Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight (sukla paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May) ?
What is the process for observing it properly?
Kindly narrate all of these details to me.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh blessed son of Dharma, what Vasishtha Muni once told to Lord Ramachandra I shall now describe to you.
Please hear Me attentively.

"Lord Ramachandra asked Vasishtha Muni, 'Oh great sage, I would like to hear about the best of all fasting days that day which destroys all kinds of sins and sorrows.
I have suffered long enough in separation from My dear Sita, and so I wish to hear from you about how My suffering can be ended.'

"The sage Vasishtha replied, 'Oh Lord Rama, Oh You whose intelligence is so keen, simply by remembering Your name one can cross the ocean of the material world.
You have questioned me in order to benefit all of humanity and fulfill everyone's desires.
I shall now describe that day of fasting which purifies the whole world.

'Oh Rama, that day is known as Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, which falls on Dvadasi.
It removes all sins and is famous as Mohini Ekadasi.
Truly, Oh dear Rama, the merit of this Ekadasi frees the fortunate soul who observes it from the network of illusion.
Therefore, if You want to relieve Your suffering(s), observe this auspicious Ekadasi perfectly, for it removes all obstacles from ones path and relieves the greatest miseries.
Kindly listen as I describe its glories, because for one who even just hears about this auspicious Ekadasi, the greatest sins are nullified.

'On the banks of the Sarasvati River there was once a beautiful city named Bhadravati, which was ruled by King Dyutiman.
Oh Rama, that steadfast, truthful, and highly intelligent king was born in the dynasty of the Moon (Chandra-vamsa).
In his kingdom was a merchant named Dhanapala, who possessed a great deal of wealth of food grains and money.
He was also very pious.
Dhanapala arranged for lakes to be dug, sacrificial arenas to be erected, and beautiful gardens to be cultivated for the benefit of all the citizens of Bhadravati.
He was an excellent devotee of Lord Vishnu and had five sons:
Sumana, Dyutiman, Medhavi, Sukriti, and Dhrishthabuddhi.

'Unfortunately, his son Dhrishthabuddhi always engaged in greatly sinful activities, such as sleeping with prostitutes and associating with similar degraded persons.
He enjoyed illicit sex, gambling, and many other varieties of acts aimed at gratifying the senses.
He disrespected the demigods (devas), the brahmins, the forefathers and other elders of the community, as well as his family's guests.
The evil-hearted Dhrishthabuddhi spent up his father's wealth indiscriminately, always feasting on untouchable foods and drinking alcohol to excess.

'One day Dhanapala kicked Dhrishthabuddhi out of the house after he saw him walking along the road arm-in-arm with a known prostitute.
From then on all Dhrishthabuddhi's relatives were highly critical of him and distanced themselves from him also.
After he had sold all of his inherited ornaments and become destitute, the prostitute also abandoned him and insulted him because of his poverty.

'Dhrishthabuddhi was now full of anxiety, and also hungry.
He thought, "What should I do ? Where should I go ? How can I maintain myself ?
He then began to steal.
The king's constables arrested him, but when they learned who it was, and that his father was the famous Dhanapala, they released him.
He was caught and released in this way many times.
But at last, sick of his arrogance and total disrespect for others, and their property, the ill-mannered Dhrishthabuddhi was apprehended, handcuffed, and then beaten.
After whipping him, the king's marshals warned him, "Oh evil minded one, there is no place for you in this kingdom.

'However, Dhrishthabuddhi was freed from his tribulation by his father and immediately thereafter entered the dense forest.
He wandered here and there, hungry and thirsty and suffering greatly.
Eventually he began killing the jungle animals, the lions, deer, boars, and even wolves for food.
Always ready in his hand was his bow, always on his shoulder was his quiver full of arrows.
He also killed many birds, such as chakoras, peacocks, kankas, doves and pigeons.
He unhesitatingly slaughtered many species of birds and animals to maintain his sinful way of life, the sinful results accumulating more and more each day.
On account of his previous sins, he was now immersed in an ocean of great sin that was so relentless that it appeared that he could not get out.

'Dhrishthabuddhi was always miserable and anxious, but one day, during the month of Vaisakha, by the force of some of his past merit he chanced upon the sacred Ashrama of Kaundinya Muni.
The great sage had just finished bathing in the Ganges River, and water was dripping from him still.
Dhrishthabuddhi had the great good fortune to touch some of those droplets of water that were falling from the great sage's wet clothing.
Instantly Dhrishthabuddhi was freed of his ignorance, and his sinful reactions were reduced.
Offering his humble obeisances to Kaundinya Muni, Dhrishthabuddhi prayed to him with joined palms:
"Oh great brahmana, please describe to me some of the atonement I may perform without too much endeavour.
I have committed so many sins in my life, and these have now made me very poor.

'The great rishi replied, "Oh son, listen with great attention, for by hearing me your life will change, and you will become free of all your remaining sins.
In the light fortnight of this very month, Vaisakha (April-May) there occurs the sacred Mohinii Ekadasi, which has the power to nullify sins as vast and weighty as Mount Sumeru.
If you follow my advice and faithfully observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is so dear to Lord Hari, you will be freed from all the sinful reactions of many, many births.

'Hearing these words with great joy, Dhrishthabuddhi promised to observe a fast on Mohini Ekadasi according to the sage's instructions and direction.
Oh best of kings, Oh Ramachandra Bhagavan, by fasting completely on Mohini Ekadasi, the once sinful Dhrishthabuddhi, the prodigal son of the merchant Dhanapala, became sinless.
Afterwards he achieved a beautiful transcendental form and, free at last of all obstacles, rode upon the carrier of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, to the Supreme abode of the Lord.

'Oh Ramachandra, the fast day of Mohini Ekadasi removes the darkest illusory attachments to material existence.
There is thus no better fast day in all the three worlds than this.'

Lord Sri Krishna concluded, "and so, Oh Yudhishthira, there is no place of pilgrimage, no sacrifice, and no charity that can bestow merit equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a faithful devotee of Mine obtains by observing the Mohini Ekadasi.
And He who hears and studies the glories of Mohini Ekadasi achieves the merit of giving away one thousand cows in charity.

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, or Mohini Ekadasi, from the Kurma Purana.

Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja dijo: "Oh Janardana, ¿cuál es el nombre del Ekadasi que ocurre durante la quincena de luz (sukla paksha) del mes de Vaisakha (abril-mayo)?
¿Cuál es el proceso para observarlo correctamente?
Por favor, relata todos estos detalles para mí.

La Suprema Personalidad de Dios, el Señor Sri Krishna respondió, "Oh bendito hijo de Dharma, lo que Vasishtha Muni le dijo una vez al Señor Ramachandra ahora te describiré.
Por favor, escúchame atentamente.

"Sri Ramachandra le preguntó a Vasishtha Muni, 'Oh gran sabio, me gustaría escuchar sobre lo mejor de todos los días de ayuno ese día que destruye todo tipo de pecados y tristezas. He sufrido bastante tiempo en la separación de mi querida Sita, y por eso quiero saber de ti cómo puede terminar mi sufrimiento.

"El sabio Vasishtha respondió, 'Oh Señor Rama, Oh Tú cuya inteligencia es tan aguda, simplemente recordando Tu nombre uno puede cruzar el océano del mundo material.
Tú me has cuestionado para beneficiar a toda la humanidad y satisfacer los deseos de todos. Ahora describiré ese día de ayuno que purifica todo el mundo.

"Oh Rama, ese día es conocido como Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, que cae en Dvadasi.
Elimina todos los pecados y es famoso como Mohini Ekadasi.
En verdad, oh Rama querido, el mérito de este Ekadasi libera de la ilusión al alma afortunada que lo observa.

