Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, “Oh Supreme Lord, what is the name of that Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the extra, leap-year month of Purushottama. What is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all of this to me?”

Lord Krishna, replied,

“Oh Yudhisthira, this meritorious day is called Parama Ekadashi. It bestows the great benediction of an enjoyable life and release from birth and death. The process for observing it is similar to that for observing the Ekadashi that occurs during the light part of this month of Karttika. I will now tell you a wonderful story, I heard from the great sage in the city of Kampilya.

Once a pious brahmin named Sumedha resided in Kampilya with his wife, Pavitra, who was devoted to her husband. On account of having committed some sin in his previous life, Sumedha was without any money and he hardly had adequate food, clothing, or shelter. His wife continued to serve Sumedha faithfully despite their poverty. When guests would come she would give them her own food.

Sumedha one day said to Pavitra, ‘I beg alms from the rich but receive hardly anything. Therefore please permit me to go abroad and attain some wealth.‘

Pavitra replied to him with great respect and affection: ‘One who, though in misery, is interested in the welfare of others speaks just as you have. However, the scriptures state that whatever wealth a person attains in his life is due to his having given charity in previous lives and that if one has not given charity, then even though he may sit atop a mound of gold, he will still remain poor. Please, therefore, stay with me and be satisfied with whatever wealth we get.’

Hearing this, Sumedha decided to stay back. One day the great sage Kaundinya arrived at their place, and upon seeing him, Sumedha and his wife offered him their obeisances. ‘‘Just by having your darshan today,’ said Sumedha, ‘I have become very fortunate.’ They fed the sage as they could afford, and afterwards, Pavitra asked the sage, ‘Oh most learned one, what process can we follow to be relieved of our poverty?’

Kaundinya reflected for a moment and then said, ‘There is a fast day very dear to Lord Hari. Fasting on this day nullifies all kinds of sins and removes all miseries caused by poverty. This fast day, which occurs during the dark part (Krishna paksha) of the extra, leap-year month, is known as Parama Ekadashi. It is the topmost day of Lord Vishnu, hence the name Parama.

This holy fast was once observed faithfully by Lord Kuvera. When Lord Shiva saw how strictly he had fasted, he became very pleased and made Kuvera the treasurer of heaven. Also, king Harishchandra fasted on this Ekadashi after his dear wife and son had been sold, and the king was able to get them back. Therefore, you also should observe the sacred fast of Parama Ekadashi.’

Then he said to Sumedha,

‘On the Dvadashi, the day after Ekadashi, you should vow to observe Pancharatrika fasting according to all the rules and regulations. After taking a bath early in the morning, you and your wife, along with both your parents and hers, should fast for five days according to your ability. Then you will all become eligible to return home, to the abode of Lord Vishnu.’

Hearing this advice, Sumedha and Pavitra, observed the Parama Ekadashi and the fast of Pancharatrika, and thereafter they saw a handsome prince approaching them from the royal palace. He gave them a beautiful house and an entire village for their livelihood.

Oh Yudhisthira, one who fasts on this day has also completed the offerings of oblations to his forefathers in Gaya. He has, in effect, fasted on all other auspicious days.’

The Pancharatrika fast – the fast of five days (pancha = five, ratri = nights) in the extra, leap year month – is said to remove all kinds of abominable sins. But the Pancharatrika fast, together with the fasts of Parama and Padmini Ekadashi, destroys all of a person’s sins. If a person is unable to fast on these days, he should observe the fasts during the extra month according to his ability. The rare human birth is meant for accumulating merit and at last achieving liberating release from this material world.

King Yudhisthira did exactly as Lord Krishna had instructed, and so did all his brothers and their wife. Whoever, after taking a proper bath, observes a fast on these two extra-month Ekadashis will go to heaven. Thus ends the narration of the glories of Parama Ekadashi from the Skanda Purana.

