Story of King Rukmangada

In early times, there was a king, Rukmangada and his son, Dharmangada, who both were very religious, pious and always followed Ekadashi-vrata (vow to observe Ekadashi). Our scriptures state that there are six types of debts— the first of which is a debt to the king. 

As a representative of the Lord, the king must discuss religious commandments with the sages and preach them to his subjects. He must also take care of the city’s infrastructure, and the welfare of its citizens, so everyone can be peaceful and happy. Kind Rukmangada, who possessed all Godly qualities, needed to ensure many things for his subjects— the grain germinates had to be on time, the rains must be sufficient, etc. However, when a king is hypocritical, duplicitous, greedy and cruel, everyone in the land suffers. 

Thus, King Rukmangada was an exemplary ruler, one who delivered all possible types of joy and satisfaction to his citizens. One day, while on a pilgrimage to holy sites, the king met a sage, Balkilya Rishi. In accordance with the customs of those times, King Rukmangada offered Balkilya Rishi bows as a donation and asked him: “O’ Saint, please tell me the story of my previous earthly incarnation. In my kingdom, everyone lives in happiness and prosperity. Cows have enough food, grain grows abundantly and so much rain falls on my land. Please tell me— what Godly actions have I done in my past life, that now everything is good in my kingdom?” 

The saint answered, “Now, I shall tell you everything.” Next, Balkilya Rishi entered samadhi (deep trance) for some time. Afterwards, the sage began to speak, “O’, king, in your previous birth you were a very cruel man and you had much lust. You were constantly drinking wine and were fond of many women.” Shocked from hearing this, King Rukmangada asked, “But, how can this be possible?” Balkilya Rishi replied, “Because of the power of my meditation, I can see these things. And I only now tell you what I have seen.”

“But, how could I have attained this royal birth? My wife is very chaste and our children love and respect me. How did I deserve such a position?” questioned the king. Balkilya Rishi answered, “In your previous birth, you were very cruel and sinful. This is true. However, one time you performed Ekadashi— observing a full fast, and only because of this, were you born as a king.” 

“In your previous life, you were very attracted to a prostitute. And it just so happened that on the day of Ekadashi, she became very ill, stricken by a very strong fever. Throughout the entire day, you did not eat or drink anything; you were fully consumed in caring for her. And at about 3 a.m., the prostitute left her body. Suffering from feelings of strong separation, due to your deep attachment to her, you sobbed the entire night, and at dawn, you also left your body. However, thanks to you fulfilling only one Ekadashi in that birth, you have become a powerful king now.” 

Ekadashi Tithi ki jaya! Just look how only one day of unconscious observance of Ekadashi bears such great fruits— what can be said of the fruits one attains when immersed in following every Ekadashi properly? You must follow Ekadashi. 

In fact, it is also necessary to observe Nirjala Ekadashi (full fasting with abstinence from food and water) every time. Except, in Kali-yuga this can be impossible for some. If you cannot observe a full fast, then fast at least until noon— do not eat or drink anything until noontime. 

This is a concession given by our guru-varga (successive lineage of acharyas). And in the afternoon, after performing midday arati (ceremonial worship of the Lord), you can take some allowed Ekadashi prasada (Lord’s food remnants) and drink water. Many people consume chili on Ekadashi, but you should never do that. Instead, you can add some black pepper with a little turmeric to your food. 

Try to spend this day in the association of devotees— discussing hari-katha (narrations of the Lord), serving devotees and Thakuraji (Deity). And during the day, try to chant as many rounds of the Lord's holy names as possible. Ideally, one should complete 64 rounds of chanting every Ekadashi.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

At the very least double your usual number of daily rounds. Chant thirty-two rounds instead of your daily sixteen or sixty-four rounds instead of thirty-two, etc. However, do not try to speed up your chanting by pronouncing the holy names as quickly as possible. Rather, chant clearly and carefully pay attention to each syllable. It is better to chant less rounds, if doing them properly and with great love. 

[Jaya Srila Gurudeva ki jaya!]

[Jaya Ekadashi Tithi ki jaya!]

[Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!]

Date: 2014 Location: Delhi, India

Transcriber: unknown Editor: Sanatana dasa (USA) Integrity check and proofreading: Divya-premamayi dasi (Slovakia)

Image: Narasimhananda dasa (Russia)