Por lo tanto, si desea aliviar Su sufrimiento, observe este auspicioso Ekadasi perfectamente, ya que elimina todos los obstáculos de su camino y alivia las mayores miserias.

Por favor, escúchame mientras describo sus glorias, porque para uno que incluso sólo oye acerca de este auspicioso Ekadasi, los mayores pecados están anulados.

"En las orillas del río Sarasvati había una vez una hermosa ciudad llamada Bhadravati, que fue gobernada por el rey Dyutiman.
Oh Rama, ese rey firme, veraz y muy inteligente nació en la dinastía de la Luna (Chandra-vamsa). En su reino había un comerciante llamado Dhanapala, que poseía una gran cantidad de granos de alimentos y dinero. También era muy piadoso.
Dhanapala organizó la excavación de lagos, la construcción de arenas de sacrificio y la construcción de hermosos jardines para beneficio de todos los ciudadanos de Bhadravati.
Fue un excelente devoto del Señor Vishnu y tuvo cinco hijos:
Sumana, Dyutiman, Medhavi, Sukriti y Dhrishthabuddhi.

"Desafortunadamente, su hijo Dhrishthabuddhi siempre participó en actividades muy pecaminosas, como dormir con prostitutas y asociarse con personas degradadas similares.
Disfrutaba del sexo ilícito, del juego y de muchas otras variedades de actos destinados a satisfacer los sentidos. No respetó a los semidioses (devas), los brahmanes, los antepasados y otros ancianos de la comunidad, así como a los invitados de su familia.
El malvado Dhrishthabuddhi gastó la riqueza de su padre indiscriminadamente, siempre festejando alimentos intocables y bebiendo alcohol en exceso.

"Un día, Dhanapala expulsó a Dhrishthabuddhi de la casa después de que lo viera caminando por el camino de brazos con una conocida prostituta.
Desde entonces todos los parientes de Dhrishthabuddhi eran muy críticos con él y también se distanciaron de él. Después de haber vendido toda su herencia, la prostituta también lo abandonó y lo insultó debido a su pobreza.

Dhrishthabuddhi estaba ahora lleno de ansiedad y también de hambre.
Pensó: "¿Qué debo hacer, dónde debo ir, cómo puedo mantenerme?
Entonces empezó a robar. Los agentes del rey lo arrestaron, pero cuando supieron quién era y que su padre era el famoso Dhanapala, lo liberaron. Fue capturado y liberado de esta manera muchas veces. Pero por fin, enfermo de su arrogancia y total falta de respeto hacia los demás, y sus propiedades, el malhabido Dhrishthabuddhi fue detenido, esposado y luego golpeado. Después de azotarlo, los mariscales del rey le advirtieron: "Oh, maligno, no hay lugar para ti en este reino.

Sin embargo, Dhrishthabuddhi fue liberado de su tribulación por su padre e inmediatamente después entró en el denso bosque. Él vagaba aquí y allá, hambriento y sediento y sufriendo mucho. Finalmente comenzó a matar a los animales de la selva, los leones, ciervos, jabalíes e incluso lobos para comer. Siempre estaba en su mano su arco, siempre sobre su hombro estaba su aljaba llena de flechas. También mató a muchos pájaros, tales como chakoras, pavos reales, y palomas.
Él sacrificó sin vacilar a muchas especies de pájaros y de animales para mantener su manera de vida pecaminosa, los resultados pecaminosos acumulando más y más cada día.
Debido a sus pecados anteriores, ahora estaba inmerso en un océano de gran pecado tan implacable que parecía que no podía salir.

'Dhrishthabuddhi siempre fue miserable y ansioso, pero un día, durante el mes de Vaisakha, por la fuerza de algunos de sus méritos pasados, se topó con el Ashrama sagrado de Kaundinya Muni. El gran sabio acababa de terminar de bañarse en el río Ganges, y el agua estaba goteando de él todavía. Dhrishthabuddhi tuvo la gran suerte de tocar algunas de las gotas de agua que caían de las ropas húmedas del gran sabio. Inmediatamente Dhrishthabuddhi fue liberado de su ignorancia, y sus reacciones pecaminosas fueron reducidas. Ofreciendo sus humildes reverencias a Kaundinya Muni, Dhrishthabuddhi le rezó con palmas unidas: "Oh gran brahmana, Por favor, descríbeme algo de la expiación que pueda realizar sin demasiada dedicación. He cometido tantos pecados en mi vida y éstos me han hecho muy pobre. El gran rishi replicó: "Oh hijo, escucha con mucha atención, Porque al oírme, tu vida cambiará y te liberarás de todos tus pecados restantes. En la quincena de luz de este mismo mes, Vaisakha (abril-mayo) se produce el sagrado Mohinii Ekadasi, que tiene el poder de anular los pecados como Vasto y pesado como el Monte Sumeru. Si sigues mi consejo y observas fielmente un ayuno en este Ekadasi, que es tan querido al Señor Hari, serás liberado de todas las reacciones pecaminosas de muchos, muchos nacimientos. Con alegría, Dhrisht Habuddhi prometió observar un ayuno en Mohini Ekadasi de acuerdo con las instrucciones y la dirección del sabio. 

El mejor de los reyes, Oh Ramachandra Bhagavan, ayunando completamente en Mohini Ekadasi, el entonces pecador Dhrishthabuddhi, hijo pródigo del comerciante Dhanapala, se convirtió en sin pecado. Logró una hermosa forma trascendental y, libre de todos los obstáculos, cabalgó sobre el portador del Señor Vishnu, Garuda, a la morada Suprema del Señor. "Ramachandra, el día rápido de Mohini Ekadasi elimina los más oscuros apegos ilusorios al material "Así que, Oh Yudhishthira, no hay lugar de peregrinación, ni sacrificio, ni caridad que pueda otorgar un mérito igual a lo que hay en el mundo. Un decimosexto del mérito que un fiel devoto mío obtiene observando al Mohini Ekadasi. Y el que oye y estudia las glorias de Mohini Ekadasi logra el mérito de regalar mil vacas en la caridad. Nos termina la narración de las glorias de Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, o Mohini Ekadasi, del Kurma Purana.

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Yudhisthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the explanation of Amalaki Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Phalguna [February-March], and now I wish to hear about the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra [March- April]. What is its name, O Lord, and what results can one attain by observing it?”

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, replied, “O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall gladly describe to you the glories of this Ekadasi which is known as Papamocani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Risi. King Mandhata addressed the risi, ‘O great sage, for the benefit of all people, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra, and please explain the process for observing it. Also, please describe the benefits one gains by observing this Ekadasi.’

“Lomasa Risi replied, ‘The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Caitra is named Papamocani Ekadasi for the faithful devotee it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. O lion among men, this Ekadasi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires, purifies one's life of all sinful reactions, and makes a person perfectly virtuous.”

“Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadasi and Citraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas [heavenly musicians]. During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Citraratha once came upon a beautiful forest bursting forth with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined other Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Everyone felt that there was no better garden than this forest. Many sages were also present, performing their austerities and penance The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Caitra and Vaisakha [April-May].”

“A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest, and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosa, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste unguent. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Siva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.”

“Using the eyebrows of Manjughosa as a bow, her glances as a bowstring, her eyes as arrows, and her breasts as a target, Cupid approached Medhavi in order to tempt him to break his trance and his vows. In other words, Cupid engaged Manjughosa as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana's thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi's staff, and sitting handsomely in the asrama of Cyavana Risi Manjughosa came before him.”

