Mokshada Ekadashi — Gita Jayanti

On Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi, the two armies face each other at Kurukshetra. Arjuna, overwhelmed by the prospect of killing his own cousins, uncles, and teachers, lowers his bow. Krishna — his charioteer — then speaks what becomes the Bhagavad Gita: 700 verses across 18 chapters, covering karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, and the universal form (Vishwarupa Darshana). The day is celebrated as Gita Jayanti — the birthday of the Gita itself — and Mokshada Ekadashi, because its teaching offers liberation (moksha) to anyone who reads it.

In the ancient city of Champaka-nagar, King Vaikhanasa was troubled by a dream in which he saw his father suffering in hell. Seeking a remedy, he consulted his learned Brahmins and then the omniscient Sage Parvata Muni. The sage revealed that the king's father was enduring torment due to a past sin and instructed the king to observe the Mokshada Ekadashi fast. By observing the fast with devotion and transferring its accumulated merit to his father, King Vaikhanasa successfully liberated his ancestor from the hellish realms, allowing him to ascend to the heavenly planets.

Mokshada Ekadashi is observed by fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu (Damodara) to attain spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. This sacred fast is believed to cleanse all sins and grant immense spiritual merit, comparable to the wish-fulfilling Chintamani gem. Devotees typically abstain from grains and other prohibited foods, engaging in prayers and devotional activities throughout the day and night. The observance is highly revered in Vaishnava traditions.

According to the Padma Purana and Brahmanda Purana, King Vaikhanasa of Champaka Nagar had a dream of his forefathers suffering in hell. Seeking guidance from Sage Parvata, he was advised to observe the Mokshada Ekadashi vrata. Upon performing the fast with devotion and dedicating its merits to his ancestors, they were liberated from their suffering and ascended to heaven. This narrative highlights the power of Mokshada Ekadashi to uplift one's lineage.

In many Vishnu temples, particularly in South India and Odisha where it is also known as Vaikuntha Ekadashi, a special 'Vaikuntha Dwara' or 'Uttara Dwara' (Northern Gate or Gate to Heaven) is opened on this day. Devotees believe that passing through this gate on Mokshada Ekadashi guarantees liberation and a path to Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. This tradition is linked to the devotee Nammalwar's return to Vaikuntha on this auspicious day.

On Mokshada Ekadashi, the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri observes specific rituals according to the Pancharatra Agama tradition. These include an extended Mangala Arati with recitation from the Bhagavata Purana, a special ceremonial bath (Abhishekam) for the deities, and the offering of a grain-free Chappan Bhog (56-item offering). The temple also extends its darshan hours, and devotees may participate in Jagaran (night vigil) within the temple precincts.