🌼 Mokshada Ekadashi 🌼

           Mokshada Ekadashi is popularly celebrated as ‘Gita Jayanti’ on the Ekadashi tithi (11th day) of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) during the lunar month of ‘Margashira’, according to the Hindu Calendar. If you follow the Gregorian calendar it falls between the months of November to December. As the name reveals, the observer of Mokshada Ekadashi vrat will achieve liberation or ‘Moksha’ from the cycle of birth and death and reach to the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’. This Ekadashi is observed with devotion and zeal across India. Mokshada Ekadashi is also referred as ‘Mauna Ekadashi’ or ‘Maun Agyaras’ and devotees on this day observe ‘Mauna’ (no talking) all day long. In some states of South India and the adjoining regions of Orissa, this ekadashi is also famous as ‘Vaikuntha Ekadashi’. This ekadashi is very noteworthy as it grants forgiveness for all the evil deeds and sins committed during one’s lifetime. 

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🔰Significance Of Mokshad  Ekadashi:🔰

           In Hindu mythology, it is believed that by observing the Mokshada Ekadashi vrat, the observer can even grant moksha or liberation to their ‘Pitrs’ or dead ancestors. This day is called as Gita Jayanti as on this day, Bhagavad Gita, the well-known Hindu scripture was narrated to Arjun by Lord Krishna, during the epic war of Kurukshetra. For this reason, Mokshada Ekadashi is held auspicious for Vaishnavas or Lord Vishnu followers. The day of Mokshada Ekadashi is also favourable for gifting the Bhagavad Gita to any deserving person so that he/she receives the love and affection of Lord Vishnu. The significance of Mokshada Ekadashi is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and by listening to them on this day, the person receives as much merits as achieved from a religious horse sacrifice. It is even revealed in the Vishnu Purana that Mokshada Ekadashi fasting is equivalent to the combined benefits of the other 23 ekadashi vrats in the Hindu year. Such is the greatness of Mokshada Ekadashi! 

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🔰Special importance attached to Mokshada temple :🔰

    
           Mokshada Ekadashi is also related to the famous Mokshada temple of Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is considered to be the form of Lord Vishnu. Special worship rituals are organized in this temple on the occasion of Mokshada Ekadashi. 

            The temple is decorated a month before Ekadashi. Devotees worship Lord Krishna and sing bhajans throughout the month. On the day of Ekadashi, devotees come in large numbers to visit the temple and receive the blessings of Lord Krishna. 

           One of the special events held in the temple on the occasion of Mokshada Ekadashi is the Ekadashi Vilakku procession. This procession is taken out in the evening on Ekadashi and in it the devotees walk immersed in the devotion of Lord Krishna with burning lamps in their hands. A huge crowd of devotees gathers to join this procession. 

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🍀 Mokshda Ekadashi Puja Vidhi:🍀

• Wake up in Mokshda Ekadashi Brahma Muhurta, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Purify the place of worship in the house with Gangajal. 

• After this, light a lamp in front of the idol or picture of Lord Krishna. 

• Offer Tulsi Dal, flowers, incense, lamp, and naivedya to God. 

• Recite the Bhagavadgita and chant the mantras of Lord Krishna. Along with this, chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay”. 

• Remain fasting on this holy festival and listen or read the story of Ekadashi. 

• Perform the aarti of Lord Krishna at night and organize bhajan-kirtan. 

• The next day on the day of Dwadashi, feed the Brahmins and break the fast by giving donations. 

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🍀 Mantras of  Mokshada Ekadashi:🍀

श्री विष्णु महामंत्र(Shri Vishnu Mahamantra)  

श्री विष्णु भगवते वासुदेवाय 

Shri Vishnu Bhagwate Vasudevaya

 ॐ नमोः भगवते वासुदेवाय॥ 

 Om Namo: Bhagwate Vasudevaya. 

विष्णु गायत्री मंत्र(Vishnu Gayatri Mantra): 

नारायणाय विद्महे। वासुदेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो विष्णु प्रचोदयात्।। 

Narayanaya Vidmahe. Vasudevaya dhimahi. Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat. 

 
सुख समृद्धि के लिए  मंत्र (Mantra for happiness and prosperity) 

शांता कारम भुजङ्ग शयनम पद्म नाभं सुरेशम। 

Shanta Karam Bhujang Shayanam Padma Nabham Suresham. 

 विश्वाधारं गगनसद्र्श्यं मेघवर्णम शुभांगम। 

Vishwadharam Gaganasadrshyam Meghavarnam Shubhangam. 

  लक्ष्मी कान्तं कमल नयनम योगिभिर्ध्यान नग्म्य्म। 

Lakshmi Kantam Kamal Nayanam Yogibhirdhyan Nagmyam. 

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💐Conclusion 💐

               Mokshada Ekadashi is a holy fast that paves the way for attaining the blessings of Lord Vishnu and attaining salvation. Keeping this fast not only leads to spiritual growth but also benefits physical and mental health. The story of Mokshada Ekadashi teaches us that the fruits of karma are always received at some point. By keeping this fast, the effects of bad karma of previous births can be reduced. The ceremonies held at the Mokshada temple further increase the importance of this fast. Hopefully this article has been successful in providing you with detailed information about the importance, method and beliefs associated with Mokshada Ekadashi. 

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