“She began to sing seductively, and the small bells on her belt and around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. The sage Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant Cupid increased his attraction for Mahjughosa by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.”

“Slowly Manjughosa approached Medhavi, her bodily movements and sweet glances attracting him. She gracefully put her tamboura down and embraced the sage with her two arms, just as a creeper winds itself around a strong tree. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her-and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.”

“Seeing that the young yogi's sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosa decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”

“Medhavi replied, ‘But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.’”

“Fearful of the sage's yogic power, Manjughosa stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, ‘Please permit me to leave.’”

“Medhavi replied, ‘O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayatri mantra. Please wait until then.’”

“Manjughosa was still fearful of the sage's great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, ‘How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.’”

“The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosa and then said with great astonishment, ‘Why, I have spent more than fiftyseven years with you!’ His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosa as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. ‘You rascal woman! You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!’ Trembling with anger, he cursed Manjughosa ‘O sinful one, O hard-hearted, degraded one! You know only sin! May all terrible fortune be yours! O rascal woman, I curse you to become an evil hobgoblin pisaca!’

“Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosa humbly beseeched him, ‘O best of the brdhmanas, please be merciful to me and revoke your curse! O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, O master, so please be kind to me!’”

“Medhavi Muni replied, ‘O gentle lady, what can I possibly do? You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra there is an allauspicious Ekadasi that removes all one's sins. Its name is Papamocani, O beautiful one, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.’”

“With these words, the sage left at once for his father's asrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Cyavana Muni said, ‘O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.’”

“Medhavi replied, ‘O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosa?’”

“Cyavana Muni answered, ‘Dear son, you must fast on Papamocani Ekadasi. which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.’

“Medhavi followed his father's advice and fasted on Papamocani Ekadasi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosa observed the same fast and became free of the hobgoblin curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.”

“Lomasa Risi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamocani Ekadasi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’”

Sri Krsna concluded, “O King Yudhisthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamocani ekadasi obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, or having sex with his guru's wife. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamocani Ekadasi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”

Ayuno de granos y cereales por Papamocani Ekadasi.

Maharaja Yudhisthira dijo, “Oh Señor Supremo, he oído de Ti la explicación de Amalaki Ekadasi, que ocurre durante la quincena clara del mes de Phalguna (Febrero-Marzo) y ahora deseo oír sobre el Ekadasi que ocurre durante la quincena oscura del mes de Caitra (Marzo-Abril). Cuál es su nombre, Oh Señor, y qué resultados se obtienen por observarlo?”.

La Suprema Personalidad de Dios, el Señor Sri Krsna replicó, “Oh el mejor de los reyes, describiré con agrado para beneficio de todos las glorias de este Ekadasi conocido como Papamocani. La historia de este Ekadasi fue una vez narrada al emperador Mandhata por Lomasa Rsi. El Rey Mandhata se dirigió al rsi de la siguiente manera: ‘Oh gran sabio, para beneficio de todas las personas, por favor dime el nombre de Caitra, y por favor explica el proceso de observarlo. Además, por favor describe los beneficios que uno obtiene observando este Ekadasi.’

Lomasa Rsi replicó, “El Ekadasi que ocurre durante la parte oscura del mes de Caitra se denomina Papamocani Ekadasi. Para el devoto fiel, remueve las influencias de fantasmas y demonios. Oh, león entre los hombres, este Ekadasi también concede las ocho perfecciones de la vida, cumple toda clase de deseos, purifica la vida de todas las reacciones pecaminosas y hace totalmente virtuosa a la persona.

Ahora escucha por favor un relato histórico concerniente a este Ekadasi y Citraratha, el principal de los Gandharvas (músicos celestiales). Durante la Primavera, en compañía de las danzarinas celestiales, Citraratha una vez llegó hasta un hermoso bosque repleto de variedad de flores. Allí, se unió con las jóvenes a otros Gandharvas y muchos Kinnaras, además del propio Señor Indra, el rey del cielo, quien disfrutaba de una visita al lugar. Todos opinaban que no había un jardín mejor que este bosque. Estaban presentes asimismo muchos sabios, realizando sus austeridades y penitencias. Los semidioses disfrutaban particularmante de la visita al jardín celestial durante los meses de Caitra y Vaisakha (Abril-Mayo).

En ese bosque vivía un gran sabio llamado Medhavi y las sumamente atractivas danzarinas siempre intentaban seducirlo. Una joven famosa en particular, Mañjughosa, ideó muchas formas para fascinar al exaltado muni, pero en mérito al gran respeto que tenía por el sabio y el temor a su poder, el cual había obtenido tras años y años de ascetismo, ella no se le acercaba demasiado. En un sitio a dos millas de distancia del sabio, ella armaba una tienda y comenzaba a cantar muy dulcemente mientras tocaba un tambor. El propio Cupido se excitó al verla y oírla cantar tan bellamente y olió la fragancia de su ungüento de pasta de madera de sándalo. El recordó su propia infortunada experiencia con el Señor Siva y decidió vengarse seduciendo a Medhavi (1).

Usando las cejas de Mañjughosa como un arco, sus miradas como una cuerda de arco, sus ojos como flechas y sus pechos como un blanco, Cupido se aproximó a Medhavi de modo de tentarlo a romper su trance y sus votos. En otras palabras, Cupido empleó a Mañjughosa como su asistente, y ella también se sintió agitada por la lujuria. Observando que el era altamente inteligente y erudito, que llevaba un cordón blanco de brahmana adosado a su hombro, que sostenía un báculo de sannyasi y que estaba muy apuesto sentado en el asrama de Cyavana Rsi, Mañjughosa se presentó ante él.

Ella inició su canto seductor y las campanillas de su cintura y alrededor de sus tobillos junto con el tintineo de sus muñecas producían una encantadora sinfonía musical. El sabio Medhavi estaba encantado; comprendió que esa hermosa y joven mujer deseaba unirse a él y en ese instante Cupido aumentó su atracción por Mañjughosa, concediendo sus poderosas armas del gusto, el tacto, la vista, el aroma y el sonido.

Lentamente Mañjughosa se aproximó a Medhavi, con movimientos del cuerpo y miradas dulces para atraerlo. Ella posó graciosamente en el suelo su tambor y abrazó al sabio con sus brazos tal como enredaderas que se enrollan alrededor de un árbol fuerte. Cautivado, Medhavi abandonó su meditación y decidió recrearse con ella, y de inmediato su pureza de mente y corazón lo abandonaron. Olvidando incluso la diferencia entre la noche y el día, el se alejó con ella para recrearse por mucho, mucho tiempo. (2)

Al ver que la santidad de este joven yogi se había afectado tan seriamente, Mañjughosa decidió abandonarlo y regresar al hogar. Ella dijo, ‘Oh grande, por favor permite que regrese a mi hogar’.

Medhavi replicó, ‘Pero si acabas de llegar, oh hermosa. Por favor, quédate conmigo al menos hasta mañana’.

Temerosa del poder yóguico del sabio, Mañjughosa permaneció con Medhavi exactamente cincuenta y siete años, nueve meses y tres días, pero para Medhavi solo le parecía un momento. Nuevamente ella le solicitó, “Por favor, permite que me vaya”.

Medhavi replicó, “Oh querida, escúchame. Quédate conmigo por una noche más y luego podrás irte mañana a la mañana. Tan solo quédate conmigo hasta que haya realizado mis deberes matutinos y cantado el sagrado mantra Gayatri. Por favor, espera hasta entonces”.

