Today (26 November) is Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Agahan month (Margashirsha). It is believed that Goddess Ekadashi appeared on this day. Devi Ekadashi was born on this date, hence it was named Utpana Ekadashi. Today one should fast and do special worship for Lord Vishnu.
According to Ujjain's astrologer Pt. Manish Sharma, the story of this Ekadashi is related to a demon named Moor. In ancient times there was a demon named Moore. By doing penance he had obtained a boon and had become very powerful. Even Indra and other gods were not able to defeat him. The Moors took away heaven from the gods. Troubled by the Moor, all the gods reached Lord Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu fought with Murasura to remove the suffering of the gods. The war between these two continued for a long time. Moore was also very powerful, due to this even Vishnu ji was not able to defeat him easily.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu was tired due to the war. After fatigue, Vishnu went for rest to a cave in Badrikashram, away from the battlefield. While chasing Vishnu, the demon Moor also reached that cave.
The Moor was about to attack Vishnu who was resting, at that very moment a goddess appeared there and killed the Moor. This incident is considered to be on the Ekadashi date of Aghan Krishna Paksha.
When Lord Vishnu woke up from sleep he saw the goddess. The goddess told Vishnu about the killing of the Moor. Vishnu was pleased to hear the words of the goddess and asked the goddess to ask for a groom.
The Goddess asked for a boon that whoever observes fast on this date after today, all his sins will be destroyed. God gave the boon to fulfill this wish of the goddess. After this Lord Vishnu named that goddess Ekadashi. Ekadashi Devi was born on this date, that is why it is called Utpana Ekadashi.
You can also do these auspicious works on Ekadashi
On this day, Lord Vishnu mantra Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay should be chanted. Consecrate Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Vishnu. Abhishek should be done with water and milk. Offer yellow bright clothes to both the Gods and Goddesses. Decorate with flowers. Offer sweets and seasonal fruits with basil leaves. Take a pledge to observe Ekadashi fast in front of God during puja. Those who observe fast, they should remain fasting throughout the day and should do special worship of Lord Vishnu in the morning and evening. Next day i.e. on Dwadashi Tithi, do puja in the morning, after the puja, feed food to the needy people and then eat the food yourself.
Also worship Shiva on Ekadashi. Offer water and milk to Shivling. Decorate with Bilva leaves, necklace, flowers and sandalwood. Light a lamp near Shivalinga in a temple and chant the mantra Om Namah Shivay.
Consecrate Bal Gopal. Offer butter and sugar candy with basil. Light incense sticks and perform aarti.
Light a lamp in front of Hanuman ji and recite Hanuman Chalisa.
Graphics Source: NavJivanIndia | VaskarAssets
