O best of the Pandavas, listen with attention to the greatness of the Ekadashi vow. The merit earned by one who observes a fast on Ekadashi is a hundred times greater than that acquired by one in whose very body Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara dwell together. Those who fast on Ekadashi, devoted and virtuous worshippers of Hari, are equal in merit to such exalted beings. Indeed, the true measure of the merit gained by observing Ekadashi cannot be comprehended; even the gods find it difficult to attain such merit. If one eats only at night on Ekadashi, half the merit is gained; and those who eat once during the day obtain only half of that again. All other religious acts—pilgrimages, gifts, and vows—resound in this world only so long as one does not observe the day most dear to Vishnu. Therefore, O Yudhishthira, you should observe this vow. Though you ask, I cannot fathom the full measure of its merit. This vow, O Partha, is supreme and should be kept secret; even a thousand great sacrifices do not equal the merit of Ekadashi. Hearing this, Yudhishthira asked, “O Lord, how did this holy Ekadashi day arise? How is it so pure and so dear to the gods?” The Blessed Lord replied: “In ancient times, during the Krita age, there was a fierce and wondrous demon named Mura, who struck terror into the hearts of all the gods. Even mighty Indra, along with all the gods, was defeated by this death-incarnate being. Driven from heaven, the gods wandered the earth, filled with doubt and fear, and sought refuge with Maheshvara. Indra explained their plight to Maheshvara, telling him how, deprived of their heavenly abodes, the gods now wandered the earth among mortals, their radiance dimmed. They pleaded, ‘O Lord, tell us the means by which we immortals may regain our state.’ Mahadeva replied, ‘Wherever the king of the gods and the foremost of demons contend, there too is the Lord of Garuda-banner, the refuge of all, the savior, the supreme goal—Vishnu himself. Go to him, O best of the gods; he will grant you protection.’ Heeding Mahadeva’s words, Indra and the other gods went to the place where Vishnu lay, in the midst of the cosmic waters, bearing the mace and asleep. There, Indra, with hands joined in reverence, began to praise the Lord: ‘O Lord of gods, revered by gods and demons, enemy of the Daityas, lotus-eyed one, slayer of Madhu, protect us! All the gods have come, terrified by the demon Mura. O Lord of the universe, we seek your refuge—protect your devotees. You alone are our master, our intellect, our creator and cause. You are both mother and father of the universe. All the gods have been defeated and cast down from heaven by the fierce demon Mura.’ Hearing these words, Vishnu spoke: ‘What kind of demon is he, O Shakra? What is his form, his strength, his abode, his power, and his valor? What boon does he possess? Tell me everything.’ Indra replied, ‘O Lord, there was once a mighty demon named Talajangha, born in the lineage of Brahma. His son, the terrible Mura, dwells in the city of Chandravati. By his strength, all the gods have been defeated and expelled from heaven. He has installed another Indra, set up new Vata and Agni, and replaced the moon, sun, Vayu, and Varuna. He alone has deprived the gods of their rightful domains.’ Hearing this, Janardana became angry and declared, ‘I will slay that wicked demon, the terror of the gods!’ Accompanied by the gods, the Lord went to Chandravati, where the gods saw the king of the demons, roaring fiercely. The gods were again defeated by Mura and fled in all directions. But when Mura saw Hari, he challenged, ‘Stop, stop!’ The Blessed Lord, his eyes reddened with anger, addressed the demon, ‘O evil one, behold my arm!’ Then, all the wicked demons who stood before Vishnu were slain by his celestial arrows and overwhelmed with fear. Krishna released his discus into the demon army, cutting down hundreds and bringing death to many. Yet, Mura alone remained, fighting relentlessly. By his power, all the gods were vanquished, and even Madhusudana himself was bested. A fierce hand-to-hand battle ensued between Mura and Vishnu, lasting a thousand years. At last, Vishnu was troubled and the gods were lost; defeated, Vishnu withdrew to the hermitage at Badarika. There, within a cave called Simhavati—twelve yojanas long and with a single entrance—Janardana lay down to rest, seeking renewal and strength.