Mañjughosa aún temía el gran poder yóguico del sabio, pero forzó una sonrisa y dijo, “Cuánto tiempo te tomará el terminar tus himnos y rituales matutinos? Por favor sé misericordioso y agradecido por todo el tiempo que has pasado conmigo”.

El sabio reflexionó en los años que había compartido con Mañjughosa y luego dijo con gran desconcierto, “Qué, he pasado más de cincuenta y siete años contigo!” Sus ojos se pusieron rojos y emitían chispas. Entonces contempló a Mañjughosa como la muerte personificada y la destrucción de su vida espiritual. “Tú, pícara mujer! Tú has reducido todos los resultados de mis arduamente ganadas austeridades a cenizas!” Temblando de ira, maldijo a Mañjughosa, “Oh, pecadora, Oh dura de corazón, degradada! Tú solo conoces el pecado! Que toda la mala fortuna sea tuya! Oh pícara mujer, te maldigo para que te conviertas en un maligno duende pisaca!”

Así conjurada por el sabio Medhavi, la hermosa Mañjughosa le suplicó humildemente, “Oh el mejor de los brahmanas, por favor sé misericordioso conmigo y revoca tu maldición! Oh grande, se dice que la asociación con los devotos puros brinda resultados inmediatos, pero sus maldiciones tienen efecto solo después de siete días. Yo he estado contigo por cincuenta y siete años, Oh amo, entonces por favor sé gentil conmigo!”.

Medhavi Muni replicó, “Oh gentil dama, qué puedo hacer? Tú has destruído todas mis austeridades. Pero incluso aunque tu has cometido este acto pecaminoso, te revelaré un modo por que puedes liberarte de mi ira. En la quincena oscura del mes de Caitra, hay un Ekadasi todo auspicioso que remueve todos los pecados de la persona. Su nombre es Papamocani, oh hermosa, y quienquiera ayune en este día sagrado, se libera completamente de tener que nacer en cualquier clase de forma diabólica”.

Con estas palabras, el sabio partió de inmediato hacia el asrama de su padre. Al verlo entrar a la ermita, Cyavana Muni dijo, “Oh hijo, por actuar ilegítimamente has dilapidado la riqueza de tus penitencias y austeridades”.

Medhavi replicó, “Oh padre, ten la amabilidad de revelarme que expiación debo realizar para remover el vergonzoso pecado en que he incurrido por asociarme en privado con la bailarina Mañjughosa”.

Cyavana Muni respondió, “Querido hijo, debes ayunar en Papamocani Ekadasi, que ocurre durante la quincena oscura del mes de Caitra. Eso erradica todos los pecados, al margen de cuan graves puedan ser”.

Medhavi siguió el consejo de su padre y ayunó en Papamocani Ekadasi. De tal modo, todos sus pecados fueron destruídos y nuevamente se colmó de excelente mérito. Similarmente, Mañjughosa observó el mismo ayuno y se liberó de la maldición del duende. Ascendiendo nuevamente a las esferas celestiales, ella también retornó a su anterior posición.

Lomasa Rsi continuó, Así pues, Oh rey, el gran beneficio de ayunar en Papamocani Ekadasi es que quienquiera lo haga con fe y devoción tendrá todos sus pecados completamente destruídos.

Sri Krsna concluyó, “Oh rey Yudhisthira, quienquiera lea u oiga sobre Papamocani Ekadasi obtiene el mismo mérito que si hubiera donado mil vacas en caridad, y también anula las reacciones pecaminosas en las que pudiera haber incurrido por matar a un brahmana, matar a un embrión a través del aborto, beber licor o tener sexo con la esposa del guru. Tal es el incalculable beneficio de observar con propiedad este sagrado día de Papamocana Ekadasi, el cual es tan querido y meritorio para Mí”.

Así termina la narración de las glorias de Caitr-krsna Ekadasi o Papamocani Ekadasi, del Bhavisya-uttara Purana.

Fuente: Libro "Ekadasi. El día del Señor Hari", por Krishna Balarama Swami.

