Gomati Ekadashi

Gomati Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the dark fortnight in Shravan month (July-August). It is named after the Gomati River, and observing this fast brings the merit of bathing in the sacred river. The story involves a hunter liberated from his sinful life.

The Padma Purana recounts the tale of a hunter named Lubdhaka who lived by killing animals for his livelihood. One day, while hunting in the forest, he stumbled upon a sacred grove where sages were performing a yajna. Captivated by the chanting, he stayed and listened. The sages told him about the glory of Gomati Ekadashi, and the hunter observed the fast with whatever simple offerings he could gather -- forest fruits and river water. Lord Vishnu, pleased with his genuine devotion, freed him from the cycle of sin and granted him a place in the divine realm. The Gomati River itself is believed to be a celestial stream that flows through Vaikuntha.

In Odisha, devotees who live near rivers take a holy dip on this day, while others bathe with water mixed with Gomati leaves or tulsi. The fast is observed without grains, and devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with flowers, fruits, and tulsi leaves. Breaking the fast on Dwadashi with a vegetarian meal is considered highly meritorious, and the distribution of food to the needy is an essential part of the observance.