Thriprayar Ekadasi – 15 December 2025
Jambunathan Iyer
Thriprayar Ekadasi, observed at the sacred Thriprayar Sri Rama Temple in Kerala, is a highly revered occasion rooted in a unique legend of Lord Rama’s idol. Since this day falls on Dhanu Shukla Paksha Ekadasi, it aligns perfectly with the traditional calendar of Kerala, making it a spiritually powerful day for devotees to seek blessings.
This Ekadasi is named after the Thriprayar Sri Rama Swamy Temple in Thrissur, where Lord Rama is worshipped in a rare four-armed form holding conch, discus, bow, and garland. The temple is regarded as the chief shrine among the Nalambalam (four temples) dedicated to Rama and his brothers Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.
Legend: Tradition says that a local chieftain, Vakkayil Kaimal, had a divine dream revealing that four idols of Vishnu had washed ashore from the Lakshadweep Sea. These were consecrated as:
· Rama at Thriprayar
· Bharata at Irinjalakuda
· Lakshmana at Thirumoozhikkulam
· Shatrughna at Payammal
The idol of Rama at Thriprayar is believed to have been worshipped by Lord Krishna in Dwaraka, adding to its sanctity. Devotees believe that worshipping Thriprayarappan on this day removes obstacles, karmic burdens, and evil influences, while fasting and prayers grant moksha (liberation). Since it falls in December, it is also seen as a way to conclude the year with divine grace.
Thousands of devotees assemble at the temple, making it a major spiritual festival in Kerala. Locally, it is called Thriprayar Ekadasi or Thriprayarappan Ekadasi.
Practices:
· Chanting Rama Nama and reciting the Ramayana
· Acts of charity and kindness
· Offering garlands, lamps, and prayers to Lord Rama in his four-armed form
Saphala Ekadasi –
Significance & Legend
Saphala Ekadasi, observed during Krishna Paksha of Pausha month, is considered one of the most powerful Ekadasi fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Significance:
· Removes accumulated sins from past lives
· Brings success in personal and professional life
· Strengthens devotion to Lord Vishnu
· Grants peace, prosperity, and divine protection
· Ideal for those seeking a fresh start and inner transformation
Arjuna once asked Lord Krishna about this Ekadasi. Krishna revealed its greatness, saying that observing it with devotion equals thousands of years of penance.
In ancient Champavati, King Mahishmana’s son Lumpaka lived a sinful life and was exiled. He survived in a forest near a sacred Peepal tree, stealing by night and hunting by day. On Saphala Ekadasi, weak and remorseful, he unknowingly offered fallen fruits to Lord Vishnu and stayed awake in repentance.
Pleased with his unintended devotion, Lord Vishnu forgave all his sins. A celestial chariot appeared, and Lumpaka was restored to purity and returned to his kingdom. Thus, Saphala Ekadasi became known as the vrat that grants success, forgiveness, and liberation even to the fallen.
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