Padmini Ekadashi Vrat has to be observed during the Ekadashi (eleventh) day of Shukla Paksha (bright half of lunar month) in the month of Adhika (June – July). Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this Vrat is one of the most potential of the observances to get one’s genuine desires fulfilled. There is an interesting story that attests the importance of Padmini Ekadashi.
Once during historic timers, there lived a highly devout and pious kind named Kartaveerya. He lived in all affluence marrying so many wives. However, he was so dedicated to his mission being a king and took care of his subjects so well. He was also performing all acts of charity, pujas, worships and austere activities. Despite all the positive things in life, the one great worry he had was that none of his wives could bear him a son who can become the legal heir to the throne.
None of Karthaveerya’s efforts bore any fruits. He also consulted a lot of astrologers, sages and saints, but in vain. Once he decided that he would retire to the forest and engage himself in severe penance seeking a son. He organized a meeting of all his ministers and top officials in the court.
He explained his decision and entrusted the responsibilities of the kingdom to them. When he left for the forest, only one of his wives named Padmini accompanied him in the deep woods in order to support him in him venture.
In the forest, Karthaveerya engaged himself in a tough penance for several thousand years. Even after ten thousand years passed, no light was seen that could answer their prayers. All through Padmini stayed with him serving him very faithfully and diligently. The misery of the king grew worse and the severe penance made him so weak, fragile and thin. In the forest, there lived a very famous sage called Atri Maharshi. Anusuya was his chaste and highly virtuous wife. Padmini once approached Anusuya and described their plight and agony.
Anusuya pacified Padmini with soothing words and said their fate was due to the sins they committed in their past births. She suggested that they observe Padmini Ekadasi during the Adhika month to propitiate Lord Vishnu who will clear their sins and bless them with a child.
Padmini sat out to observe the Padmini Ekadashi Vrat. She set up a wonderfully decorated altar and installed an image of Lord Vishnu. On the Ekadashi day of the Adhika month, she rose up early in the morning, took a holy bath, engaged in pujas to Lord Vishnu and began the strict fasting. Throughout the night she kept vigil listening to the glories of Lord Vishnu.
The night of the Ekadashi passed and Dwadashi (Twelfth) was born on the next day. She once again performed an elaborate puja, invited a Brahmin to her hermitage and fed him with delicious meal. After that she sat out to break the fast and partake the Prasad (food offered to the Lord and sanctified for the devotees’ consumption).
Lord Vishnu was so pleased with her sincere puja and appeared in front of her. Asked by the Lord for a boon, she prayed the Lord to appear in front of her husband and fulfill his wish to get a child. Lord Vishnu appeared in front of Karthaveerya and blessed him with a world famous son named Karthaveeryarjuna who could only be killed by Vishnu. The efficacy of Padmini Ekadashi Vrat has made it so popular making people observe it with great fervor and devotion.