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Sri Dalbhya Rishi said to Palastya Muni, "When the spirit soul comes in contact with the material energy, he immediately begins to perform sinful activities, such as stealing, killing, and illicit sex. He may even perform many other terrible deeds, such as killing a brahmin. Oh purest of personalities, please tell me how these unfortunate souls may escape the punishment of being sent to hellish regions of creation. Kindly inform me how, by giving even a little in charity, one may be easily be released from the reactions of his sins." Pulastya Muni replied, "Oh fortunate one, you have asked me an important and confidential question, which not even Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva or Indra has ever asked. Please listen very carefully to my answer. "With the arrival of the month of Magh (January - February), one should bathe, carefully control his senses by giving up lust, anger, pride, jealousy, faultfinding, and greed, and meditate on the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna. One should then gather up some cow dung before it touches the ground and after mixing it with sesame seeds and cotton, form 108 balls. This should be done on the day when the constellation of Purva-ashadha nakshatra arrives. Then one should follow the rules and regulations of Sri Ekadasi, which I shall now explain to you. "After bathing, the person who intends to observe Ekadasi should worship the Supreme Lord. While praying to Lord Sri Krishna by chanting His holy name, he should promise to observe the Ekadasi fast. He should remain awake overnight and perform a homa (fire sacrifice). Then the devotee should perform an Arati ceremony for the pleasure of the Lord - Who holds a conch, disk, club, and so on in His hands - offering Him sandalwood paste to his feet, incense, camphor, a bright ghee lamp, and delicious food preparations. Next the devotee should offer the 108 balls of cow dung, sesame seeds, and cotton wool into the sacred fire whilst chanting such holy names of the Lord as Purusha sukta, and other names. Throughout the whole day and night he should also observe the standard Ekadasi vrata (fast, which in this case is a fast from all kinds of grains and beans). On this occasion one should offer the Lord - pumpkin, coconut, and guava. If these items are unavailable, betel nut may be substituted. "The devotee should pray to Lord Sri Janardana, the benefactor of all living beings, in this way: 'Oh Lord Sri Krishna, You are the most merciful Personality of Godhead and the giver of liberation to all fallen souls. Oh Lord, we have fallen into the ocean of material existence. Please be kind to us. Oh lotus-eyed divinity, please accept our most humble, affectionate and respectful obeisances. Oh protector of the entire world, we offer You our humble respects again and again. Oh Supreme Spirit, Oh Supreme One, Oh source of all our forefathers, may You and Your eternal consort, Srimati Laxmi-devi, please accept these humble offerings.' "The devotee should then try to please a qualified brahmin with a warm welcome, a pot full of water (purna kumbha), an umbrella, a pair of shoes, and clothes (cloth - dhoti, and anga vastra), requesting him at the same time to bestow his blessings, by which one may develop unalloyed love for Lord Sri Krishna. According to one's ability, one may also donate a black cow to such a brahmin, particularly to one who is very well versed in all the injunctions of the Vedic scriptures. One should also offer him a pot full of sesame seeds. "Oh exalted Dalbhya Muni, black sesame seeds are especially suitable for formal worship and fire sacrifices while white or brown ones are meant to be eaten by a qualified brahmin. One who can arrange to give both kinds of sesame seeds (black and white or brown) especially on this Sat-tila Ekadasi day will be promoted to at least the heavenly planets after leaving this present body, for as many thousands of years as the number of seeds that would be produced if the seeds he donated were sown in the ground and grew into mature, seed bearing plants. On this Ekadasi a faithful person should : (1) bathe in the water mixed with sesame seeds, (2) rub sesame seed paste on his body, (3) offer sesame seeds into the fire in sacrifice, (4) eat sesame seeds, (5) give sesame seeds away in charity, (6) accept charitable gifts of sesame seeds. These are the six (sat) ways in which sesame seeds (tila) are utilised for spiritual purification on this Ekadasi. Therefore it is called Sat-tila Ekadasi. "The great Devarishi Narad Muni once asked the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, 'Oh mighty armed Lord, Oh! You who are so affectionate to Your loving devotees, please accept my most humble obeisances. Oh Yadava, kindly tell me the result one obtains by observing Sat-tila Ekadasi.' "Lord Sri Krishna replied, 'Oh best of the twice born brahmins, I shall narrate to you an account of an incident I personally witnessed. Long ago on earth there lived an old female brahmini who worshipped Me every day with controlled senses. She very faithfully observed many a fast, especially on special days honouring Me (My various appearance days Janmasthami, Rama-navami, Vaman Dwadasi, Nrisimha Chaturdasi, Varaha Dwadasi, Gaura Purnima, etc.) and served Me with full devotion, devoid of any personal motive. Her rigorous fasting made her quite weak and thin. She gave charity to brahmanas and to young maidens (kanyas), and even planned to give away her house in charity. Oh best of the brahmanas although this spiritually minded woman gave charitable donations to worthy people, the odd feature of her austerity was that she never gave food to brahmanas or the devas (demigods). "'I began to reflect on this curious omission: "This fine woman has purified herself by fasting on all the auspicious occasions and by offering Me strict devotional worship. Therefore she certainly has become eligible to enter My personal abode, which is unattainable by ordinary persons." So I came down to this planet to examine her, disguising Myself as a follower of Lord Shiva's, complete with a garland of skulls draped around My neck and a begging pot (kumandalu) in My hand. "'As I approached her, she said to Me, "Oh respectful one, tell me truthfully why You have come before me." "'I replied, "Oh beautiful one, I have come to get some sacred alms from you" whereupon she angrily threw a dense lump of mud into My begging pot! Oh Narada Muni I simply turned around and went back to My personal abode, astonished at this fine brahmani's peculiar mixture of great magnanimity and stinginess. "'At last this austere lady reached the spiritual world in her self-same body, so great were her efforts at fasting and charity. And because she had indeed offered Me a lump of mud, I transformed that mud into a beautiful home. However, Oh Naradaji, this particular house was just like that mud completely devoid of any edible grains, as well as any furniture or ornamentation, and when she entered it she found only an empty structure. She therefore approached Me and said with great anger, "I have fasted repeatedly on so many auspicious occasions, making my body weak and thin. I have worshipped You and prayed to You in so many different ways for You are truly the master and protector of all the universes. Yet despite all this there is no food or wealth to be seen in my new home, Oh Janardana, please tell me. Why is this?" "'I replied, "Please return to your house. Sometime later the wives of the devas (demigods) will pay you a visit out of curiosity to see the new arrival, but do not open your door until they have described to you the glories and importance of Sat-tila Ekadasi." "'Hearing this, she returned to her house. Eventually the devas' wives arrived there and in unison said, "Oh beautiful one, we have come to have your darshan. Oh auspicious one, please open the door to your house and let us see you. "'The lady replied, "Oh most dear ones, if you want me to open this door, you will have to describe to me the merit one obtains by observing the sacred fast of Sat-tila Ekadasi." But to this request, not even one of the wives responded. "'Later, however, they returned to the house, and one of the wives nicely explained the sublime nature of this sacred Ekadasi. And when the lady at last opened her door, they saw that she was neither a demigoddess, a Gandharvi, a she-demon, nor even a Naga-patni. She was simply an ordinary human lady. "'From then on the lady observed Sat-tila Ekadasi, which awards all material enjoyment and liberation at the same time, as it has been described to her. And she finally received the beautiful furnishings and grains she had expected for her home. Moreover, her once ordinary material body was transformed into a beautiful spiritual form made of sac-cid-ananda (eternality, knowledge, and bliss), with a fine complexion. So, by the mercy and grace of Sat-tila Ekadasi, both the lady and her new home in the spiritual world were at last radiantly splendid and lustrous with gold, silver, jewels, and diamonds. "'Oh Naradaji, a person should not ostentatiously observe Ekadasi out of greed, with the hope of attaining wealth dishonestly. Selflessly, he should simply donate sesame seed, clothes, and food according to his capacity, for by doing so he will achieve good health and exalted spiritual consciousness, birth after birth. Ultimately, he will be given release from the bonds of this world (liberation) and admittance into the Lord's supreme abode will be his to enjoy. That is my opinion, Oh best of the demigods deva-rishis).' "Oh Dalbhya Muni," Pulastya Rishi concluded, "one who properly observes this wonderful Sat-tila Ekadasi with great faith become free from all kinds of poverty - spiritual, mental, physical, social, and intellectual - as well as all kinds of ill luck and evil omens (sakuna). Indeed, following this Ekadasi fast by donating, sacrificing, or eating sesame seeds frees one of all past sin, without a doubt. One need not wonder how this happens. The rare soul who properly performs these acts of charity in the right devotional mood, following the Vedic injunctions, will become utterly free of all sinful reactions and go back to Godhead, back home to the spiritual world." Thus ends the narration of the glories of Magh-krishna Ekadasi, or Sat-tila Ekadasi, from the sacred Bhavishya-uttara Purana of Srila Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa.

