"If a person is unable to fast on these days, he should observe the fasts during the extra month according to his ability."
Sri Yudhishthira Maharaja said, "Oh Supreme Lord, what is the name and character of that Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the extra, leap year month of Purushottama. Also, Oh master of all the universes, what is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all of this to me?"
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, replied, "Oh Yudhishthira, this meritorious day is called Parama Ekadasi. It bestows the great benediction of an enjoyable life and ultimate liberation, release from birth and death. The process for observing it is similar to that for observing the Ekadasi that occurs during the light part of this month of Kartika. That is to say, on this Ekadasi one should worship Me, the best of all living beings, with full love and devotion. In this connection I will now tell you a wonderful history, just as I
Ekadashi, the 11th day of the waxing or waning moon is considered as one of the important days by all devotees of Krishna. Lord Krishna is very pleased with one who fasts on this day. In general, the devotees fast completely on this day and many do not drink even a drop of water. This austerity is taken up by devotees of the Lord to please Him. Acharyas - great spiritual teachers have recommended that if one is unable observe a complete fast he should at least fast from grains and partake only fruits, milk and root preparations on every Ekadashi. It is said that by fasting on this day and remembering the pastimes of Lord Krishna, all of one’s sins are eradicated and one is purified..
The month of Margasirsha (Dec-Jan) also known as Dhanur Masa is of great importance to the devotees of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita – ‘masanam margasirso ham’ - of the months, I am Margasirsa. The Ekadashi