Ekadashi is mentioned in a number of Puranas. It is associated with Lord Vishnu and ‘Haribhakti Vilas’ talks in detail about its importance. Today, in Hindu religion Ekadasi has come to mean a day to fast. It falls on the 11th day of every lunar fortnight and thus there are two Ekadashi in a month. It is also known as ‘Harivasara’ and ‘Hari din.’ Several Puranas including Padma Purana and Skanda Purana detail about the significance of Ekadeshi.
How to fast on Ekadashi?
How to observe ‘Ekadashi’ is clearly mentioned in ‘Harivasara.’ In modern day, many people will find it difficult to observe it in its entire strictness. But there are a large number of people who observe it. And there are numerous observations on what food one can have? There are also regional variations to the way in which the Ekadasi is observed.
The preparation starts on Dasami day – a day before Ekadashi. The person observing Ekadashi should wake up early in the morning on Dasami day and should take bath and perform other daily routines. The person should mentally prepare for the Ekadashi. He/She should only have one meal on the Dasami day and should avoid salt. Alcohol, non-vegetarian food and sex should be avoided. Some Puranas say ‘dal’ and ‘honey’ should be avoided on Dasami day.
The next day, that is the Ekadashi day, is meant for total fasting. Praying to Vishnu is the order of the day. Some people avoid sleep during Ekadashi night and they hear religious discourses and perform ‘Arati.’ But many people today will not be able to stay awake the entire night due to work pressure etc.
The next day on Dwadasi – that is the day after Ekadeshi – the same routine done on Dasami is followed. Overeating should be avoided on Dwadasi day. Puranas state that one should not take pride in observing Ekadashi. The food on Dwadasi should be cooked in one’s house.
It is good to go on fast once in a while as it recuperates the body. Ekadashi observance cleans our body and the digestive organs get much needed rest.
39 comments:
Thank you very much Abhi. I tried so many blogs, so many sites, but cannot find the answer to my question, which was 'how to observe Ekadashi?'. Finally I got it from you. Now I can start from this month. Thank you again.
santhosh menon.
good article.....
Excellent article.
Are there any stories related to Ekadasi that can be read on that day.
Thanks,
Anonymous
Of course, you can read the Bhagavad Purana (Bhagavadam) or Vishnu Purana on the day.
The epic puranas state that Lord Vishnu is the creator of both GOOD And BAD. For bad he has created "Papapurusha" with all kinds of evils embedded in him and when at the wish of LORD VISHNU Papapurusha set in moving all over the Universe and he was not allowed anywhere to take shelter. Having got tired, PAPAPURUSHA had approached Lord Vishnu and pleaded that despite he being created by none other than the LORD VISHNU, why is he (Papapurusha) being denied of acceptance in the Universe. At this the all compassionate Lord Vishnu has assured him a solution whereby on EKAADASHI (lunar day, coming twice in every lunar month) Papapurusha could enter into any GRAINS and Pulses and rest for that day and keep moving on other days. Ekaadashi is the most dear day for the Lord Vishnu. Hence in order to avoid getting evils entering into our system, we humans should avoid eating any grain or pulse related foods and keep chanting devotional discourse of the Lord Vishnu which will make the Human free of evils entering him and he will reach the ultimate abode of LORD VISHNU.
THE ABOVE IS DESSCRIBED IN OUR PURANAS AND WE HAVE NO MECHANISM TO VERIFY THE REALITY OF THE SAME HENCE IT IS HARMLESS TO AVOID EATING ON EKAADASHI AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN KEEPING OUR MINDS PEACEFUL BY JUST REPEATING NARAYANA MANTRA - "OM NAMO VASUDEVAAYANAMAHA" OR "NARAYANAYA VIDMAHE VASUDEVAAYA DHEEMAYI, THANNO VISHNU PRACHODAYATH"
On Ekadasi day it is better to avoid Food & Water.Nirjala Ekadasi is most significant.Chant "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare" and Be Happy.Chant this Maha Mantra 16 Rounds (16x108 TIMES) daily.It would create a special protection for you and liberate the soul to Supreme Personality of God head "Krishna".Pl. search the website of "ISKCON.COM" or "KRISHNA.COM".Lot of sites are there.ISKCON is INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS.Pl.contact the site and you may find a ISKCON cell near to your place.Go there and attend the Geeta/bhagvatam class under a bonafide spiritual guru there and you will feel the difference in your life.
Hare Krishna....
Thanks for the nice write up about the significance of Vaikuntha Ekadasi. Please include information about the kannada calendar also.
THANK YOU
good job abhi..I got to know a lot..
Thanks a lot for all that info...
