Guruvayur Ekadashi on 6th December, 2011 !! Ekadashi Mahathmyam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Ekadashi vrutham is the observance of complete fast on the day of eleventh lunar day of Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha.   Our sacred scriptures signify the glories of Ekadashi and observance of fast, as it is the most auspicious day to worship Lord Sriman Narayana.  Srimad Narayaneeyam composed by Sri Narayana Bhattathiri also illustrates the significance of the above in 33^rd dasakam – Ambarisha Charithram.

Agni Puranam says:

Ekadasyam Na Bhunjita Vratam Yetad Dhih Vaishnavam

It is acceptable to consume fruits and milk on these days, in case of children, aged or ill. 

Markandeya Puranam says:

Eka Bhukthena Nakthena Bala Vrddha Aturah Kshipeth
Payo Moola Phalair Vapi Na Nirdhwad Asiko Bhaveth

The day of Ekadashi should be utilized at the service of Lord Sri Hari, Chanting his glories, reciting Vedic chants, reading scriptures etc.

Narada Puranam describes:

Tavath Papani Dheheysmin Thistanthi Manujadhipa
Yavath Na Upavaseth Janthu Padmanabha Dinam Shubham

Ekadashi is one of most meritorious day precious to Lord Sriman Narayana – The Supreme Lord.  Whoever worships Lord Sri Hari on this auspicious day with utmost faith and devotion would attain all the piousness and ‘Salvation’ at the Lotus feet.

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam Says:

Yevam Samastha Sukha Dharma Gunasrayan Cha
Ekadashi Vratham Idham Kali Ketur Yukthah
Sastreshu Saunaka Jagath-Pathishu Priyan Cha
Sraddha Parah Prakuruthey Labhathe Na Mukthim

Lord Brahma describes to his Manasa Putra – Sage Narada, in Kaliyuga whoever reads the glories of Ekadashi attains Physical as well as mental well – being.

Skandha Puranam says:  

Na Ashvamedha Sahasraishcha Thirtha Koti Avagahanai:
Yath  Phalam Prapyathe Vatsa Dvadashi-Vasare kruthe

Na Bhaveth Manasi Peeda Rogas Chathyantha Dukhada:
Mahathmyam Pathata:  Pumso Dvadashi Sambhavam Kalau

Vayu Puranam says:

Ekadashi-Vratam Yas Thu Bhaktiman Kuruthe Nara:
Sarva Papa Vinirmuktha: Sa Vishnor Yath Mandiram

Whoever observes Ekadashi Vrutham with utmost devotion would be freed from all the sins and attains the Abode of Lord Vishnu.

Ya: Karoti Naro Bhaktya Ekadasyam Uposanam
Sayathi Vishnu Salokyam Prapya Vishnor Svarupatham

Ekadashi Cha Sampurna Viddhethi Dvividha Smrtha
Viddha Cha Dvividha Thathra Thyajya Viddha Thu Purvaja 

Na Uposya Dashami-Vidha Sadhaiva Ekadashi Thithi:
Samuposya Naro Jahyath Punyam Varsha Satodhbhavam

Jai Sriman Narayana !!