Ekadashi Devi and the Runaway Mura

Lord Vishnu, the kind keeper of the world, had been helping everyone for a very long time. One day he felt sleepy. He went to a quiet cave high in the mountains, lay down on soft leaves and closed his eyes. Outside, the birds sang softly so he could rest.

But nearby lived a big, noisy troublemaker named Mura. He stomped, and he shouted. He kicked over flower pots and shooed the birds away. When Mura saw Vishnu sleeping, he grinned. "Now I can make all the trouble I want!" he said, and he tiptoed toward the cave.

Just then, a warm, bright light began to glow from Lord Vishnu. Out of the light stepped a kind goddess, shining like the morning sun. Her eyes were gentle, but she stood tall and strong. She had come to keep Vishnu safe while he rested.

"Shh," said the goddess calmly. "Lord Vishnu is resting. There will be no more trouble here." Her light grew brighter and brighter. Mura blinked and rubbed his eyes. "Oh no, oh no!" he cried. He turned around and ran away, so fast and so far that he never came back to bother anyone again.

Lord Vishnu woke up and smiled. "You kept me safe while I slept," he said. "You came on the eleventh day of the moon, so your name will be Ekadashi. What gift would you like?" Ekadashi thought for a moment. "Please bless everyone who keeps my day," she said, "so they feel peaceful and good inside." "So it will be," said Vishnu.

That is why, twice every month, on the eleventh day of the moon, many families keep Ekadashi. Grown-ups may fast or eat simple food like fruit and milk, and everyone says a little prayer. Small children don't need to fast. You can keep Ekadashi with a kind heart, by sharing, helping and being gentle. What kind thing will you do today?