We warmly invite you to participate in Ekadashi Seva on this most auspicious day.
May Sri Sri Radha-Madhava bless you and your family with devotion, peace, protection, and spiritual happiness 

Ekadashi Seva Form: Parama Ekadashi Seva

*Please send transaction details and date of your choice and prayers to donorservices@mayapur.com or Whatsapp: +91-9593400192

Hare Krishna! Mayapur Academy, founded in 2007, is a premier institution dedicated to equipping devotees with comprehensive training in the sacred science of deity worship. As a joint educational initiative of the ISKCON Mayapur Deity Department and the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry, the Academy faithfully fulfills His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s profound desire for the development of deity worship and brahminical culture within our society. Our mission is to provide high-quality, systematic education in the principles and practices of deity worship, ensuring the preservation and transmission of these sacred traditions to create a global community of well-trained pujaris.
 

Hindi Deity Worship Course 
To expand this vital training, we are thrilled to announce our highly anticipated on-site Hindi Deity Worship Archan Course, specifically designed for our Hindi-speaking pujaris and aspiring sevaks. Running this September and October, the course focuses on two essential units: 
* Deity Dressing (September 21st – October 2nd, 2026), where students learn the intricate art of creating structured turbans and dressing 3-4 feet Radha Krishna deities, 
&
* Temple Worship (October 5th – October 23rd, 2026), providing a deep understanding of purity, basic rituals, and precise ceremonies like Şodaśopacāra Pūjā. We warmly invite all initiated devotees in good standing—both first and second initiated—to apply via our registration form (https://forms.gle/QdS7orkM9RrdJdsk8) and elevate their altar service to bring immense pleasure to Sri Sri Radha Madhava.
 

International Diploma in Arcana 
For those seeking a fully immersive and extensive experience, Mayapur Academy also proudly offers its renowned International Diploma in Deity Worship. This four-month intensive on-site educational program is meticulously designed to train students in every aspect of temple service over a full 16-week schedule. The comprehensive curriculum comprises five core units—Brahminical Culture & Ethics, Temple Worship, Cooking, Deity Dressing, and Mantras—alongside diverse electives such as Samskaras, Festivals & Abhishek, and Tulasi Care. By earning 52 credit points, which includes hands-on temple service (Practicum) and mandatory morning sadhana attendance, students internalize the appropriate mood, values, skills, and knowledge required to serve as expert pujaris in any ISKCON community worldwide.

Please register on:
https://forms.gle/c7ebfV8xg71Hd48m6

For more details, please visit:
https://mayapuracademy.org/prospectus/

Shri Suta Goswami said, "Yudhishthira Maharaja said, Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight (shukla paksha) of the extra, leap year month? How does one observe it properly? Please narrate all this to me."
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Shri Krishna, replied, "Oh Pandava, the meritorious Ekadashii that occurs during the light fortnight of the extra month of leap-year is called Padmini. It is very auspicious. The fortunate soul who observes it with great determination and faith will return to My personal abode. This extra-month Ekadashi is as powerful as I am in nullifying sins. Even four-headed Lord Brahma cannot glorify it sufficiently. Long ago Lord Brahma told Narada about this liberating, sin-removing Ekadashi."

Lotus-eyed Lord Krishna became very pleased by the enquiry of Yudhishthira and spoke to him the following pleasing words: "Oh king, please listen carefully as I narrate to you the process of fasting on Padmini Ekadashi, which is rarely done even by great sages.

One should begin his fast on the Dashami, the day before Ekadashi, by not eating any Urad dahl, chickpeas, spinach, honey, or sea salt, and also by not dining in homes of others or off bell-metal plates. These eight things should be avoided. One should eat only once on the Dashami, sleep on the ground, and remain celibate. On Ekadashi the devotee should rise early in the morning but should not brush his teeth. Then he should thoroughly bathe - in a place of pilgrimage, if possible. While chanting sacred hymns from the Vedas, he should smear his body with cow dung mixed with clay, sesame-seed paste, kusha grass, and the powder of Amalaki fruits.

