Ekadashi

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most significant vrats observed by the Hindu community. The word Ekadashi has been derived from the Sanskrit term ‘Ekadasi’ which means eleven. Thus, Ekadashi occurs on the 11th day of every fortnight in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. As such, there occurs two Ekadashis in every Hindu month, once during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) and the other during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha). As per the Hindu teachings, a strict vrat is observed from sunset on the day prior to the Ekadashi until sunrise on the day after Ekadashi.

Significance Of Ekadasi Fasting:

The significance of Ekadashi fasting has been listed in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. A bimonthly occasion, Ekadashi is generally observed by the followers of Lord Vishnu. All devotees observing the Ekadashi fasts strictly refrain from consuming grains, beans, cereals, and certain vegetables and spices.

Preparations for the vrat begin on the Dashami day, that is, a day before Ekadashi. Devotees who intend to observe this vrat wake up early in the morning on Dashami and take a bath. They also perform the other daily routines required to deliver the pujas or prayers. On this day, only one salt less meal is consumed

The most preferred food consumed during this vrat includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts. In western parts of India, Sabundana Khichdi, made from sabudana, potatoes and ground nuts, is consumed. However, it does not contain onion and garlic. Some Puranas state the abstinence from dal and honey also on Dasami day. The next day is Ekadashi day which is meant for complete fasting. The entire day is spent in worshipping Lord Vishnu through pujas, prayers and mantras. Some devotees even keep awake during the night by hearing religious speeches and performing Aartis.

The day after Ekadashi is called Dwadashi day. The routine followed on Dashami day is practiced on this day as well. After taking a bath, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and a lamp is lit. The fast is broken with the food prepared and eaten on Dasami day., The food consumed on Dwadashi should be prepared at home. Medically , fasting on Ekadashi cleanses the body and gives the much required rest to the digestive organs.

|| Shri Krishnarpanamastu ||