Asha Dashami Vrat Katha
It was in ancient times. There was a righteous king in a certain city. The king ruled his subjects fairly. Everyone was happy in his kingdom. The king lacked nothing in his life, but he had a great concern. Many of the wishes of the subjects living in his kingdom were not being fulfilled and gradually the people began to grow in despair.
One day the king went to the forest. There he saw a great ascetic sage. The king bowed to the sage and laid his concern before him.
The king said, "O Mahatman! People in my kingdom work hard, but their many proper desires are not fulfilled. Please tell me a fast and ritual of worship that will infuse hope, happiness and prosperity in the lives of the people
The sage explained the importance of Asha Dashami Vrata to the king.
The sage said that on the tenth day, one should worship Lord Vishnu with devotion and pray for one's proper wishes. In this fast, one should observe truth, restraint and virtue. Remembering Mother Lakshmi along with worship of Lord Vishnu brings happiness and prosperity in life.
The king observed the fast of Asha Dashami as instructed by the sage. He worshiped Lord Vishnu in accordance with the rituals and gave food, clothes and charity to the needy as much as he could. The king also informed his subjects about the importance of this fast.
The king's subjects began to fast with devotion. Gradually, positive changes began to take place in people's lives. Those whose works had been long stalled began to be completed. Merchants began to succeed in business, farmers received good harvests and families began to enjoy happiness.
The king understood that it was not enough to merely wish. Hope is accompanied by pursuit of manhood, religion and faith in God.
Since then, Asha Dashami Vrat was observed with devotion in the state. Anyone who sincerely remembers God and observes fasts, prays for his proper wishes and gives charity according to his means, would have hope and positivity in his life.
By the grace of Lord Vishnu, happiness, peace and prosperity remained in that kingdom.
May the proper wishes of the person who observes Asha Dashami fast with faith and belief and hears or reads this story be fulfilled and may happiness, peace and prosperity come in his life—this is the prayer to Lord Vishnu.
Importance of Asha Dashami Vrat
Asha Dashami is observed especially for fulfillment of wishes, success in affairs, happiness and prosperity and positive hope in life. During the fast, it is traditional to meditate on Lord Vishnu, worship him, listen to stories and do charity.
The main message of this fast is that man should not give up hope even in difficult circumstances and should have faith in God while following the path of his karma and dharma.
Method of fasting
- Bathing and purification: Take bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
- Resolution of the fast: Take a resolution of fasting in front of Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi.
- Preparation for worship: Clean the place of worship and install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi.
- Pooja material: Lamp, incense stick, Offer sandalwood, flowers, naivedya (fruits, sweets), Panchamrit and Tulsi leaves.
- Mantra chanting: Chant the mantras “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya” and “Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah”.
- Katha Shravan: Listen or read Asha Dashami Vrat Katha.
- Aarti and Prasad: Perform Aarti of the Lord and distribute Prasad. Do it.
- Break the fast: Fast The fast should be observed the next day by feeding Brahmins and making donations.