Then the devotee should take another thorough bath, after which he should chant the following prayers: "Oh sacred clay, you have been created by Lord Brahma, purified by Kashyapa Muni, and lifted by Lord Krishna in His form as Varaha, the boar incarnation. Oh clay, please purify my head, eyes, and other limbs. Oh clay, I offer my obeisances unto you. Kindly purify me so I may worship the Supreme Lord, Shri Hari.

Oh cow-dung, you posses medicinal and antiseptic qualities because you have come directly from the stomach of our universal mother, the cow. You can purify the entire planet Earth. Please accept my humble obeisances and purify me.

Oh Amalaki fruits, please accept my humble obeisances. You have taken your birth from the saliva of Lord Brahma, and thus by your very presence the entire planet is purified. Kindly cleanse and purify my bodily limbs.

Oh Supreme Lord Vishnu, Oh God of the gods, Oh master of the universe, Oh holder of the conch, disc, club, and lotus, please allow me to bathe in all the holy places of pilgrimage."

Reciting these excellent prayers, chanting mantras to Lord Varuna, and meditating on all the places of pilgrimage located on the banks of the Ganges, one should bathe in whatever body of water is at hand. Then, Oh Yudhishthira, the devotee should rub his body, thus purifying his mouth, back, chest, arms, and waist as a prelude to worshipping the Supreme Lord, who wears brilliant yellow garments and gives pleasure to all creatures. By so doing, the devotee will destroy all his sins. Afterwards, he should chant the sacred Gayatri mantra, offer oblations to his forefathers, and then enter a Vishnu temple to worship Lord Narayana, the husband of the Goddess of Fortune, Laxmi-devi.

If possible, the devotee should then fashion Deities of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna or Shiva and Parvati out of gold and offer them nice devotional worship. He should fill a copper or clay pot with pure water mixed with scents, and then he should cover the pot with a cloth lid and a gold or silver lid, in this way preparing an Asana upon which the Radha-Krishna or Shiva-Parvati murthis may sit for worship.

According to capacity, the devotee should then worship these murtis with fragrant incense, a bright ghee lamp, and sandalwood paste along with camphor, musk, kumkum, and other scents, as well as selected aromatic flowers like white lotuses and other seasonal blooms, and also very nicely prepared foods. On this special Ekadashi the devotees should dance and sing ecstatically before the Deity. He should avoid prajalpa (talking unnecessarily of ordinary, mundane conversational topics) at all costs and should not talk to or touch low-born persons (untrained persons habituated to low acts) or a woman in her menstrual period, or others so absorbed. On this day he should be especially careful to speak the truth and certainly not criticize anyone before the Deity of Lord Vishnu, the brahmins, or the spiritual master.Rather, with other devotees he should be absorbed in listening to Vaishnavas read the glories of Lord Vishnu from the Puranas. One should not drink or even touch water to his lips on this Ekadashi, and one who is unable to perform this austerity should drink only water or milk. Otherwise, the fast is considered broken. One should remain awake that Ekadashi night, singing and playing musical instruments for the transcendental pleasure of the Supreme Person.

During the first quarter of the Ekadashi night the devotee should offer some coconut meat to his worshippable Deity (Isthadeva), during the second part he should offer soothing bel fruit, during the third part an orange, and as the night draws to a close some betel nut. Remaining awake during the first part of the Ekadashi night bestows on the devotee/sadhaka the same merit as that gained by performing the Agnistoma-yajna. Staying awake during the second part of the night bestows the same merit as that gained by performing a Vajapeya-yajna. Stay awake during the third part gives one the same merit as that attained by performing an Ashvamedha-yajna.

And one who remains awake throughout the night receives all of the above mentioned merit, as well as the grand merit of having performed a Rajasurya-yajna. Thus there is no better fasting day in the year than Padmini Ekadashi. Nothing can compare to it as a giver of merit, whether it be a fire sacrifice, knowledge, education, or austerity. Indeed, whoever observes this sacred Ekadashi fast receives all the merit attained by bathing in all the places of pilgrimage in the world.

