If one follows the vratt, fasts and stays awake the night (jagran) on Safala Ekadashi, one becomes very close and dearest to God. God delivers, answers the prayers and grants all the wishes of the devotee. Even performing the vratt of Ekadashi unknowingly bestows great benediction in this life and the next.
Safala Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Margashirsha (Magshar). “Safala” means successful or fruitful — this Ekadashi is said to make all of one’s efforts successful through divine grace.
The story of Safala Ekadashi involves a wicked prince named Lumbhaka who was exiled by his own father due to his sinful conduct. Living in the forest, he continued his evil ways, harming animals and stealing. One night, unable to find food, he unintentionally fasted on the night of Safala Ekadashi and inadvertently kept vigil throughout the night out of fear.
Due to this accidental observance, the merit of the Ekadashi transformed his life. He was freed from his sinful tendencies and ultimately attained divine wisdom and liberation. This story powerfully illustrates that even unintentional observance of Ekadashi bears fruit — how much more so for those who observe it with full faith and devotion.