Saphala Ekadashi occurs during the Krishna Paksha of Narayana (Pausha) month. The word 'Saphala' means successful or fruitful. Observing this holy fast ensures that all of a devotee's righteous activities, prayers, and vocational duties become highly successful and yield sweet spiritual results.
In the kingdom of Champavati, ruled by King Mahishman, lived a wicked prince named Lumbhaka. He spent his father's wealth on illicit habits, rejected his spiritual duties, and was eventually exiled to the forest by the King due to his continuous sins. Prince Lumbhaka began living in the forest, stealing from villagers to survive.
One winter, on the day of Pausha-Krishna Ekadashi, Lumbhaka fell extremely ill due to the biting cold. He spent the entire day shivering, unable to eat any food, and lay awake all night in deep physical pain, crying out to Lord Narayana in despair. Unknowingly, he had kept a complete fast and stayed awake in constant remembrance of the Lord.
Lord Narayana, pleased by his accidental fast and repentance, cured his illness and restored his good intelligence. On the next day, a beautiful celestial horse appeared before him, and his father welcomed him back, handing over the kingdom. Prince Lumbhaka became a highly pious ruler, proving that Saphala Ekadashi makes all lives successful.