Sri Daalbhya Rishi dijo Palastya Muni, "Cuando el alma espiritual entra en contacto con la energía material, de inmediato comienza a realizar actividades pecaminosas, como el robo, el asesinato, y el sexo ilícito. Incluso puede realizar muchas otras acciones terribles, como matar a un brahmán. Oh, por favor dígame cómo estas almas desafortunadas pueden escapar del castigo de ser enviados a las regiones infernales de la creación. Amablemente dígame cómo, dando incluso un poco en la caridad, uno puede liberarse fácilmente de las reacciones de sus pecados ".
Pulastya Muni respondió: "Oh afortunado, me han hecho un importante y confidencial pregunta, la cual, ni siquiera Brahmaa, Vishnu, Shiva o Indra ha preguntado alguna vez. Por favor, escuchen con mucha atención a mi respuesta.
"Con la llegada del mes de Magh (enero-febrero), uno debe bañarse, controlar cuidadosamente sus sentidos renunciando a la lujuria, la ira, el orgullo, los celos, la búsqueda de faltas y la codicia, y meditar en la Suprema Personalidad de Dios, el Señor Sri Krishna . Entonces uno debe reunir un poco de estiércol de vaca antes de que toque el suelo y, después de la mezcla con semillas de sésamo y algodón, formar 108 bolas. Esto se debe hacer en el día en que la constelación de nakshatra Purva-Ashadha llega. entonces uno debe seguir las reglas y regulaciones de Sri Ekadasi, que paso a explicar.
"Después del baño, la persona que tiene la intención de observar Ekadasi debe adorar al Señor Supremo. Mientras oraba al Señor Sri Krishna por cantar Su santo nombre, debe prometer de observar el ayuno Ekadasi. Él debe permanecer despierto durante la noche y le realizará un homa (sacrificio de fuego). Entonces el devoto debe realizar una ceremonia Arati para el placer del Señor - Quien sostiene una concha, disco, maza, y así sucesivamente en sus manos - ofreciéndole pasta de sándalo a su pies, incienso, alcanfor, una lámpara de ghee brillante y deliciosas preparaciones alimenticias. A continuación, el devoto debe ofrecer las 108 bolas de estiércol de vaca, semillas de sésamo, y lana de algodón en el fuego sagrado mientras canta tales santos nombres del Señor como Sukta Purusha, y otros nombres. A lo largo de todo el día y la noche en que también debe observar el Ekadasi vrata estándar (ayuno, que en este caso es un ayuno de toda clase de granos y frijoles). En esta ocasión se debe ofrecer al Señor calabaza, coco y guayaba. Si estos elementos no están disponibles, la nuez de betel puede ser el sustituto.
"El devoto debe orar al Señor Sri Janardana, el benefactor de todos los seres vivos, de esta manera; 'Oh Señor Sri Krishna, Tú eres la Personalidad más misericordiosa de Dios y el dador de la liberación de todas las almas caídas. Oh Señor, hemos caído en el océano de la existencia material. Por favor, ser amable con nosotros. Oh divinidad de ojos de loto, por favor, acepte nuestras más humildes, cariñosas y respetuosas reverencias. Oh protector del mundo entero, le ofrecemos nuestros humildes respetos una y otra vez. Oh Supremo Espíritu, Oh Supremo, Oh fuente de todos nuestros antepasados, pueden usted y su eterna consorte, Srimati Laxmi Devi, por favor aceptar estas humildes.ofrendas."
"El devoto entonces debe tratar de complacer a un brahmán calificado con una cálida bienvenida, una olla llena de agua (kumbha purna), un paraguas, un par de zapatos, y ropa (tela - dhoti, y anga vaastra), solicitándole al mismo tiempo de otorgar sus bendiciones, por las cuales uno pueda desarrollar amor puro por el Señor Sri Krishna. De acuerdo con la capacidad de uno, también se puede donar una vaca negra a un brahmána, especialmente a uno que está muy bien versado en todos los mandatos de las escrituras védicas. También debe ofrecer a él una olla llena de semillas de sésamo.
"Oh exaltado Daalbhya Muni, semillas de sésamo negro son especialmente adecuadas para la adoración y sacrificios de fuego formales, mientras que los blancos o marrones son para ser comido por un brahmán calificado. Uno que puede organizar para dar los dos tipos de semillas de sésamo (blanco y negro o marrón), especialmente en este día de Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi será promovido al menos a los planetas celestiales después de dejar este cuerpo presente, por tantos miles de años como el número de las semillas que se producirían de las plantas, si las semillas que donó fuesen sembradas en la tierra y se convirtieran en dichas plantas.
"En este Ekadasi una persona fiel debe (1) bañarse en el agua mezclada con semillas de sésamo, (2) pasta de semillas de sésamo se frota sobre su cuerpo, (3) las semillas de sésamo son ofrecidas en el fuego de sacrificio, (4) comer semillas de sésamo, (5) dar semillas de sésamo en caridad, (6) aceptar regalos caritativos de semillas de sésamo. Estos son los seis (sat) formas en que se utilizan las semillas de sésamo (Tilaa) para la purificación espiritual en este Ekadasi. Por lo tanto, se llama Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi.
"El gran Devarishi Naarad Muni preguntó una vez a la Suprema Personalidad de Dios, Sri Krishna, 'Oh Señor de los poderosos brazos, Oh Tú que eres tan afectuoso con Tus devotos amorosos, por favor acepta mis más humildes reverencias. Oh Yaadava, amablemente dime el resultado que se obtiene mediante la observación de Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi '.
"Señor Sri Krishna respondió:" Oh el mejor de los brahmanes nacidos dos veces, te narrare un relato de un incidente que personalmente fui testigo. Hace mucho tiempo en la tierra vivía un vieja mujer Brahmini que me adoraba cada día con los sentidos controlados. Ella muy fielmente observó muchos ayunos, especialmente en los días que Me honran (Mi diversos días aparicion Janmaasthami, Rama-Navami, Vaman Dwadasi, Nrisimha Chaturdasi, Varaha Dwadasi, Gaura Purnima, etc.) y Me sservia con toda devoción, desprovista de cualquier motivo personal. Su riguroso ayuno la ponia bastante débil y delgada. Ella dio caridad a los brahmanas y doncellas jóvenes (Kanyas), e incluso planeaba regalar su casa en la caridad. Oh el mejor de los brahmanas, aunque esta mujer de mente espiritual dio donaciones de caridad a personas dignas, la extraña característica de su austeridad era que ella nunca dio comida a los brahmanas o los devas (semidioses).
"Yo empecé a reflexionar sobre esta curiosa omisión:" Esta buena mujer ella misma se habia purificado por ayunar en todas las ocasiones propicias y por ofrecerme estricto culto devocional. Por lo tanto, ella sin duda se habia convertido en elegible para entrar en Mi morada personal, que es inalcanzable por personas ordinarias ". Así que vine a este planeta para examinarla, disfrazandome como seguidor del dios Shiva, con una guirnalda de cráneos envuelta alrededor de mi cuello y una olla mendicidad (kumandalu) en mi mano.
"'Cuando me acerqué a ella, medijo," Ah uno respetuoso, dime la verdad ¿por qué has venido antes que yo. "
"Yo respondí:" ¡Oh hermosa, he venido a conseguir algunas limosnas sagradas de usted "- con lo cual ella airadamente arrojó un bulto denso de barro en Mi olla de mendicidad! Oh Naarada Muni simplemente Me di la vuelta y regrese a Mi morada personal, asombrado de la mezcla peculiar de esta fina brahmani de su gran magnanimidad y la tacañería.
"'Por fin esta dama austera llegó al mundo espiritual en su mismo cuerpo, por lo tan grandes que fueron sus esfuerzos en el ayuno y la caridad. Y porque de hecho me había ofrecido un trozo de barro, transformé ese barro en una hermosa casa. Sin embargo, Oh Naradaji, esta casa en particular era como ese barro completamente desprovisto de cualquier granos comestibles, así como cualquier mueble u ornamentación, y cuando ella entró en ella sólo encontró una estructura vacía. Por lo tanto, ella se acercó a mí y dijo con gran ira, "he ayunado reiteradamente en tantas ocasiones propicias, haciendo que mi cuerpo quede débil y delgado. He adorado a Usted y ore a usted de muchas maneras diferentes porque Tú eres verdaderamente el maestro y protector de todos los universos. Pero a pesar de todo esto no hay comida o la riqueza para ser vista en mi nueva casa, Oh Janardana, por favor dígame. ¿Por qué es esto? "
"'Yo le respondí:" Por favor, vuelva a su casa. Algún tiempo después, las esposas de los devas (semidioses) le harán una visita por la curiosidad de ver a la nueva persona llegada, pero no abra la puerta hasta que le han descrito las glorias e importancia de Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi. "
"" Al oír esto, ella regresó a su casa. Con el tiempo las esposas de los devas 'llegaron allí y al unísono dijeron: "¡Oh hermosa, hemos llegado para tener su darshan. Ah una auspiciosa, por favor abra la puerta de su casa y dejanos verte.
"'La señora respondió:" Oh las más queridas, si quieren que abra esta puerta, tendrán que describirme el mérito que uno obtiene por observar el ayuno sagrado de Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi. "Pero a esta solicitud, incluso ninguna de las esposas respondieron.
"" Más tarde, sin embargo, volvieron a la casa, y una de las esposas muy bien explico la naturaleza sublime de este sagrado Ekadasi. Y cuando la dama al fin abrió la puerta, vieron que no era ni una semidiosa, un Gandharvi, una mujer-demonio, ni siquiera una Naga-patni. Ella era simplemente una dama humana ordinaria.
"" A partir de entonces la dama observó Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi, que otorga todo disfrute material y la liberación, al mismo tiempo, como se ha descrito a ella. Y finalmente recibió los hermosos muebles y granos que había esperado para su casa. Además, su cuerpo material ordinario de una vez se transformó en uno de hermosa forma espiritual hecha de sac-cid-ananda (eternidad, conocimiento y bienaventuranza), con una tez fina. Así que, por la misericordia y la gracia del Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi, tanto la señora y su nuevo hogar en el mundo espiritual fueron al fin radiantemente espléndidos y brillantes con oro, plata, joyas y diamantes.
"'Oh Naradaji, una persona no debe ostentosamente observar Ekadasi por codicia, con la esperanza de alcanzar riqueza deshonesta. Desinteresadamente, debería simplemente donar semillas de sésamo, ropa y alimentos de acuerdo a su capacidad, para que de este modo se logre una buena salud y exalte la conciencia espiritual, vida tras vida. En última instancia, a él le sera dado liberación de las ataduras de este mundo (la liberación) y la admisión en la morada suprema del Señor será su goce. Esa es mi opinión, Oh mejor de los semidioses deva-rishis). '
"Oh Daalbhya Muni," Pulastya Rishi llegó a la conclusión, "el que observa correctamente este maravilloso Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi con gran fe, llega a liberarse de todo tipo de pobreza - espiritual, mental, física, social e intelectual -, así como todo tipo de mala suerte y malos presagios (Sakuna). De hecho, a raíz de este ayuno de Ekadasi con la donación, sacrificio o comiendo semillas de sésamo sin duda nos libera de todos los pecados pasados. Uno no tiene que preguntarse cómo sucede esto. El alma raroa que realiza correctamente estos actos de caridad en el estado de ánimo devocional correcto, siguiendo los mandamientos védicos, se verá completamente libre de todas las reacciones pecaminosas e ira de vuelta a Dios, de vuelta a casa al mundo espiritual ".
Así termina la narración de las glorias de Magh-krishna Ekadasi, o Sat-Tilaa Ekadasi,
de lo sagrado Purana Bhavishya-uttara de Srila Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa.

