Mokshda Ekadashi arrives on Magshar Sud 11. “Moksh” means Salvation and ultimate peace. Moksha can only be given by God Himself. But the supremacy of Mokshda Ekadashi can release one from the severe sufferings of life and death. The vrat performed on this day will bestow a place in the heavens.
Mokshda Ekadashi is particularly significant because it is the day on which Lord Krishna narrated the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. For this reason, this Ekadashi is also known as Gita Jayanti — the birthday of the Bhagavad Gita. It is celebrated with special readings, discourses, and puja of the Gita.
The story of Mokshda Ekadashi tells of King Vaikhanasa of Champaka Nagar, whose father appeared to him in a dream, suffering in hell. Distressed, the King sought the advice of the sage Parvata Muni, who prescribed the observance of Mokshda Ekadashi and the transfer of its merit to the suffering ancestor.
Through this act of devotion, the King’s father was liberated from hell and attained a divine form. This illustrates the power of Mokshda Ekadashi not only to liberate the living but also to free ancestors from suffering. Devotees observe this Ekadashi with a full fast, puja of Lord Vishnu, and reading of the Bhagavad Gita.