Ekadashi Vrat Katha

In the Satya Yuga, a fearsome demon named Mura terrorized all three worlds. The gods sought refuge with Lord Vishnu. Vishnu battled the demon Mura. After a prolonged fight, Lord Vishnu retired to rest in a cave. Mura saw this as his opportunity and entered the cave to slay Vishnu. At that moment, a divine maiden emerged from Lord Vishnu\'s body. With her radiance, she slew the demon Mura. When Vishnu awoke, he was pleased and asked who she was and what boon she desired. The maiden said she was born from his divine energy and asked that whoever fasts on this day should be freed from all sins. Lord Vishnu declared that she would be known as Ekadashi since she appeared on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle. He blessed that any person who observes the Ekadashi fast would attain liberation and all their sins would be destroyed. Since then, the Ekadashi fast is observed on both the eleventh days of each lunar month with worship of Lord Vishnu.

Abstain from grains on Ekadashi. Observe a fruit-only or waterless fast. Worship Lord Vishnu and recite Vishnu Sahasranama. Stay awake through the night singing devotional songs. Break the fast on Dwadashi.

The Ekadashi fast is most dear to Lord Vishnu. It is considered the supreme fast for destruction of sins, attainment of liberation, and spiritual advancement.