Ekadashi is the 11th day after the full moon (Purnima) and the 11th day after the new moon(Amavasya) according to the Hindu calendar. It is considered one of the most important fasts amongst Hindus. ‘Ekadashi’ is a Sanskrit word that means eleven. As per the Hindu calendar, there are two Ekadashis falling every month, this month Shukla paksha Ekadashi was on April 13 and Krishna paksha Ekadashis will be on April 26, 2022, Tuesday Krishna Ekadashi, Vaishakha Krishna Ekadashi, Begins – 01:37 AM, Apr 26, Ends – 12:47 AM, Apr 27.
It is observed that human physiology goes through a cycle called a mandala, after every 40 to 48 days. It differs from person to person, this cycle has specific three days in which your body demands no food. If you identify those days in your life, then you can attain maximum efficiency and your mind can attain peace of energy. The fast is observed from the sunset on the day before Ekadashi until sunrise on the next day. The spiritual fast lasts for 48 hours. The devotees not only gain spiritual insights but also attain mental clarity. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Rama said if an individual kept regular fasting on Ekadashi, then all his previous sins would be removed.
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How to perform Pooja on this day
The fast is for getting the blessings of Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees should wake up early in the morning and pledge to fast for the day. While worshipping Lord Vishnu, it is important to include Holy water from the river Ganges, Holy Basil (Tulsi), flowers, and Panchamrit (liquid made after mixing five things). Fasting can be observed in two ways- Nirahar(Without taking any food or Fruit) and Falahar(Consuming fruits). People who fast on this day can consume food after the evening prayers of Lord Vishnu. However, Ekadashi Parana Vidhi is completed on the next day of the fast on the Dwadashi day.
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Ekadashi Varat Kath
People usually read aloud a religious book that states the benefits of doing this Fast. This is easily available at any book store.
There are a total of 24 Ekadashi Vrat observed every year, 12 for Shukla Paksh and 12 for Krishna Paksh. For every fast there is a different Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Ashadi Ekadashi are the most celebrated.
What Is Allowed Ekadashi Food?
If you’re keeping Ekadashi fast, here are a few things you must keep in mind:
- You can consume only one meal in the whole day. Avoid salt in the meal.
- Fresh fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, nuts, and milk products are among the most preferred edibles consumed on this day.
- Sabudana Khichdi made from sabudana, groundnuts, and garnished or mixed with potatoes is consumed as an alternative to cereals.
- You cannot have any form of cereals. Even dal (pulses) and honey are also avoided on the day of Dashami. Consumption of Rice is especially prohibited on this day.
- Consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is to be thoroughly avoided.
- Ekadashi, complete fasting is to be observed. There are some devotees who do not even consume water. This fasting is known as Nirjala Ekadashi.
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