Significance of Aja Ekadashi
Aja Ekadashi became famous when King Harishchandra kept fast and obtained several benefits upon the advice of Gauthama Rishi.
On the day of Aja Ekadashi, the king kept fast and performed Jagran, as suggested by Rishi. Due to the effects of this fast, all the sins of the king were nullified. At the same time, flowers were showered from the sky. King viewed Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and Shiva, being in front of him. He saw his dead son remain alive and his wife in beautiful clothes adorned with jewellery.
With the effect of fasting, he got back his kingdom. After death, he reached heaven along with his family. All these events were a result of observing the fast of Aja Ekadashi. People who observe this fast in an organised manner and perform the Jagran at night, gets rid of his sins. And, he gets place in heaven after death. Just learning of the story of fast gives the result as of Ashvamedha Yagya.