ABSTRACT
THE eleventh day of the moon is religiously observed, not only by Brahmins, but by all those castes which have the right to wear the triple cord. They keep a strict fast on this day, abstain entirely from rice, do no servile work, a.nd give themselves up wholly to devotional exercises. The folloWing is what the Vishnu-purana says on the subject:-
The Eka-dasi is a day specially set apart for the worship of Vishnu; those who offer him puja on this day ensure for themselves immortality. Even before the creation of the world the 'Man of Sin ' was created by Vishnu to punish mankind 1. He is of enormous stature, with a terrific countenance and a body absolutely black; his eyes are wild and glaring with rage; he is the executioner of mankind 1. Krishna, having seen this 'Man of Sin,' became thoughtful and pensive. Touched by the woes with which mankind was overwhelmed, Krishna resolved to remedy the evil. With this end in view he mounted the bird Garuda, son of Binota, and went in search of Yama, the King of Hell. The Child of the Sun, delighted at this visit of Narayana, who was master and guru of the world, hastened to offer him puja, and placed him on a massive throne of gold. No sooner had Krishna seated himself thereon than he heard the most piteous and plaintive cries. Moved with compassion, he asked the King of Naraka whence these lamentations proceeded, and what caused them.
