Mokshada Ekadashi - Tuesday 2nd December

King Yudhishthir asked Bhagwan Shree Krishna, "O Vishnu! You are Purna Purushottam. I bow down to You. Please tell me in detail the name of Ekadashi falling in the Sud fortnight of Magsar, how should one observe its Vrat and who is its ruling deity?" Shree Krishna replied, "O Yudhishthir! I will ask your question in detail. This Ekadashi is known as Mokshada Ekadashi. Bhagwan Vishnu should be worshipped today with sandalwood and fragrant flowers. One can attain Moksha by observing this Ekadashi faithfully.

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Dhanurmas - Wednesday 17th December

Dhanurmas starts on December 17th and ends on January 14th.

This designation is given to a period of one month from when the sun enters the Dhanur rashi (Sagitarius) till the 14th of January. Great glory is attached to serving food to Brahmins and devotees during this month.

In the period the sun shifts from the Dhanur rashi till Makar Sankranti, the Samhita advocates bhakti by celebrating Adhyayan, Mokshada and Vun Mahotsavs.
Adhyayan Festival The Lord's murti is offered pujan. Then the four Vedas, and Vedangas are recited. Every morning during Dhanurmas, at around sunrise shiro of mung and sweets made from milk are offered to the Lord. Since Adhyayan refers to study of scriptures, they are arranged in the following directions: Rg-Veda in the east, Atharva in the north, Yajur Veda in the south, Saam Veda in the west, Ramayan-Mahabharat in the south-east, Stotras in the south-west, Dharma Shastra in the north-west, poetic literature written in Prakrut in the north-east.

The month of Magshar is considered the morning period of the Devas and therefore sattvic. Therefore this festival boosts the sattvic attributes of aspirants.

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Safala Ekadashi - Thursday 18th December

King Yudhishthir asked Bhagwan Shree Krishna, "O janardan! Please tell me the name of Ekadashi coming in the dark fortnight of Magsar and how should one worship Bhagwan on this Ekadashi."

Shree Krishna replied, "O king! I am pleased more with the observation of Vrat of Ekadashi than by performing Yagnas or giving large donations to Brahmins. Just as Shesha among the snakes, Garud among the birds, Ashvamedha among the Yagnas, Ganga among the rivers, Vishnu among theDevtas and Brahmin among men are superior to others, Vrat of Ekadashi is supreme among all Vrats. Magsar Vad Ekadashi is called 'Safala Ekadashi'. Bhagwan Narayan is the ruling deity of this Ekadashi. He should be worshipped by performing His Aarti and lighting incense. Coconuts, limes and pomegranates should be offered as Naivedhya followed by cinnamon, cloves etc. wrapped in a beetle leaf. One may offer any seasonal fruits in an absence of the above mentioned specific fruits. A devotee should donate lamps on the conclusion of Vrat. O king! One must undertake Jagran on Ekadashi to reap the rewards of performing austerities for five thousand years."

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Jaya Ekadashi - Friday 30th January

Jaya Ekadashi - Maha Sud Ekadashi

Dharmaraj Yudhishthir said to Bhagwan, "O Krishna! You are the creator, sustainer and destroyer of everything. Please tell me the name of Ekadashi that falls in the Sud fortnight of month of Maha."

Shree Krishna replied, "O Yudhishthir! This Ekadashi is called Jaya Ekadashi. Listen attentively to its significance and greatness. Whoever observes Vrat of this Ekadashi will have all his desires and also attains Moksha. A man never has to become a ghost or indeed an evil spirit is released from that life after observing the Vrat of this holy Ekadashi. Let Me cite an example from Padma Puran which details the reward one earns for observing the Vrat of Jaya Ekadashi."

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