Mandhata was the King of Surya Vamsha. He was very honest and always spoke truth and performed many good deeds. But in his kingdom once occurred a severe drought. There was the great lack of food to feed people and animals. Many people were died. Mandhata observed many vratas, homas, pujas and yagnas to get rid of this drought but all his attempts were went on vain.
Sage Angira suggested him to observe Ekadasi fasting on Ashada Shukla Ekadashi, which is also called as Padma Ekadasi, Devasayani Ekadasi. As told by Angira rushi, King Mandhata observed the Devasayani Ekadasi fasting, worshipped Lord Vishnu and freed his people from drought.