Kaisika Ekadashi Vratham at Thirukkurungudi — A Devotion Beyond Caste & Fear

        Srimathe ramanujaya namaha 

Introduction

The sacred observance known as Kaisika Ekadashi falls on the śukla pakṣa Ekādaśī of the Tamil month of Aippasi–Kārthigai

On this day, devotees of Vishnu especially Sri Vaishnavas reflect on a remarkable story of faith, surrender and divine grace that is recounted in the *Varāha Purāṇa .

The Place & the Perumal

Thirukkurungudi, in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the 108 Divya Desams — holy abodes of Vaishnava Nambi (an incarnation of Vishnu) with his consort Thirukurungudivalli Nachiyar. 

Here in this serene village, the annual observance of Kaisika Ekadashi is closely tied to the divine pastime of a mighty devotee.

The Story of Nampāduvan

A humble devotee named Nampāduvan  lived in the environs of Thirukkurungudi. Although born in a low caste (Bāṇar/chāndāla), his devotion to Lord Nambi was unshakeable. 

Every night he would walk with his veena, render devotional songs in praise of the Lord, stand before the temple, and in the early dawn return to his place. This routine continued for years. 

The Test & the Promise

One Kārthigai /Aippasi Ekādaśī night, as Nampāduvan proceeded toward the temple to keep his fast and prayers, he was waylaid by a ravenous Brahmārākṣasa (formerly a Brahmin scholar cursed into demonic form). 

The demon declared he would devour the devotee. Nampāduvan, fearlessly and with trust in the Lord, replied that yes — the demon may consume him but only after he rendered his hymn and returned.

The demon doubted that any mortal would walk into death willingly. So Nampāduvan offered a solemn assurance: he took 18 vows (prathigñā), declaring that if he did not return, he would bear the sins of a host of grave wrongs. 

Finally, the 18th vow moved the demon: “If I fail to come back, may I incur the sin of equating the Supreme Lord Narayana with other deities.” With that, the demon permitted him to go to the temple. 

The 18 vows : 

(1) The sin that befalls those who cross the path of truth — may that sin come upon him if fails to return.

(2) The sin that attaches to one who follows or covets another man’s wife — may that sin come upon him.

(3) The sin of one who eats while another nearby remains hungry and unfed — may that sin fall upon him.

(4) Whoever donates land to a Brāhmin and later takes it back or usurps it — may the sin of that grave act fall upon me.

(5) The sin of one who abandons his wife saying dosha after using her in youth, though she depends on him — may that sin come upon him.

(6)  The sin incurred by one who unites with his lawful wife on a full moon or new moon days — may that sin come upon him.

(7) The sin of one who eats the food of others and causes them pain or harm — may that sin come upon him.

(8) If a man arranges the marriage of his daughter and later breaks the alliance after receiving gifts and money, may the sin of breaking that sacred promise fall upon him

(9) The sin of one who eats on sacred days such as Ṣaṣṭi, Aṣṭami, Chaturdaśi, or Amāvāsya without performing purification through bath — may that sin come upon him.

(10) The sin of one who promises to give wealth or anything to others and later refuses or withdraws — may that sin come upon him.

(11) If a man brings shame or sorrow to his close friend’s wife, may the sin of that offense fall upon him.

(12) If a man disrespects the wife of his guru or King's wife , let that sin come upon me.

(13) Whoever marries two women and shows affection or attachment only to one of them — may the sin arising from that partiality fall upon me.

(14) The sin of one who abandons his wife in old age after using her in youth, though she depends on him — may that sin come upon him.

(15) The great sin of one who denies water to a thirsty cow — may that grave sin fall upon him.

(16) The sin of one who commits Brahmahatyā doṣa (killing of a Brahmin), drinks liquor, or fails to observe vows and fasts properly — may that sin come upon him.

(17) Whoever neglects to worship Sriman Narayana, the Supreme Lord who pervades in everything, and instead worships other deities — may the sin committed by such a person fall upon me.

(18) May the sin fall upon me that belongs to anyone who compares Lord Narayana — the protector of all beings, the indwelling presence within everyone, the controller of all living entities, the giver of eternal liberation, and the Supreme worshipped by sages — with other deities.

The Outcome & Mercy

That night Nampāduvan sang before Lord Nambi with full devotion, observing the Ekadashi fast and keeping vigil (jāgratā).

On his return, the demon awaited him — but by then the demon had realised the purity and sacrifice of the devotee and repented. He asked Nampāduvan for the fruit of his hymn for his own liberation. Nampāduvan selflessly agreed, and the demon regained his divine condition and attained liberation. 

Significance of the Day

The story underlines that birth or caste does not hinder one’s access to the Divine — pure devotion (bhakti) is the key. 

The recital of the Kaisika Purāṇa (the story) on this day is believed to confer great merit and pave the way to liberation (moksha). 

Musical worship (in the raga Kaisika) and fasting, vigil and praise of Narayana are traditional practices of this Ekādaśī. 

Concluding Thought

On this Kaisika Ekadashi, let one’s heart rise above social labels, let the vow of truth be firm, let the night-vigil of devotion shine bright. For as Nampāduvan showed, the Lord beholds the offering of devotion with love — and in that devotion lies the path to liberation.

May the story of Thirukkurungudi inspire every seeker to stand firm in faith and surrender