Utpannā Ekādaśī 2171

This Ekadashi celebrates the birth of Ekadashi Devi herself. Sri Krishna explained to the Pandavas that in the Krita yuga the mighty demon Mura, ruling from the city of Chandravati, drove Indra and the gods out of heaven.

The gods sought refuge in Vishnu, who fought Mura and his army for a long time. Wishing to rest, the Lord withdrew into a mountain cave and lay down to sleep. Mura followed Him there to kill Him. At that moment a radiant maiden, armed and shining, emerged from the Lord's body and destroyed Mura.

When Vishnu awoke and saw the demon slain, He was delighted. Since she was born on the eleventh lunar day, He named her Ekadashi and granted her boons: whoever fasts on her day would be freed from sin and reach His abode. For this reason devotees who wish to begin the regular Ekadashi vow often start from Utpanna Ekadashi.