प्रबोधिनी एकादशी व्रत कथा (कार्तिक शुक्ल एकादशी) · Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi)

Bhagwan Krishna told Arjuna that he would relate a dialogue between Narada and Brahmaji concerning the liberation-granting Prabodhini Ekadashi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. When Narada asked, Brahmaji explained that things rarely obtainable anywhere in the three worlds become attainable through this vow; sins from past lives are instantly destroyed; even a small meritorious act performed with devotion on this day becomes as enduring as a mountain; and the observer's ancestors attain Vishnulok. Keeping a night vigil on this day washes away even a grave sin such as brahmahatya.

Brahmaji told Narada that everyone should observe this Kartik vow for Bhagwan's pleasure, since Ekadashi is especially dear to Bhagwan Vishnu; one who observes it becomes wealthy, yogic, austere, and master of the senses. Dana, tapasya, homa, and yajna performed on this day yield imperishable merit; the Gita itself says that among yajnas, the yajna of japa is Bhagwan's own form. The vidhi is this — rise at Brahma-muhurta, take the vow's sankalp, perform puja during the day, and at night keep a full vigil near Bhagwan with song, dance, kirtan, and katha-listening. Worshipping Bhagwan with flowers, agar, and incense, and offering arghya, brings more merit than crores of pilgrimages and donations combined. Worshipping Bhagwan Vishnu with rose, bakul, ashok, white and red kaner, durva grass, shami leaves, and champa flowers frees one from the cycle of birth and death.

After the night vigil, one should bathe at dawn, pray to Bhagwan, honor the guru, and only then break the fast, after feeding virtuous, pure Brahmins and offering them dakshina. Whatever item was renounced during the Chaturmasya vow should be taken up again from this Prabodhini Ekadashi onward, the day marking Bhagwan's awakening from his sleep. Brahmaji says that whoever observes this vow properly enjoys boundless happiness in this world and ultimately attains Swarglok.