After remaining awake throughout the night, the devotee should bathe at sunrise and then worship Me nicely. He should then feed a qualified brahmin and respectfully give him the Deity of Lord Keshava and the pot filled with pure scented water. This gift will guarantee the devotee success in this life and liberation in the hereafter.

Oh sinless Yudhishthira, as you have requested, I have described the rules and regulations, as well as the benefits, regarding the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the extra, leap-year month.

Fasting on this Padmini day bestows merit equal to that gained by fasting on all other Ekadashis.

The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the extra month, which is known as Parama Ekadashi, is as powerful at removing sin as this one, Padmini.

Now please listen to Me carefully as I narrate to you a fascinating account connected with this sacred day. Pulastya Muni once recited this history to Naradji.

Pulastya Muni once had occasion to rescue the ten headed demon Ravana from the prison of Kartaviry Arjuna, and upon hearing of this event Narada Muni asked his friend, "Oh greatest of sages, since this Ravana defeated all the demigods, including Lord Indradev, how could Kartaviry Arjuna defeat Ravana, who was so skilled in battle?"

Pulastya Muni replied, "Oh great Narada, during the Tretayuga, Kartavirya (Kartaviry Arjuna's father) took birth in the Haihaya dynasty. His capital city was Mahishmati, and he had one thousand Queens, whom he loved very dearly. None of them, however, was able to give him the son he wanted so badly.

He performed sacrifices and worshipped the devas (demigods) and forefathers (pitris), but due to the curse of some sage he was unable to beget a son - and without a son, a king cannot enjoy his kingdom, just as a hungry man can never really enjoy his senses.

King Kartavirya carefully considered his plight and then decided to perform severe austerities to achieve his goal. Thus he donned a loincloth made of bark, grew matted locks, and turned over the reins of his kingdom to his ministers. One of his queens, Padmini - who was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty, who was the best of all women, and who was the daughter of King Harishchandra - saw the king leaving.

She felt that, since she was a chaste wife, her duty was to follow in the footsteps of her beloved husband. Removing all the regal ornaments from her beautiful body and donning but one piece of cloth, she thus followed her husband into the forest.

At last Kartavirya reached the summit of Mount Gandhamadana, where he performed severe austerities and penances for ten thousand years, meditating and praying to Lord Gadadhara, who wields a club.

But still he did not get a son. Seeing her dear husband waste away to mere skin and bone, Padmini thought of a solution to the problem. She went to the chaste Anasuya. With great reverence, Padmini said, "Oh great lady, my dear husband, Kartavirya, has been performing austerities for the last ten thousand years, but Lord Krishna (Keshava), who alone can remove one's past sins and present difficulties, has not yet become pleased with him. Oh most fortunate one, please tell me a fast day we can observe and thus please the Supreme Lord with our devotion, so much so that He will bless me with a nice son who will later rule the world as emperor."

Upon hearing the appealing words of Padmini, who was very chaste and deeply devoted to her husband, the great Anasuya replied to her in a very cheerful mood: "Oh beautiful, lotus-eyed lady, usually there are twelve months in a year, but after every thirty-two months an extra month is added, and the two Ekadashis that occur during this month are called Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi. They fall on the Dvadashis of the light and dark part of the month, respectively. You should fast on these days and remain awake throughout the night. If you do so, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Hari, will bless you with a son."

Oh Narada, in this way Anasuya, the daughter of the sage Kardama Muni, explained the potency of these special Ekadashis. Hearing this, Padmini faithfully followed the instructions to fulfill her desire for a son. Padmini fasted completely, even from water, and remained awake all night, chanting the glories of God and dancing in ecstasy. Lord Keshava thus became most pleased with her devotion and appeared before her, riding on the back of the great Garuda. The Lord said, "Oh beautiful one, you have greatly pleased Me by fasting on the special Ekadashi of the extra month of Purushottama. Please ask Me for a benediction."

Hearing these sublime words from the overseer of the entire universe, Padmini offered the Supreme Lord devotional prayers and asked Him for the boon her husband desired.

