Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Paush month is called Saphala Ekadashi. As the name of this Ekadashi suggests, all the work becomes successful by observing this fast. Saphala Ekadashi fast is kept for Lord Narayan ji. He is duly worshiped on this day.
By observing the fast of Saphala Ekadashi, a person gets the best results in life and after enjoying the pleasures of life, he attains Vishnu Lok after death. This fast is very auspicious and virtuous.
On Saphala Ekadashi, devotees engage in various religious activities such as fasting, praying, and reading or listening to religious texts. The word "Saphala" translates to "successful" or "fulfilling," and it is believed that observing this Ekadashi brings success, happiness, and spiritual growth.
Devotees believe that by observing a fast on Saphala Ekadashi and dedicating themselves to prayers and meditation, they can attain blessings from Lord Vishnu. The fast typically involves abstaining from food and water for a specified period, with some variations in the way it is observed in different regions.
After taking a bath in the morning, the person observing this fast should do aarti to Lord Achyut and offer bhog. Worship with incense sticks, coconut, betel nut, amla, pomegranate and clove. There is great importance of lamp donation and night awakening.
After worshiping the Lord on the day of Dwadashi, after giving food to the ritualistic Brahmin, after giving him Janeu and Dakshina, take food.
King Mahishmat had four sons. The younger son, Luke, was wicked and sinner. He used to destroy his father's wealth in his misdeeds. Being sad, the king expelled him from the country. But his habit of looting did not leave. Once he did not get food for three days. He reached the hut of a monk in search of food. That day was 'Safala Ekadashi'. The Mahatma greeted him with a sweet voice and gave him food to eat.
This behavior of the Mahatma changed his intellect. He thought that I am also human. How wicked and sinful. He fell at the feet of the monk. The monk made him his disciple. Gradually his character became pure. Now there is nothing in it. He started fasting on 'Ekadashi' with the permission of the Mahatma. When he changed completely, the Mahatma revealed his true form to him. His father was standing in front of him in the guise of the Mahatma. Luke presented the ideal by handling the reigns. Luke started fasting for life on 'Safala Ekadashi'.