Ekadashi is the eleventh day or tithi of the lunar phase, it is also known to be an auspicious day to worship lord Vishnu. Ekadashi signifies eleven (‘eka’ means one, and ‘das’ means ten). The Ekadasi day is a significant day for Hindus dedicated to Lord Vishnu. People observe fast for an entire day. Ekadashi fasting is known as Ekadashi Vrat/Vrutam, and because this day happens twice a month (in the waxing and waning phases), devotees can observe two Ekadashi Vrats in a month.
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Every Ekadashi is an occasion for spiritual seekers to step up their devotional service. According to the Vedic teachings, on this day, one should fast completely without drinking water. It should be a day with little or no worldly concerns, and those who maintain proper Ekadashi Vrat can free themselves of the harmful influences of the planets and malevolent ideas. Such restraint has enormous spiritual advantages and provides the necessary peace of mind.
Ekadashi Vrat
The Ekadashi Vrat begins at dawn and finishes with daybreak the next day. It should be conducted on a day that is not affected by Dashami, or the tenth lunar day. Fasting can be observed on the eleventh tithi/Dashami if it concludes 96 minutes before dawn. If the Dashami does not conclude 96 minutes before dawn, devotees should begin the Ekadashi fasting at the following sunrise.
Everyone between the ages of eight and eighty is advised to fast completely on Ekadashi, regardless of gender or social class. Those who are unable to stomach such austerity might observe Ekadashi Vrat by eating only once, either at midday or in the evening. However, food items considered banned on Ekadashi should not be consumed.
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How to observe Ekadashi Vrat?
Ekadashi Vrat begins with sunrise, one should get up early and worship Lord Vishnu with a light, incense stick, and Tulsi leaves picked a day before.
Afull fast is encouraged, one might begin fasting at sundown the previous day to guarantee that no undigested food remains in the stomach.
Paying a visit to a Vishnu temple and chanting Sri Vishnu Sahasranama will assist to strengthen the spiritual drive.
Those who are unable to fast completely can eat once. However, one should take care to eat only those foods that are not prohibited on Ekadashi.
Avoid non-veg meals, meat, fish, eggs, etc., mushrooms, intoxicants like tobacco and liquor, and beverages like tea, coffee, cola, and other energy drinks.
To conclude the Ekadashi Vrat, one can take a bath the next morning (Dwadasi), worship Lord Vishnu, and break the fast during the Parana hour, which varies per Dwadasi.
Fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts and nut oils, milk, coconut, cassava, potato, sweet potato, buckwheat, olive, sugar, rock salt, pepper, ginger, and so on are permitted on Ekadashi.
All grains, peas, beans, tulsi, tamarind, custard, sesame seeds, mustard, salt, baking soda, baking powder, asafoetida, cloves, fenugreek, cardamom, nutmeg, fennel, and other spices should be avoided.
To reap the full benefits of Ekadashi Vrat, one should fast completely or eat just water. A devotee might break the Ekadashi fast by eating fruits and slowly rehydrating the body. Those who are unable to fast completely due to medical reasons may consume a single meal of authorized items such as fruits, roots, milk, almonds, and so on.
The main purpose of fasting is to ingest just what is absolutely necessary. Chanting prayers engages the mind, preventing it from succumbing to the demands or temptations of the body and senses. Those who are new to Ekadashi Vrat might attempt to complete a shorter fast. He/she may eat a single meal of authorized foods or Anukalpa (the non-grain Ekadashi prasad). By completing the shorter fasts successfully, one might progressively gain the strength and willpower needed to observe a water fast or a total fast. Devotees who observe a severe fast should not be proud of their accomplishments or try to flaunt their austerities. The propensity to talk about austerity should be managed and avoided.
Spiritual Importance
It is said that devotional rituals done on Ekadashis are more powerful. Devotees should view each Ekadasi as a chance to grow on their spiritual journey. Observing the Vrat and participating in poojas and kirtans assist devotees in freeing their minds from material cravings.
The key to accomplishing the spiritual objective is to have the strength to bear the austerities and to resist emotional and sensual temptations. The main premise of Ekadashi Vrat is to avoid not just food but also the demands of the body and senses.
It also involves inhibiting sexual cravings. Human existence is designed to be lived in such a way that it avoids food, sex, and other material needs. Devotees can purify themselves both inside and outward by doing so.
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