The process is explained very explicitly. It is possible when there is encouragement from family. But since I come from a family of non devotees, it is difficult to follow Ekadashi fasts so strictly.But whatever sadhan I do for Krishna , I do it from my heart and I know that Krishna understands it best because He is seated right within my heart
OM!!! ..dont worry for no help from family for spiritual support ,u got that from the Lord -u r very lucky..just remember MeerBai.how much support she got from family and society..concentrate on Lord and he will show u the way..God Bless All!!
can i purchase a car on this day?
Where did the car come in middle...
Any way we are knon that vishnu is preserver and shiv is destroyer...
but from histroy of hindus it looks otherwise...why so
Avoiding water on a fasting day is not a good idea. When we fast, toxins are flushed from our tissues into our blood, urine, sweat, etc. If we do not drink water, the body's efforts to flush these toxins are hindered, and they stagnate in the system. You will feel very bad if you fast and do not drink...as the toxins will not be able to escape the body efficiently. You may experience headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, etc. Water is essential for the body's function and is the best cleaning agent. So, if Ekadasi is about cleaning the body/mind/soul, should we not help it? Thank you for reading my post. Om, Shanti.
This is the first time i want try to fast... but im scared i unable to fast without water. can i take plenty of water...it will break my fast? someone pls answer!
What is more important is devotion not how you fast.
You can always take water.
There are thousands of devotees who observe partial fast by taking fruits and milk.
HARI OM
Dry Fasting (without water) and fasting with water, both have it's benefit's. However, one has been drinking water since born, so without water for just one day a month will not harm your body. In fact god has created this body in a amazing way. Actually once in a while dry fasting is good because the body will automatically channel all the excess fluid in the body for the detox process. For example, if your doctor said that there is excess water in heart or knee, you don't need to use a big needle and lots of money to remove any excess fluid from any part of your body. Simple dry fasting without any cost is enough to do the job. The question is, do you have the will power to do it. Just doing dry fasting one time in your life time, will change your mindset about life. You will become a cool undisturb man. Hari Om
Thanks to this useful piece of information i received englightenement on the auspicious day of Vaikunta Ekadashi.
D. Guruprasad Rao
Thanks to this useful piece of information i received englightenement on the auspicious day of Vaikunta Ekadashi.
D. Guruprasad Rao
jai sri raam
i have these few questions that i would appreciate if somebody would clarify.
what happens to the people that are ignorant and dont observe ekadasi? also what happens if you do observe the farst but sometime in the year you are unable to keep your farst, does all the other monts fasting go in vein?
@ Anonymous
There is nothing to worry. What is more important is devotion not how you perform a vrata.
very well done thks
vaishnavi
Thank you for the informative article. About taking fruit/water etc. Adbhuthananda Swamy (Lattu Maharaj - direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa) used to say that it is the devotion and mentality that matters. If a person is fasting and he is worried about and thinking about food only, it won't serve the objective of ekadasi. Mind should be on God. For that body should be healthy and food if need be can be taken, but just very small quantity enough for you to feel comfortable. Swamijis view seems logically correct even though many will have differing opinions.
Hare Krsna. Happy Mohini Ekadasi to all. I fast on all ekadasi fasts.But later in the evening I get tired and weak.I am also taking medication for my hypertension and diabetics. My husband keeps on telling me to take care of my health and if necessary not to observe fastings.But according to sastras as a married woman I have to follows my husband's instructions. I am feeling guilty when I think that I am not fasting on ekadasi day. Is it okay to follow my husband or should I fast as usual?
today iam doing fastina ,in the mrng i have taken once coffee ,can i drink cool drinks today please suggest me immedietly now,b'coz now iam in dubai please answer mer i will b waiting .
It is better to avoid cool drinks, instead pl take fruits
is there timing for ekadhasi. as such nov 17 evening 5.30 to nov 18 evening 7..
do need to go temple on ekadasi fast day? It has not been 1 year since my grandma past away, cna i fast?
No it is no necessary to go to a temple while performing Ekadashi fasting.
@Kunti Prema Devi Dasi - I do not know about other parts of India, but in Bengal married women are generally not allowed to observe Ekadasi.
And if your health does not permit , then its better not to fast.
Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev used to eat the bhog himself and then offer the remnants to Goddess Kali.
He said Ma Kali told him -"How can a mother eat before his son, and in front of his hungry son?? ".
Till today in Kalighat temple the food is offered to each devotee first.When no one is left hungry in Kalighat area, then only the bhog is offered, usually at 3.30 pm to 4pm.
Actually there is no rule book in our religion, that is what makes it so vibrant and inclusive.
In my opinion,you can read the entire Bhagvad Gita,Sri Krishna himself said that reading the Gita is the best offering to him that a mortal like us can make.
Jai Shri Krishna.
thnks for valuble information
Some people say that Ekadashi is meant for Brahmins,This is wrong,Ekadashi for every human being but it should be dedicated to Lord Sri Vishnu.
