Ekadashi Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi, Aarti & Bhajan Guide for Devotees

Among the most revered observances in Hindu tradition, Ekadashi holds profound spiritual significance. Celebrated twice a month on the 11th day of the lunar cycle, devotees observe fasts, chant prayers, and immerse themselves in divine worship to seek blessings, purification, and liberation.

Whether you're preparing for the upcoming Ekadashi or exploring its rituals for the first time, this guide will walk you through the ekadashi vrat katha, proper ekadashi puja vidhi, soulful ekadashi aarti, and melodious ekadashi ke bhajan that elevate your spiritual journey.

Understanding Ekadashi Vrat Katha

What Is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi refers to the 11th lunar day of each fortnight in the Hindu calendar. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each associated with different avatars of Lord Vishnu and unique blessings for the devotee.

Importance of Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Ekadashi vrat katha is the traditional story or legend associated with that specific day’s fasting. Listening to or reciting the vrat katha purifies the mind and reinforces the spiritual intent behind the observance.

Example Katha: Vaikuntha Ekadashi

In the Vaikuntha Ekadashi story, a demon named Muran terrorized heaven and earth. Lord Vishnu defeated him on the Ekadashi night, creating Vaikuntha Dwar (the spiritual gateway). Devotees who observe fast and listen to the katha are believed to gain entry into Vaikuntha after death.

Each Ekadashi has its unique tale—such as Kamada Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, or Papankusha Ekadashi—and the stories are typically found in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.

Ekadashi Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Ritual Guide

Preparations Before Puja

• Take a ritual bath early in the morning.

• Clean the worship area or altar.

• Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Krishna.

Ekadashi Puja Vidhi Explained

• Light a diya (lamp) and incense.

• Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, and confections (without grains).

• Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

• Listen to or recite the ekadashi vrat ki kahani (story).

• Avoid consuming grains, pulses, onion, and garlic.

• Observe fasting from sunrise to next day sunrise or until parana timing.

Parana (breaking the fast) should be done after sunrise on the Dwadashi tithi, ideally after offering water and food to cows or Brahmins.

Ekadashi Vrat Ki Kahani: Storytelling with Spiritual Insight

How to Share the Vrat Ki Kahani

• Use simple language so all age groups understand.

• Explain the moral of the story—usually emphasizing truth, devotion, or compassion.

• Relate the tale to current life challenges, making it more relevant.

• Include questions at the end to encourage reflection.

You can find narrated versions online, in spiritual books, or through temple priests during satsangs.

Ekadashi Aarti and Ekadashi Mata Ki Aarti

Popular Ekadashi Aarti Lyrics (Excerpt)

“Om Jai Ekadashi Mata Maiya Jai Ekadashi Mata Kripa Karo Bhagwati, Kripa Karo Bhagwati Sada Raho Jaganmata…”

This ekadashi mata ki aarti is sung by devotees in praise of the deity, invoking divine presence and gratitude.

Aarti Singing Tips

• Perform aarti after completing your puja.

• Use a small arti thali with diya, flowers, and camphor.

• Sing with devotion; tune is secondary to feeling.

• You can include traditional instruments like manjira or tabla to create a group chant atmosphere.

Many temples also live-stream Ekadashi aarti for devotees unable to attend physically.

Ekadashi Ke Bhajan: Devotional Songs that Elevate Mood

Must-Listen Bhajan Suggestions

• “Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo” – Focused on chanting divine names.

• “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” – Popular during both Ekadashi and regular Vishnu pujas.

• “Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram” – A soft lyrical bhajan with deep spiritual emotion.

How to Include Bhajans in Your Observance

• Start your morning with a bhajan session.

• Create a personal playlist or tune into bhajan channels online.

• Invite family or friends for evening kirtan.

Bhajans help maintain focus, especially during long fasts, and create a serene atmosphere.

Additional Insights: Ekadashi Practices Across Regions

Regional Variations

• In South India, Vaishnavites observe strict fasting and offer Payasam or Pongal (without grains).

• In Maharashtra, Ekadashi is linked with Vitthal worship, culminating in grand Warkari processions.

• In North India, devotees visit Krishna temples and observe jagrans.

Scientific Angle

Many believe fasting on Ekadashi can assist detoxification. Avoiding grains and complex foods allows digestive rest, promoting physical and mental clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What can I eat during Ekadashi fast? A: You can consume fruits, milk, sabudana, potatoes, and peanuts. Avoid grains, pulses, and all forms of rice or wheat.

Q2: Can children or elders observe Ekadashi fast? A: Yes, but modified fasts are allowed—such as eating fruit or only avoiding grains. Always consider health conditions.

Q3: Where can I find ekadashi vrat ki kahani in Hindi or English? A: Temples distribute printed booklets, or websites like VedPuran or Bhaktibhav share regional language stories.

Q4: Is ekadashi aarti and bhajan mandatory? A: Not mandatory, but they enrich the spiritual experience and invoke divine presence.

Q5: How do I perform Ekadashi puja vidhi at home? A: Follow simple steps: clean space, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, avoid grains, and dedicate your day to positivity and seva.

Conclusion

Ekadashi vrat katha, puja vidhi, and devotional practices like ekadashi aarti and ekadashi ke bhajan form the soul of this auspicious observance. Whether you're a devout practitioner or curious about ancient Hindu traditions, Ekadashi offers a pathway to cleanse the body, elevate the mind, and align with spiritual truth.

As you prepare for the next Ekadashi, remember that intention matters more than form. So recite the ekadashi vrat ki kahani, perform puja with heart, and let the bhajans guide your devotion.