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The pious and saintly Yudhisthira Maharaj said, “Oh Lord, You have so nicely explained to us the wonderful glories of the Saphalaa Ekaadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight (Krishna paksha) of the month of Pausha (December – January). Now please be merciful to me and explain to me the details of the Ekaadasi that occurs in the light fortnight (Shukla or Gaura paksha) of this month. What is its name, and what Deity is to be worshipped on that sacred day? Oh Purushottama, Oh Hrishikesha, please also tell me how You can be pleased on this day?

 Lord Sri Krishna then replied, “Oh saintly king, for the benefit of all humanity I shall now tell you how to observe fasting on the Pausha-shukla Ekaadasi.

As previously explained, everyone should observe the rules and regulations of the Ekaadasi vrata, to the very best of their ability. This injunction also applies to the Ekaadasi named Putradaa, which destroys all sins and elevates one to the spiritual abode. The Supreme Personality of Godhead Shri Narayana, the original personality, is the worshippable Deity of the Ekaadasi, and for His faithful devotees He happily fulfills all desires and awards full perfection. Thus among all the animate and inanimate beings in the three worlds (lower, middle and higher planetary systems), there is no better personality than Lord Narayana.

“Oh King, now I shall narrate to you the history of Putradaa Ekaadasi, which removes all kinds of sins and makes one famous and learned.

 “There was once a kingdom named Bhadraavati, which was ruled by King Suketumaan. His queen was the famous Shaibyaa. Because he had no son, he spent a long time in anxiety, thinking, ‘If I have no son, who will carry on my dynasty?’ In this way the king meditated in a religious attitude for a very long time, thinking, ‘Where should I go? What should I do? How can I get a pious son (putra)? In this way King Suketumaan could find no happiness anywhere in his kingdom, even in his own palace, and soon he was spending more and more time inside his wife’s palace, gloomily thinking only of how he could get a son.

 “Thus both King Suketumaan and Queen Shaibyaa were in great distress. Even when they offered tarpana (oblations of water to their forefathers), their mutual misery made them think that it was as undrinkable as boiling water. They thus thought that they would have no descendants to offer tarpana to them when they died and thus become lost souls (ghosts). The king and queen were especially upset to learn that their forefathers were worried that soon there would be no one to offer them tarpana also.

 “After learning of their forefathers unhappiness, the king and queen became more and more miserable, and neither ministers, nor friends, nor even loved ones could cheer them up. To the king, his elephants and horses and infantry were no solace, and at last he became practically inert and helpless.

 “The king thought to himself, ‘It is said that without a son, marriage is wasted. Indeed, for a family man with no son, both his heart and his splendid house remain vacant and miserable. Bereft of a son, a man cannot liquidate the debts that he owes his forefathers, the demigods (devas) and to other human beings. Therefore every married man should endeavour to beget a son; thus he will become famous within this world and at last attain the auspicious celestial realms. A son is proof of the pious activities a man performed in his past one hundred lifetimes, and such a person achieve a long duration of life in this world, along with good health and great wealth. Possessing sons and grandsons in this lifetime proves that one has worshipped Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the past. The great blessing of sons, wealth, and sharp intelligence can be achieved only by worshipping the Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna. That is my opinion.’

 “Thinking thus, the king had no peace. He remained in anxiety day and night, from morning to evening, and from the time he lay down to sleep at night until the sun rose in the morning, his dreams were equally full of great anxiety. Suffering such constant anxiety and apprehension, King Suketumaan decided to end his misery by committing suicide. But he realized that suicide throws a person into hellish conditions of rebirth, and so he abandoned that idea. Seeing that he was gradually destroying himself by his all consuming anxiety over the lack of a son, the king at last mounted his horse and left for the dense forest alone. No one, not even the priests and brahmins of the palace, knew where he had gone.

 “In that forest, which was filled with deer and birds and other animals, King Suketumaan wandered aimlessly, noting all the different kinds of trees and shrubs, such as the fig, bel fruit, date palm, jackfruit, bakula, saptaparnaa, tinduka, and tilaka, as well as the shala, taala, tamaala, saralaa, hingotaa, arjuna, labheraa, bahedaa, sallaki, karondaa, patala, khaira, shaka, and palaasha trees. All were beautifully decorated with fruits and flowers. He saw deer, tigers, wild boar, lions, monkeys, snakes, huge bull elephants in a rut, cow elephants with their calves, and four tusked elephants with their mates close by. There were cows, jackals, rabbits, leopards, and hippopotamuses. Beholding all these animals accompanied by their mates and offspring, the king remembered his own menagerie, especially his palace elephants, and became so sad that he absentmindedly wandered into their very midst.

 “Suddenly the king heard a jackal howl in the distance. Startled, he began wandering about, looking around in all directions. Soon it was midday, and the king started to tire. He was tormented by hunger and thirst also. He thought, ‘What sinful deed could possibly have done so that I am now forced to suffer like this, with my throat parched and burning, and my stomach empty and rumbling? I have pleased the devas (demigods) with numerous fire sacrifices and abundant devotional worship. I have given many gifts and delicious sweets in charity to all the worthy brahmins too. And I have taken care of my subjects as though they were my very own children. Why then am I suffering so? What unknown sins have come to bear fruit and torment me in this dreadful way?’

 “Absorbed in these thoughts, King Suketumaan struggled forward, and eventually, due to his pious credits, he came upon a beautiful lotus bearing pond that resembled the famous Lake Maanasarova. It was filled with aquatics, including crocodiles and many varieties of fish, and graced with varieties of lilies and lotuses. The beautiful lotuses had opened to the Sun, and swans, cranes and ducks swam happily in its waters. Nearby were many attractive ashramas, where there resided many saints and sages who could fulfill the desires of anyone. Indeed, they wished everyone well. When the king saw all this, his right arm and right eye began to quiver, a sakuna sign (for a male) that something auspicious was about to happen.

