvation and go straight to heaven. This fast was even kept in ancient times. The basis for this fast is a balanced lifestyle. It is believed that this fast is even more beneficial than visiting pilgrimages, Ashwamedha yagya or austerities. This fast purifies a person’s heart and soul.