Mokshada Ekadasi

Mokshada ekadasi Popularly celebrated  as Gita Jayanti. It falls on the 11th day during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Margashira.Also known as Mauna Ekadashi, this ritual is considered to be one of the most significant ones for the forgiveness of all sins and evil deeds committed during the entire life.

Gita Jayanthi means the day when Krishna gave the holy sermon of the Bhagavad Gita to the Pandava prince Arjuna, as described in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Story :

Mokshada Ekadashi is narrated by the god Krishna to the Pandava King Yudhishtira in the Brahmanda Purana.A popular ruler named King Vaikanasa who once dreamt about his father being pushed into hell. As a result, the king became helpless as all the riches and power could not help his father free from this misery. Therefore, he went out to meet Parvata Muni for his advice. With the ability to visualize past, present and future, Parvata Muni found the king’s father had committed a few sins which led him towards hell suffering. 

Hence, in order to achieve liberation for his father from hell, King Vaikanasa was advised to observe the Mokshada Ekadashi vrat. As directed, the king along with his wife and other relatives observed this vrat and were, finally, able to save the king’s father from hell. 

Rituals : 

The complete fast from sunrise on Mokshada Ekadashi to the dawn the next day is observed. People who cannot fast for that period observe a partial fast. Only vegetarian food, especially fruits, vegetables, milk products and nuts, are consumed. Eating rice, beans, pulses, garlic, and onions is prohibited on this day.

2016 date : 10^th December, Saturday.

2017 Date : 30th November, Thursday.