Lord Keshava (Krishna) was moved to reply, "Oh gentle lady, I am very happy with you, for there is no month dearer to Me than this, and the Ekadashis that occur during this month are the most dear to Me of all Ekadashis.You have followed My devotee Anasuya's instructions perfectly, and therefore I shall do what will please you. You and your husband will have the desired son that you wish."

The Lord, who removes the distress of the world, then spoke to King Kartavirya: "Oh King, please ask of Me any boon that will fulfill your heart's desire, for your dear wife has pleased Me greatly with her devotional fasting."

The king was very happy to hear this. Naturally he asked for the son he had desired for so long:

"Oh master of the universe, Oh killer of the Madhu-demon, kindly grant me a son who will never be conquered by the demigods, human beings, snakes, demons, or hobgoblins, but whom only You can defeat.'

The Supreme Lord immediately replied, 'So be it!" and disappeared.

The king became so very pleased with his wife and returned to his palace in her company. Padmini soon became pregnant, and the mighty-armed Kartaviry Arjuna appeared as her son. He was the mightiest person in all the three worlds, and thus even the ten-headed Ravana could not defeat him in battle. Except for Lord Narayana, who holds a club, a disc, and other symbols in His hands no one could overcome him. By the merit that resulted from his mother's strict and faithful observance of Padmini Ekadashi, he could defeat even the dreaded Ravana. This is not at all surprising, Oh Naradji, for Kartaviry Arjuna was the fulfillment of the benediction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."

With these words, Pulastya Muni departed.

The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, concluded, "Oh sinless Yudhishthira, as you have enquired from Me, I have explained to you the power of this special Ekadashi. Oh best of kings, whoever observes this fast will surely attain to My personal abode. And similarly, if you want all your desires fulfilled, you should do likewise."

Hearing these words from the mouth of his beloved Keshava, Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) became filled with joy, and when the time came he faithfully observed Padmini Ekadashi. Suta Goswami concluded, "Oh sage Saunaka, I have explained to you all about this meritorious Ekadashi.

Anyone who devotedly fasts on the Ekadashis that occur during the extra, leap-year months, carefully following all the rules, becomes glorious and happily goes back to Godhead.

And one who merely hears or reads about these Ekadashis will also obtain great merit and ultimately enter the abode of Lord Shri Hari."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Padmini Ekadashi, the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the extra, leap-year month of Purushottama, from the Skanda Purana.

Understanding the Glory of Purushottama Month

Purushottama Month, also known as Adhik Masa, is an extra lunar month that appears approximately every three years to harmonize the lunar and solar calendars. While materially minded people once considered this month inauspicious because it was not assigned for worldly ceremonies and rituals, Lord Krishna Himself transformed its destiny by bestowing upon it His own name — Purushottama, “The Supreme Personality.”

The scriptures describe how this neglected month approached Lord Vishnu in deep sorrow after being rejected by all. Moved by compassion, Lord Krishna granted this month extraordinary spiritual potency, declaring that anyone who sincerely worships Him during this sacred time receives immense spiritual benefit and special mercy.

For devotees, Purushottama Month is not ordinary time. It is a sacred invitation to deepen one’s relationship with Krishna through sincere chanting, hearing, service, prayer, simplicity, and spiritual reflection.

As Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu beautifully describes in the first verse of His Shikshashtakam:

“ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam”
“The chanting of the Holy Name cleanses the mirror of the heart.”

To chant is to purify the heart and make it a suitable place for the Lord to reside.
---
# The Purpose of Purushottama Month

Purushottama Month is an opportunity for spiritual acceleration.

In our normal routines, spiritual life can sometimes become mechanical or distracted. This sacred month invites us to pause, simplify our lives, and intentionally increase our Krishna consciousness.

The focus is not merely external austerity, but internal purification:

* More sincere chanting
* More attentive hearing
* More remembrance of Krishna
* More humility
* More devotional association
* More service

This month is meant to nourish devotion, not ego. Even a small offering performed with sincerity during Purushottama Month carries immense spiritual value.
---
# Recommended Practices During Purushottama Month

The scriptures and Vaishnava tradition recommend increasing devotional activities during this month. One may adopt practical vows according to one’s capacity and maintain them steadily throughout the month.

