SRIRANGAM - EKADASI FAST

MURA EPISODE

Padma purana embodies an episode that illustrates the greatness of this day. The story goes that once Mura, the son of Talajangha became a terror to the pious, and caused grief in several ways. Even the august Trio were not spared. At times, they used to take to heels to places for safety. It happened to Sri Mahavishnu too. Harassed by his asura krityas, Vishnu went to Badarikasram for temporary relief. He selected Simhavathi cave for rest. Before entering it, he gave word to his Yogamaya to keep guard the Cave. Mura, searching for him reached the spot. Seeing him approaching in his terrific aspect, Yogamaya created one goddess called Ekadasidevi, as powerful as Mura, nay, more powerful than Mura. In the encounter, the dreadful demon was destroyed. Vishnu learnt on waking up all that happened during the period of his rest. Gratified with her powers and devotion he blessed her with a boon - the ability to destroy the sins of people who observe fast and offer prayers on that day called Ekadasi Day. Since then the adorers of Vishnu observe fast on this day and offer soulful prayers for papanivarana.

Hence the craze and sanctity for this annual festival falling on the eleventh of Pausha masa. Many other festivals are celebrated too, but in comparison with this Ekadasi festival all glimmer, like fireflies before the Sun that the Vaikuntha Ekadasi is. As is the belief so is the tradition.

Location : The temple lies in Srirangam, accessible, by four wheelers from Trichy, Tamil Nadu. '

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