In the Vedic tradition Padmini Ekadashi is regarded as a very rare and powerful fast. This Ekadashi appears only in the Adhikamas, which does not occur every year. By observing the fast of Padmini Ekadashi a person is said to attain fame, progeny and finally the abode of Lord Vishnu. The story and the discipline of this fast together make it especially significant.
When does Padmini Ekadashi occur
In an ordinary year there are twenty four Ekadashis in total. When Adhikamas, also known as Malamas or Purushottama Mas, is added to the year two additional Ekadashis arise. In this way there are twenty six Ekadashis in such a year. In Adhikamas the Ekadashi of the Shukla paksha is called Padmini or Kamalā Ekadashi and the Ekadashi of the Krishna paksha is known as Parama Ekadashi.
Adhikamas is not considered an ordinary month. It appears roughly after an interval of thirty two lunar months and the disciplines observed in this month are described as especially meritorious. Padmini Ekadashi is counted among these exceptional dates and is regarded as particularly favourable for progeny, fame, honour and the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Brief schedule of Padmini Ekadashi fast
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| Month | Adhikamas Purushottama month |
| Fortnight | Shukla paksha |
| Tithi | Ekadashi |
| Name | Padmini Ekadashi or Kamalā Ekadashi |
| Extra Ekadashis | Padmini Shukla, Parama Krishna |
Question of Dharmaraja Yudhishthira
During the Mahabharata era Dharmaraja Yudhishthira humbly requested Lord Shri Krishna to explain the Ekadashi of Adhikamas also. He said that the glory of the other Ekadashis had already been heard and now he wished to know the name, discipline and fruit of the Ekadashi that appears in the bright half of the extra month.
Lord Shri Krishna replied that the Ekadashi which comes in the Shukla paksha of Adhikamas is called Padmini Ekadashi. It is also known by the name Kamalā Ekadashi. Shri Krishna explained that this Ekadashi grants immense merit and that the one who observes this fast can attain the rare Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. This observance is especially auspicious for those who seek long term fulfilment, progeny and lasting honour.
How should Padmini Ekadashi fast be observed
The fast of Padmini Ekadashi is observed with a slightly stricter discipline than an ordinary Ekadashi. Preparation for this fast begins from the Dashami tithi.
From Dashami the practitioner should adopt a sāttvika diet. Barley and rice are taken as food in a bronze vessel. Salt is avoided so that restraint may increase in both body and mind. Sleeping on the ground and following brahmacharya are also observed. These practices help to prepare the mind for the subtle discipline of the Ekadashi.
On the day of Ekadashi one should rise during the Brāhma muhūrta, finish the morning duties and perform cleaning of the teeth. The tradition mentions rinsing the mouth twelve times with water for purification. After this the practitioner goes to bathe in a sacred river, lake or tirtha. For the bath, cow dung, clay, sesame, kuśa grass and powder of āmalakī are used so that outward cleanliness may awaken the inner feeling of purity.
Then white clothes are worn. Going to the temple of Lord Vishnu the devotee offers lamp, incense, flowers and food offerings to the Deity. Throughout the day repetition of the divine name, recitation and songs of devotion strengthen the power of the fast. Night vigil also has special importance, especially for the Ekadashi of Adhikamas.
Why is Padmini Ekadashi special in Purushottama month
Lord Shri Krishna clearly states that the Ekadashi which falls in Purushottama month is called Padmini Ekadashi and it grants many merits. By observing this fast the practitioner not only receives fame but also reaches Vaikuntha, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.
Purushottama month itself is connected with Lord Vishnu. Japa, austerity, charity and fasting performed in this month yield far greater results than in an ordinary month. For this reason Padmini Ekadashi holds a unique position. This fast is very helpful for those who are striving to fulfil a major spiritual or family vow over a long period of time.
Background of Padmini Ekadashi story
To explain the greatness of Padmini Ekadashi Shri Krishna narrated an ancient episode belonging to the lineage of Haihaya kings. In that period a king named Kritavīrya ruled in the city of Mahishmati. It is the same lineage in which the famous Kārtavīrya Arjuna later appeared.
King Kritavīrya had one thousand queens. All of them were dear to him yet none had borne a child. For the protection of the vast kingdom and continuation of the royal lineage a worthy heir was required. The king sought help from the gods, ancestors, accomplished beings and many physicians as well as teachers, yet no path for obtaining a son could be found. After repeated failure he finally accepted tapas, austerity, as the true solution.
Austerity of King Kritavīrya and Queen Padmini
Among all the queens, Padmini was especially beloved to the king. She was the daughter of King Harishchandra, born in the Ikshvāku lineage. She possessed a noble birth, graceful form and the firm conduct of a devoted wife. When the king decided to go to the forest for penance Queen Padmini also resolved to accompany him.
