This year, the Aja Ekadashi fast will be observed on September 7, 2026. The Ekadashi falling on the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month is called Aja Ekadashi . Worshiping Lord Vishnu and fasting on this day helps to remove all sins and brings happiness and prosperity. Additionally, reciting or listening to the Ekadashi fasting story is also essential. Ekadashi worship is not considered complete without the story. So, read the story of the Aja Ekadashi fast here.
Aja Ekadashi fasting story
According to legend, there was a king named Harishchandra in the city of Ayodhya, renowned for his truthfulness and honesty. Once, the gods decided to test him. The king dreamt that he had donated his kingdom to the sage Vishwamitra. In the morning, Vishwamitra actually appeared at his doorstep and said, “You had donated your kingdom to me in your dream.” Following his vow of truthfulness, the king handed over his entire kingdom to Vishwamitra. To repay the donation, King Harishchandra had to sell his wife, son, and even himself due to the consequences of his past life’s actions. Harishchandra was bought by a Dom who performed cremation rituals.
He himself became a slave to a Chandala and started working as a shroud seller for him, but even in this difficult task he did not abandon the truth. Many years passed by doing this work, but he felt very sad about his lowly act and then he started searching for a way to get rid of it. He was sitting in this worry when Gautam Rishi came to him. Harishchandra told him the sad story of his life. Then Maharishi Gautam suggested him to observe the fast of Aja Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadon month and said that by the effect of this fast all your sins will be destroyed.
King Harishchandra, as instructed by the sage, observed a fast and kept vigil throughout the night. The effect of this fast erased all his sins, and his life was filled with happiness. The king regained his kingdom. In his final moments, Harishchandra and his family ascended to heaven. It is said that those who observe this fast as prescribed have all their sins absolved, and ultimately attain heaven. It is also said that simply listening to the story of this Ekadashi fast yields the fruits of the Ashwamedha Yagya.
