fasts and vrats
What is Mokshada Ekadashi and why is it associated with the Bhagavad Gita?
The day and its meaning
Mokshada Ekadashi comes on the eleventh day of the bright half of Margashirsha, a month in the Hindu calendar that usually falls in November or December. 'Mokshada' means giver of liberation. The tradition holds that on this day, Krishna taught the Bhagavad Gita to the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This connection is why the day is also called Gita Jayanti, the birthday or celebration of the Gita. People observe this Ekadashi by fasting and by reading or reciting the Gita, which is seen as especially meritorious on this day. Some South Indian traditions also call it Vaikuntha Ekadashi, linking it to Vaikuntha, the heavenly home of Vishnu.
Where it comes from
The story and significance of Mokshada Ekadashi are recorded in the Padma Purana, one of the old sacred texts. The Purana tells the tale of the day and its spiritual importance. Over time, this day has become a major observance in Hindu practice, especially for those who follow a path of devotion and study of the Gita.
How people observe it today
Many Hindus fast on Mokshada Ekadashi, eating only fruit, milk, or light food, or fasting completely. Others spend the day reading the Bhagavad Gita in full or in part, or listening to it recited. Some visit temples or gather in groups to study and discuss the Gita's teachings. Families may mark it as a day of spiritual focus. The practice varies by region, sect, and household. For many, it is a way to connect with one of Hinduism's most important texts and to seek spiritual growth and liberation.