They entrusted the affairs of the kingdom to a trusted minister. Abandoning royal garments ornaments and comforts they travelled to the Gandhamādana mountain for tapas. On the mountain the king performed severe austerities for thousands of years. This was not merely symbolic language but indicated continuous restraint, repetition of the divine name and deep meditation. Even after such a long tapas they did not receive a son. Naturally the mind began to feel discouraged.
What guidance was given to Padmini
At that time the chaste and virtuous lady Anasūyā spoke to Queen Padmini. Anasūyā is renowned in tradition for her penance and fidelity. She explained that there is one Malamas, Adhikamas, which is even more important than the twelve ordinary months. This extra month appears after an interval of about thirty two months.
Anasūyā told her that when this Adhikamas comes, the Ekadashi of its bright fortnight is known as Padmini Ekadashi. If you observe this Padmini Ekadashi with fast and night vigil all your wishes will be fulfilled. Especially the desire for a worthy son and continuation of the lineage receives powerful support from this fast.
Queen Padmini accepted this instruction with complete faith. On the day of Ekadashi she observed a fast without food and followed all the rules carefully. During the night she remained awake, singing the names of Lord Vishnu and meditating upon him. At the end of the observance she prayed sincerely that the Lord bless her with a noble son.
Fruit of the fast and birth of Kārtavīrya
Pleased with the steadfastness and devotion of Queen Padmini Lord Vishnu granted her a boon. He assured her that the son born to her would be unequalled in strength, influence and prosperity.
In due time a son named Kārtavīrya was born from Padmini. The scriptures also refer to him as Kārtavīrya Arjuna. He became a mighty, radiant and victorious king. In all three worlds there was none equal to him in valour. No one except Lord Vishnu had the power to defeat him. In this manner the fast of Padmini Ekadashi not only granted progeny but bestowed a son endowed with extraordinary qualities.
Spiritual message associated with Padmini Ekadashi
The story of Padmini Ekadashi is not limited to the fulfilment of the desire for children. It also teaches the value of patience, austerity, devotion of a faithful wife and unshaken trust in the Lord. The long tapas of King Kritavīrya, the faith of Queen Padmini and the guidance of Anasūyā form a common thread.
The first message is that even long efforts sometimes do not bear fruit immediately, yet when the right time and right discipline come together the practice succeeds. The second message is that special occasions such as Padmini Ekadashi of Adhikamas can become more powerful channels than ordinary days. The third is that the united resolve and devotion of husband and wife can bring about remarkable blessings for the entire family.
Who can benefit from Padmini Ekadashi fast
Padmini Ekadashi is especially auspicious for couples who desire progeny and have been striving for a long time. It is also valuable for those who seek enduring honour, fame and success grounded in dharma.
By finding time during Adhikamas and following this fast with discipline the practitioner also gains clarity of mind. Personal desires gradually narrow and move towards a clear spiritual goal. In this sense Padmini Ekadashi is not only a fast for obtaining results but also an opportunity to focus and deepen one’s spiritual practice.
Frequently asked questions about Padmini Ekadashi
In which month does Padmini Ekadashi occur
Padmini Ekadashi occurs only in Adhikamas which is also called Malamas or Purushottama month. This extra month appears approximately after thirty two lunar months and the Ekadashi of its bright fortnight is honoured as Padmini Ekadashi.
How many Ekadashis exist in a year including Adhikamas
In a normal year there are twenty four Ekadashis. When Adhikamas is included, two additional Ekadashis appear. Padmini Ekadashi in the Shukla paksha and Parama Ekadashi in the Krishna paksha. Thus in such a year there are twenty six Ekadashis in total.
What is the main special discipline of Padmini Ekadashi fast
The discipline starts from Dashami itself. One follows a salt free sāttvika diet, sleeps on the ground, observes brahmacharya and restraint. On Ekadashi there is an early morning bath, wearing of white garments, sacred bathing with cow dung, clay, sesame, kuśa and āmalakī powder. After this worship of Lord Vishnu and, as far as possible, night vigil complete the observance.
What fruit did Queen Padmini obtain from this fast
Queen Padmini observed the fast of Padmini Ekadashi with night vigil desiring a son. Lord Vishnu was pleased and granted her the boon. As a result of this fast a son like Kārtavīrya was born, a king of great strength, radiance and fame, renowned in all three worlds for his prowess.
What benefits can people in the present time receive from Padmini Ekadashi
Even today couples who desire children, as well as those seeking fame, honour and stable auspicious results, may observe the fast of Padmini Ekadashi in Adhikamas. When kept with faith, discipline and restraint this fast steadies the mind and opens the way for righteous success and the grace of Lord Vishnu in life.
