Lord Krishna shared the importance of the Utpanna Ekadashi fast in the Bhavishya Purana with Arjuna. Arjuna asks why this particular Ekadashi is regarded as the holiest of all pilgrimages. Krishna tells the story of Mur, a strong demon that tormented the demigods in the golden age. The demigods, unable to overcome him, fled to Lord Shiva and begged for assistance in overcoming Mur's oppression. Shiva responded to the situation by advising them to seek a remedy from Lord Vishnu. The demigods hailed Lord Vishnu, who acknowledged him as the guardian of the three planets and pleaded with him to spare them from the demon's fury. They clarified that they had been ousted and that Devloka had been taken by Mur, son of the Asura Nadijangham, who caused great pain. After discovering
Upon learning of Mur's strength and the devastation he caused, Vishnu rallied the demigods and journeyed to Chandravati, where a fierce battle ensued between the demigods and Mur. Despite their efforts, the demigods were overpowered, prompting Krishna to personally engage in combat with Mur for a century. Ultimately, Vishnu triumphed, but not without the demon's cleverness prolonging the fight. Afterward, Vishnu sought rest in a cave named Hemavati. Unbeknownst to him, Mur followed and plotted to kill him. However, Mohini, a beautiful woman who challenged Mur, emerged from Vishnu's body. In a fierce confrontation, she dismantled Mur’s weapons and chariot, infuriating him further. Lord Vishnu said to the women that you were born from my body on the day of Ekadashi; that’s why your name will be known as Utpanna Ekadashi in the future. Whoever observes a fast on this Ekadashi will be freed from all the sins of this world; saying this, Lord Shri Hari disappeared from there. This story illustrates the power of devotion and the protective grace of Lord Vishnu, underscoring the spiritual importance of Utpanna Ekadashi fasting as a means to seek divine protection and liberation from sin.