On the sacred day of Ekādaśī, O Pārtha, one must observe a special discipline. On this day, it is enjoined to abstain from sleep and from union, dedicating the entire day to the joyful study and contemplation of the Dharmaśāstra. When night falls, one should remain awake in devotion, O best of kings, offering gifts to worthy Brāhmaṇas, bowing before them and sincerely seeking their forgiveness. This observance is to be performed in the same manner on both the dark and bright fortnights; a twice-born should make no distinction between the two Ekādaśīs, O Pārtha. Listen now to the fruits attained by one who acts in this way. After bathing at dawn, at the rising of the conch's sound, and beholding the Lord who wields the mace, one reaps immense merit. The merit earned by fasting on Ekādaśī is so great that even sixteen parts of it cannot be matched by one who gives away four hundred thousand gifts at the solstices, O best of kings. Nor can it be equaled by visiting the holy Prabhāsa Kṣetra or by the merit gained during lunar or solar eclipses. Such is the fruit attained by one who fasts on Ekādaśī: after drinking water in a field, he is freed from rebirth. In this way, O Partha, the observance of Ekādaśī destroys the bondage of the womb; whatever merit is obtained on earth by the great Ashvamedha sacrifice, the merit from fasting on Ekādaśī is a hundred times greater, especially when ascetics and excellent twice-borns are fed in one’s home. Indeed, the fruit of fasting on Ekādaśī surpasses even the merit of gifting a thousand cows to a Vedic scholar, being a hundred times greater, for in such a person reside the three gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara. Those who fast on Ekādaśī are equal to those divine beings, O Partha—men of virtue, devoted, and worshippers of Hari. The measure of merit from the Ekādaśī vow is beyond comprehension; even the gods find it difficult to attain. If one eats only at night, half the merit is gained; eating once a day yields half of that again. All pilgrimages, gifts, and vows hold value only until one begins to observe the day dear to Vishnu. Therefore, O best of the Pandavas, you should observe this vow; even though you ask, O Pandava, I cannot fully describe its measure. This, O Partha, is the supreme vow, to be kept secret—nothing is equal to Ekādaśī, not even a thousand sacrifices. At this, Yudhishthira inquired, “O Lord, how did this holy day of Ekādaśī arise? How is it so pure in this world, and why is it so dear to the gods?” The Blessed Lord replied: “In ancient times, O Partha, during the Krita age, there lived a demon named Mura, wondrous in power, exceedingly fierce, and terrifying to all the gods. Even Indra and all the gods were defeated by this great demon, this evil-minded embodiment of death. Driven from heaven by Mura, the gods wandered the earth, filled with doubt and fear, and sought refuge with Maheshvara. Indra recounted everything to the great Lord, explaining how, deprived of their heavenly abode, the gods now wandered among mortals, their brilliance dimmed. They pleaded with Maheshvara to reveal a way for the immortals to regain their state. Mahadeva said: ‘Where the king of the gods and the foremost of demons are, there too is the Lord whose banner bears Garuda—the refuge of all, the Lord of the universe, the savior, the supreme goal. Go to him, O best of gods; he will grant you protection.’ Hearing these words, the wise Indra, together with the other gods, went to that place, O Yudhishthira. In the midst of the waters, they beheld the Lord, the wielder of the mace, lying asleep. With joined palms, Indra began to recite a hymn: ‘Om, obeisance to you, Lord of gods, revered by gods and demons alike; enemy of the Daityas, lotus-eyed one, slayer of Madhu, protect us. All the gods have come here, terrified by the demon; O Lord of the universe, we seek your refuge—protect us, O lover of devotees. O Janardana, protect us, protect us, O lotus-eyed one, destroyer of demons. We have all come to you, for you alone are our refuge. For those who seek your shelter, be their helper, O Lord. You are the master, the intellect, the creator, and the cause. You are the mother and father of the universe. O Blessed Lord, cherisher of those who seek refuge, the gods, frightened, have come to your shelter. All the gods have been defeated and cast down from heaven by the fierce and mighty demon named Mura.’ Hearing Indra’s plea, Vishnu spoke: ‘What kind of demon is he, O Shakra? What is his form, his strength? Where does this wicked one dwell? What is his power, his valor? What boon does he possess? Tell me, O wise one.’ Indra replied: ‘Formerly, O Lord of gods, there was a mighty demon named Talajangha, born in the lineage of Brahma, exceedingly fierce. His son, renowned as the demon Mura, is even more terrible and powerful, a terror to the gods. He resides in the city of Chandravati, and there he has defeated and driven all the gods from heaven. He has installed another Indra, as well as replacements for Vata and Agni; he has set up new moon and sun, as well as new Vayu and Varuna. All this he has done alone, O Janardana; truly, he has made the world of the gods bereft of its rightful rulers.’ Thus, the story of Ekādaśī’s greatness and its origins was revealed, describing the dire plight of the gods and the supreme merit of observing this sacred day.