## 1. Increase Chanting of the Holy Name

The heart of Purushottama Month is increased remembrance of Krishna through chanting.

* Chant attentively every day
* Increase one’s rounds if possible
* Attend japa sessions
* Avoid inattentive chanting
* Create a peaceful atmosphere for chanting

The Holy Name cleanses the dust accumulated for years on the mirror of the heart.

---

## 2. Rise Early

If possible, wake during Brahma-muhurta (before sunrise), the most spiritually uplifting time of the day.

Morning spiritual practices performed during this time greatly nourish the mind and consciousness.
---
## 3. Read Sacred Scriptures Daily

Especially recommended:

* Bhagavad-gita
* Srimad Bhagavatam
* Krishna Book
* Teachings of Srila Prabhupada
* Pastimes of Radha and Krishna

Daily hearing purifies consciousness and strengthens spiritual conviction.
---
## 4. Offer Simple Worship

One may offer:

* Ghee lamp
* Incense
* Flowers
* Tulasi leaves
* Kirtan or bhajans
* Simple heartfelt prayers

Even simple worship offered with sincerity becomes spiritually powerful during this month.
---
## 5. Associate with Devotees

Association deeply influences consciousness.

Whenever possible:

* Attend temple programs
* Join online satsangs or japa groups
* Hear from senior devotees
* Engage in Krishna-katha
* Encourage others spiritually
---
## 6. Practice Simplicity

Purushottama Month is a time for spiritual focus and inner reflection.

Many devotees choose to:

* Reduce unnecessary entertainment
* Spend less time on social media
* Eat simpler meals
* Speak less frivolously
* Live more intentionally

Simplicity creates space for remembrance of Krishna.
---
# Foods to Eat During Purushottama Month

The emphasis is not harsh renunciation, but purity and mindfulness.

Recommended:

* Simple sattvic vegetarian meals
* Fresh fruits
* Grains
* Milk preparations
* Nuts and dry fruits
* Simple home-cooked prasadam
* Ekadashi-friendly preparations on fasting days

Most importantly:
All food should first be offered to Krishna before honoring it as prasadam.
---
# Foods and Habits to Avoid

During this sacred month, devotees traditionally try to avoid:

* Onion and garlic
* Non-vegetarian food
* Intoxication
* Gambling
* Excessive eating
* Gossip and criticism
* Idle entertainment
* Harsh speech
* Laziness and oversleeping

The purpose is not merely restriction, but purification of consciousness.

---

# Important “Don’ts” During Purushottama Month

The scriptures especially caution against:

* Criticizing devotees
* Engaging in unnecessary arguments
* Speaking ill of others
* Excessive material discussions
* Sense gratification-centered activities

Purushottama Month flourishes in an atmosphere of humility, sincerity, and respect.
---
# Charity and Service

Acts of charity performed during this month are considered highly auspicious.

One may:

* Support devotional projects
* Sponsor prasadam distribution
* Donate spiritual books
* Assist temple services
* Help devotees
* Offer seva according to one’s means

Service offered with devotion attracts the mercy of the Lord.
---
# The Mood of the Month

Purushottama Month is not meant to become a competition of austerities.

The true spirit of this month is:

* Sincerity over performance
* Devotion over display
* Transformation over pressure
* Connection over perfection

Even one sincere prayer offered during this month can deeply affect one’s spiritual life.
---
# A Sacred Invitation

Purushottama Month comes rarely, and its blessings are extraordinary.

This is a sacred opportunity to:

* Reconnect with Krishna
* Purify the heart
* Deepen one’s chanting
* Build spiritual consistency
* Strengthen devotional practices
* Receive the special mercy of Lord Purushottama

May this holy month inspire us to chant with greater sincerity, serve with greater humility, and remember Krishna with deeper love.

Hare Krishna.