Safla Ekadashi Fast Story

Safla Ekadashi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the most significant Ekadashis. It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day with devotion brings success to all tasks and prosperity to the household. Listening to or reading the story of this fast is also considered vital. Once, King Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna, "O Lord, can you please tell me about the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Paush month, its significance, and its story?" Lord Krishna replied, "This Ekadashi is known as Safla Ekadashi, and its merits are equal to performing great sacrifices and charity. Let me tell you its story." In the beautiful city of Champavati, King Mahishman ruled. He had four sons, the eldest being Lumpak, who was sinful and engaged in immoral acts. Due to his wicked deeds, the entire kingdom began to suffer. The king expelled him from the kingdom, and Lumpak went to live in a forest. However, he didn’t change his ways, continuing to hunt innocent animals and loot nearby towns. Lumpak lived under a banyan tree, sacred to Lord Vishnu. One winter night, he shivered in the cold and stayed awake all night, unknowingly observing the Dashami day before Ekadashi. The next day, he was too weak to hunt and gathered fallen fruits instead. Remembering his past deeds, Lumpak prayed to Lord Vishnu, offering the fruits and asking for mercy. By fasting and praying unknowingly on Safla Ekadashi, Lumpak pleased Lord Vishnu. The next morning, a divine white horse appeared before him, and a voice from the heavens declared, "O Lumpak, Lord Vishnu is pleased with you. Your sins are forgiven. Return to your kingdom and establish righteousness." Lumpak returned to his father, apologized, and shared the entire story. The king was pleased to see his son reformed. Lumpak became a just ruler and later married a princess, had a son, and lived righteously. Eventually, he renounced the throne and attained Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s abode, after his death. Lord Krishna concluded by saying, "Anyone who reads or hears this story with devotion receives the merits of performing a great sacrifice and attains liberation after life."