HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS : 27.2.1.6.

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27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.6

1. Benefits of Fasting-6.


    King Ambarisha was a great votary of Lord Hari.

He practised the Ekadashi Vrata for a year. Ambarisha obtained His Grace.

On one occasion he fasted for three consecutive days.

He was about to break the fast when Rishi Durvasa appeared as his guest.

The king received him with due respect and requested him to take his meals.

The Rishi agreed and went to bathe in the river.

The king waited patiently for a long time, but the Rishi did not return.

Time was running out; if the king did not eat anything before the day ended his Vrata would not bear fruit.

And if he ate, he would be showing disregard to the Rishi.

As a compromise the king took a little water to serve both the conditions.

Swami Sivananda
 To be continued  .....


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