Ekadashi: Meaning, Benefits, Significance, And Much More!
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The Moon’s movements define the Vedic Calendar that is followed in India. The Moon’s position in the sky determines the religious and festive events that take place on a particular day. Ekadasi, too, is one of these events.
Meaning of Ekadashi
Ekadashi means ‘eleventh day’ in Sanskrit. It is the eleventh day of a fortnight which begins from Amavasya, or new moon day and culminates in the full moon day or Pournami. The Hindu calendar has two fortnights, bright and dark. The first is during the Moon’s waxing phase. This is Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight). The Moon attains three-fourths of its size on the 11th day of this fortnight. Shukla means ‘white’.
The second or dark fortnight marks Krishna Paksha or the waning phase of the Moon. Only one-fourth of the Moon is visible on the 11th day of this phase. Hence, the name Krishna Paksha Ekadashi. Krishna means ‘dark’.
Significance of Ekadashi
Ekadashi day is dedicated to the Preserver Archetype in Hinduism, Lord Vishnu. People observe Ekadashi Vratham/Fast on this day in honor of Vishnu. They spend the day chanting Vishnu Mantras, singing Bhajans, and reading scriptures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, etc.
Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi Vrat brings many benefits:
- The Padma Purana says that Tulsi leaves, Kartik month and Ekadashi day are his self-acknowledged favorites. So, Ekadashi vrat is holy.
- In scientific terms, the atmospheric pressure on the earth is very minimal on this day. Hence, fasting on this day is very productive. It can detoxify your system and eliminate fat.
- It can remove diseases or problems caused by unhealthy eating habits.
- Dieticians, too, often recommend a fast every fortnight.
- Fasting aids in meditation and helps you to focus.
- As Ekadashi is Vishnu’s favorite day, he is likely to answer your prayers.
- The Puranas say that observing Ekadashi fast gets rid of one’s sins.
Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi Vrat starts from the previous night and continues till the morning that follows Ekadashi. One must avoid pulses, beans, rice, lentils, and grains during the fast. Some devotees observe Nirjala vrat, that is, they don’t drink even water. One can have fruits, milk, juice, and water. Pregnant women and sick people should not observe a strict fast. Eating a full meal makes us sleepy and lethargic, so we cannot focus on worship and prayers. Eating light keeps us alert and focused. One must avoid eating non-veg food, smoking, and drinking alcohol. One can also practice sexual abstinence.
When ending the fast, devotees who kept Nirjala fast must end the fast with juice or milk. Others can have grains, pulses and vegetables, excluding onion and garlic.
Singing or listening to Bhajans is one of the Ekadashi rituals. Bhajans of Vishnu, Rama and Krishna sung. Krishna and Rama are avatars of Vishnu. Many also perform Ekadasi Pooja in the evening and worship Vishnu.
Why are Grains Taboo?
According to Shastra, the Paap Purush (sin personified), who was created by Lord Vishnu, takes shelter in grains on the day of Ekadashi. Hence devotees avoid grains on this day. Vishnu finally freed him from his sins.
But there is a scientific reason, too. Consuming rice or any grain on Ekadashi causes discomfort to the body due to the Moon’s position. Grains tend to retain water. Since the position of the moon has an impact on the water bodies on earth (like the tides), it can affect the water within our body. So, having rice or grains may affect our health adversely.
Fasting Rules
Ekadashi fast is the most sacred vow as per the Vedas. So, one should follow Ekadashi fasting rules.
Avoid pulses, grains, beans, and lentils.
Eat light. Water, fruits, milk, and juices are allowed. Some devotees avoid even water.
Don’t pluck any Tulsi (holy basil) leaves. Pluck them the previous day.
Read Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam
Visit A Vishnu or Krishna temple and donate money or food.
Chant the “Hare Krishna” Mantra.
Recite Vishnu Saharsanamam.
Importance of Ekadashi
If you wish to please Vishnu and get close to him, Ekadashi is one of the best days. As it occurs twice a month, you can observe the vrat twice. It cleanses your body and purifies your soul. Your life will be filled with peace, abundance, and happiness. It can remove your sins and help you attain Moksha. Such is the power of Ekadashi vrat.