Our Ancestors were far more brilliant and foresighted than we can ever aspire to be. They have covered many beneficial things under the cloak of penance, meditation etc so that people observe them. However, Faith is very important. We should have faith and belief in the supreme power. Observing ekadasi and not remembering the supreme power on other days serves no purpose. Remember Him\Her on All days and thank Him\Her everyday for the wonderful world, life and family that he\she has provided for us.
Hey kishan,i appreciate you quoting the story from the puranas but about the PROOF,there are no proofs available for many thing around,that doesnt eman you don't believe in them.Try to take somethings as they are.No offences
Hi,just found this website.Vrat is not for torturing yourself.Dry fasting is not recommended for everyone.If a person is a laborer for example,working in hot sun etc, a mother who is taking care of all the work as wife,mother and what not it takes a lot of energy and adequate hydration to perform those duties. Gita says to do your duty first and do it well. Dehydrated person can not perform duties well and people are not made equal and their work may be different hence dehydrated at different rate.Drink enough liquid to maintain functioning.
It is not about 'will power'. It is about keeping self fit to be able to pay attention to God.Please stop challenging others 'will power'. How do you know if your own 'will power' will always be there?
Here is the very good story from the Vachanamrut from Swaminarayan Sampraday and according to Lord Swaminarayan merely being hungry is not the Ekadashi but to control the 11 Senses
five karma-indriyas ('Conative senses'. The senses through which one can perform actions.)
1.speech (voice), 2.andling (hands), 3.walking (feet), 4.excretion (anus) and 5.procreation (genitals).
Five gnãn-indriya('Cognitive sense', through which one can 'know')
1.hearing (ears), 2.touch (skin), 3.sight (eyes), 4.taste (tongue) and 5.smell (nose).
and eleventh is Mind is the real ekadashi.
---
Then Shriji Maharaj spoke to the saints, "The significance of the observance of the Ekadashi Vrata1 is like this. In ancient times, Lord Narayan2 was resting, by drawing inward his ten Indriyas and the mind. Mur Danav3 – a demon, and the son of Nadi Jangh, came there and challenged the Lord to enter into a Duel with him. In the meantime, a young damsel appeared there, evolved out of the Ekadash4 Indriyas5 of the Lord. Seeing the charms of the damsel, the demon Mur Danav was drawn to her and propossed to her. With a prompt gesture, the damsel said, `I have taken a vow that whosoever shall defeat me in straight fight shall marry me.' The demon – Mur Danav, therefore, accepted the challenge and entered into a duel with her. The damsel killed the demon with a dagger. Lord Narayan,2 pleased at the destruction of the demon by the damsel, told her to ask a boon. The damsel then said, 'Since I am evolved out of your Ekadash4 Indriyas,5 my name is Edadashi. I am wedded to Tapa.6 I therefore desire that people should observe the Ekadashi1 Vrata1 and should restrain their Edadash Indriyas from indulging in their respective sense objects.' Hearing the words of the damsel, Lord Narayan2 granted her the boon. This is the story of Ekadashi Vrata narrated in the Purana.7
The Dharmshastras8 also specified that on the Ekadashi Day9 one should not allow carnal desires, anger, covetousness and other baser instincts to generate within, and should physically also avoid enjoyment of the Panchvishayas.10 I also desire that on the Ekadashi day, one should observe a fast and avoid taking food. Also the Ekadash4 Indriyas5 should be restained from stratching to their respective sense objects. As the Pranas are sustained by food, the cognitive organs such as eyes, ears, touch, taste and smell have their food in their respective sense objects. The control over Ekadash Indriyas by checking their rampancy is the correct method accroding to Shastras for observing the Ekadashi Vrata. One who remains cautious and rejects the calls of the Ekadash Indriyas, invites the grace of God. But mere avoidance of the food on that day should not be termed as a fast, or the observance of Ekadashi Vrata.1 The released souls of Shwet–dweep are known as Niranna, as thus do not allow their Ekadash4 Indriyas5 to indulge in their respective sense objects. We should also cultivate such desire to remain without such food that nourishes the Ekadash4 Indriyas,5 and should have courage to attain that state of a Niranna Mukta.
1. Penance of eleventh day of the fortnight. 2. Supreme God. 3. A demon. 4. Eleven. 5. Sense organs. 6. Penance. 7. Scriptures. 8. Scripture of Religion. 9. Eleventh day. 10. Five sense objects.
--
THIS IS FIRST BLOG PROVIDING COMPLETE QUERIES ABOUT EKADASI,
ONE THING IS MISSING i.e. EATING OF RICE IS PROHIBITED ON THIS DAY,WHY?
DILBAGH RAI BHATIA
ASTRO SPIRITUAL GUIDE,PURI,ODISHA INDIA
07205886150
Hey thanks abhi for the information shared i always used to ask the details/story/reason for doing this fast on this particular day but they were ignorant about the proper facts.
thanks i go my answers from u
seema
Post a Comment
All comments are moderated and will appear only after approval. If you like to contact me - hindublog@gmail.com.