The story of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is the sacred eleventh lunar day of every fortnight in the Hindu calendar, and its origins are rooted in a legend from the Padma Purana about the destruction of a demon named Mura.

The Legend of Demon Mura

• The Conflict: A powerful demon named Mura (or Murdanav) caused terror among the demigods and challenged Lord Vishnu for supremacy.
• The Battle: Lord Vishnu fought Mura for a long time. Growing physically tired from the battle, Vishnu retired to a Himalayan cave called Badarikashrama to rest and enter a meditative sleep.
• The Manifestation: Finding Vishnu asleep, the demon attempted to attack him. Suddenly, a radiant divine feminine energy (or Shakti) materialized from the eleven spiritual senses/parts of Lord Vishnu's body (the five organs of action, five organs of perception, and the mind).
• The Defeat: The fierce goddess engaged Mura in battle and easily annihilated him. When Lord Vishnu awoke and saw the slain demon, he was deeply pleased.

The Blessing and Significance

• Naming Ekadashi: Vishnu named the divine maiden Ekadashi because she manifested on the eleventh day (ekadashi) from his eleven senses.
• The Boon: He granted her a boon that anyone who observes a strict fast on this day will be absolved of past sins, conquer the influence of the material senses, and attain ultimate liberation (moksha) or devotion.