Aja, or
Annada Ekadasi, is observed during the waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha) in
the month of Bhadrapad in North India. The corresponding period in other
regions is the Krishna Paksha of Shravan month. Aja Ekadasi Vrat Katha was
narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna. The story of Annada Ekadashi is
associated with the famous king Harischandra.
King
Harischandra was famous for his truthfulness and honesty. Once Sage Vashista
praised the truthfulness of Raja Harischandra but Sage Vishwamitra was not
ready to accept it and he decides to test King Harischandra. Vishwamitra vows
to prove that Harischandra also lies.
As a result
of Vishwamitra’s tests, King Harischandra had to give up his kingdom and family
and had to take refuge in Kashi. He becomes an undertaker in Kashi. But never
lies. He always upheld truthfulness and proper code of conduct.
One day the
great sage Guatama met King Harischandra and the king narrated his sad tale to
him. Sage Gautama advised King Harischandra to observe Aja Ekadasi which has
the power to remove all sins.
The King
observed Aja Ekadasi and continued his firm faith in truthfulness.
Soon Sage
Vishwamitra accepts his defeat and restores the kingdom, half of his power and
all the glory to Harischandra. By the power of observing Aja Ekadasi, the King
also got back his wife and his dead son became alive.
King Harischandra
ruled the kingdom for several years and finally got Moksha and reached the
Vaikunta all with the influence of observing Aja Ekadashi.