 “As the king dismounted his horse and stood before the sages, who sat on the shore of the pond, he saw that they were chanting the holy names of God on japa beads. The king paid his obeisances and, joining his palms, addressed them with glorified praises. Observing the respect the king offered them, the sages said, ‘We are very pleased with you, Oh king. Kindly tell us why you have come here. What is on your mind? Please inform us what is your heart’s desire.’

 “The king replied, ‘Oh great sages, who are you? What are your names, surely your presence reveals that you are auspicious saints? Why have you come to this beautiful place? Please tell me everything.’

“The sages replied, ‘Oh king, we are known as the ten Vishvadevas (the sons of Vishva; Vasu, Satya, Kratu, Daksha, Kaala, Kaama, Dhriti, Pururavaa, Maadrava, and Kuru). We have come here to this very lovely pond to bathe. The month of Magha (Madhava mase) will soon be here in five days (from the Magh nakshatra), and today is the famous Putradaa Ekaadasii. One who desires a son should strictly observe this particular Ekaadasii.’

 “The king said, ‘I have tried so hard to have a son. If you great sages are pleased with me, kindly grant the boon of having a good son (putra).’

“ ‘The very meaning of Putradaa,’ the sages replied, ‘…is “giver of a putra, pious son.” So please observe a complete fast on this Ekaadasii day. If you do so, then by our blessing – and by the mercy of Lord Sri Keshava invested in us – surely you will obtain a son.’

“On the advice of the Vishvadevas, the king observed the auspicious fast day of Putradaa Ekaadasii according to the established rules and regulations, and on the Dvaadasii, after breaking his fast, he paid obeisances again and again to all of them.

 “Soon after Suketumaan returned to his palace and united with his queen. Queen Shaibya immediately became pregnant, and exactly as the Vishvadevas had predicted, a bright faced, beautiful son was born to them. In due course of time he became famous as an heroic prince, and the king gladly pleased his noble son by making him his successor. The son of Suketumaan took care of his subjects very conscientiously, just as if they were his own children.

 “In conclusion, Oh Yudhisthira, one who wises to fulfill his desires should strictly observe Putradaa Ekaadasii. While on this planet, one who strictly observes this Ekaadasii will surely obtain a son, and after death he will achieve liberation. Anyone who even reads or hears the glories of Putradaa Ekaadasii obtains the merit earned by performing an horse sacrifice. It is to benefit all humanity that I have explained all this to you.”

 Thus ends the narration of the glories of Pausha-shukla Ekaadasii, or Putradaa Ekaadasii, from the Bhavishya Purana of Veda Vyaasadeva.

 These stories have been summarized and slightly changed, abbreviated or added to from how they are found in the celebrated book, “Ekadasi: The Day of Lord Hari” 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute Press.

Las glorias de Putrada Ekadasi que ocurre en el mes de diciembre o enero durante la luna creciente se describen en «Bhavishya Uttara Purana» en la conversación del Señor Krishna y Maharaja Yudhisthira.

El Señor Krishna le dijo a Yudhisthira: «Mi querido rey, Ekadasi que ocurre en el mes de diciembre o enero durante la luna creciente se llama Putrada. Al observar este Ekadasi se destruyen todas las consecuencias de las acciones pecaminosas. Al observar este Ekadasi las personas obtienen conocimientos y gloria. Ahora, por favor, escucha las glorias de este auspicioso Ekadasi.

Había una vez una ciudad llamada Bhadravati. Esta ciudad fue gobernada por el rey Suketumana. Su reina se llamaba Saiva. Ya que no tenían un hijo el rey y la reina no se sentían felices.

La mayor parte de su tiempo se dedicaban a los ritos religiosos. El agua que ofrecían les parecía caliente a los antepasados. Además, los antepasados experimentaban una ansiedad sabiendo que como el rey Suketumana no tiene hijos entonces nadie va a hacer ofrendas a ellos. Conociendo aquella tristeza de los antepasados el rey se sentía más triste aun. No podía encontrar ninguna alegría en la comunicación con sus amigos, bienquerientes y asesores.

Según el rey, sin hijos la vida humana es inútil. Sin hijos uno no puede liberarse de las deudas ante los semidioses, antepasados y otros seres humanos. Es imposible obtener hijos, la riqueza y el conocimiento sin devoción a Vishnu y sin hacer un montón de actividades piadosas.

Al llegar a esta conclusión el rey angustiado fue a caballo al bosque. El rey Suketumana entró en el bosque que estaba habitado por aves y animales y luego comenzó a buscar un lugar para descansar. En la espesura del bosque el rey vio una gran variedad de árboles como los arboles de baniano, pipplas, datileras, palmeras, los tamarindos, maulasiris, saptaparnas, tilakas, tamalsas, hingotas, arjunas, lavheras, bahedas, patalas, catehus (beteles), palasus y tambien diversos animales como tigres, leones, elefantes salvajes, ciervos, jabalíes, monos, serpientes, leopardos y liebres. Entonces el rey en vez de descansar comenzó a vagar por el bosque. El rey estaba asustado y sorprendido por el aullido de los chacales y grito de los búhos.

El rey se canso de vagar mucho tiempo. Era mediodía y el rey tenía sed. El pensaba: “Por qué yo a pesar de que satisfacía a los semidioses con la adoración y los sacrificios, a pesar de que me preocupaba por mis súbditos como si fueron mis propios hijos, satisfacía a los brahmanas ofreciéndoles comida y dakshina, sufro como hoy?” Absorbido por estos pensamientos el rey Suketumana continuaba andar por el bosque sin objetivo.
De pronto vio un lago lleno de flores de loto que era igual de precioso que Manasa Sarovar. Numerosos cisnes, cakoras y chakravakis jugaban en las aguas del lago. Al ver a unos sabios que estaban diciendo mantras védicos en la orilla del lago el rey se bajó del caballo y dio sus reverencias a cada uno de ellos. Los sabios estaban contentos con el comportamiento del rey y le dijeron: “Oh, rey, estamos contentos. Por favor, pídanos un regalo”.

El rey preguntó: “Quiénes sois? Por qué habéis venido a este lago?” Los sabios respondieron: “Somos Vishvadevas y hemos venido para bañarnos. Hoy es el día de auspicioso Putrada Ekadasi. Si una persona que desea tener un hijo observa este voto sin duda llegara a ser un padre”. El rey dijo: “Yo había intentado todo lo posible para llegar a ser padre pero no lo logré”. Entonces los sabios le dieron instrucciones: “Oh, rey, hoy es Putrada Ekadasi. Observa este Ekadasi con mucho cuidado y luego por la gracia del Dios y gracias a nuestras bendiciones seguramente tendras un hijo”.

Según las instrucciones de los sabios el rey comenzó a observar Putrada Ekadasi. Al día siguiente él paró su ayuno y al ofrecer numerosas reverencias a los sabios regresó a su palacio. Pronto la reina Saiva se quedó embarazada. Gracias a las bendiciones de los sabios y la influencia de la piedad generada por la observancia de este Putrada Ekadasi el rey tuvo un hijo piadoso y talentoso. Después de esto el rey siendo muy feliz gobernaba su reino y sus antepasados también estaban satisfechos».

El Señor Krishna continuó: «Oh, rey Yudhisthira, al obsrrvar este Putrada Ekadasi una persona puede tener un hijo y llegar a los planetas celestiales. Cualquier persona que escucha acerca de este Ekadasi o lo glorifica obtiene el resultado del sacrificio Asvamedha».

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