The fast of Ekadashi is one of the most popular fasts in Hindu culture. Ekadashi fast is a way to purify our soul and get ready to attain our actuality through Moksha. With this holy practice, we can get away from the effects of malefic planetary Yoga and find true happiness. Though this fast can be observed with all Hindus, yet it is mainly preferred by the ones who keep faith in Lord Vishnu. This fast is observed on the eleventh lunar day from the Hindu calendar month’s lunar cycle.
Ekadashi fast &
its significance –
This fast is dedicated
to Vishnu Ji – Hindu Lord and is a great and proven ritualistic practice to
cleanse our body and soul. As per Hinduism, the Lunar phase has two different
phases in which one is called Krishna Paksha, and another is termed as Shukla
Paksha. Each paksha has 14 days. The 11th day of a Paksha is termed as
Ekadashi. On this day, people in the Hindu religion prefer fasting/Vrat, and
this fasting is called Ekadashi Fast.
Not just in India but worldwide, people have great faith in this fast and show
their belief and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
What is the reason
of fasting on Ekadashi –
There is a great
amount of faith and devotion among Lord Vishnu devotees for fasting on
Ekadashi. If we talk about the reasons and benefits of this fast, there are
countless. As per Hindu mythology, this fast is the greatest one, which offers
unexpectedly positive outcomes to those who keep these fasts. It brings harmony
in family, peace of mind, and prosperity in finances and profession.
Click here to know reasons and benefit of fasting!
In Vishnu Purana, the
importance of this fast is well-narrated and explained by Lord Vishnu to the
first Pandava – Yudhishthira. According to Lord Vishnu, those who fast on
Ekadashi find the sure-way to attain salvation or Moksha afterlife. As
achieving Moksha is known as the ultimate aim of human beings, the Ekadashi
fast defines the clear way to us. In addition, the right Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
encourages Satwik lifestyle which leads to peace, prosperity and pleasure.
Knowing Ekadashi
Puja Vidhi in detail –
Being one of the most
influential fasts in Hindu culture, Ekadashi fast accompanies certain rules
that we must follow to accomplish what we desire with this. So, the Ekadashi
Puja Vidhi covers many such rules which are as below –
· In the case of an old or infirm person, or a
pregnant woman, keeping Ekadashi Fast is highly not recommended.
· This fast is advised only to people who are
strong, determined, and highly devoted spiritually.
· Having water or food is highly prohibited
during Ekadashi fast. Though ritually, this fast should be Nirjala, yet those
who cannot have Nirjala can take fruit and milk.
· As mentioned above, this fast requires a
person to stay away from food; hence, all grains or Tamasic food should not be
touched.
· The Ekadashi fast starts at Sunrise and ends
at Sunset. Therefore, it is mandatory to wake up by Sunrise and purify your
body by taking a bath and then worship Lord Vishnu by reciting his Mantra in
the daytime.
· During this fast, it is highly advised to stay
calm and avoid any kind of violence, lying, and deceit.
· On this fast, doing charity gives great
results.
Click here to know about fast of
seven days!
What to eat on
Ekadashi fast-
Ekadashi fast is all
about living a life which is high on spirituality and free of evils and a
Tamsic lifestyle. In food items recommended for Ekadashi fast, there is no
place for meat, grains, or any kind of food made of garlic, onion, etc.
Although Nirjala fast is recommended on Ekadashi, if you cannot keep without
any food, you should intake milk-based food items, fruits only.
In addition, Makhana,
groundnut, Nuts, Kuttu ka Atta, Singhare ka Atta, Paneer, Desi Ghee, Rajgira ka
Aata are allowed to be consumed. In addition to avoiding Tamasic food, one
should also stay away from alcohol and smoking.
Reason and benefits
of fasting on Ekadashi –
As per Hindu
Mythology, Ekadashi is a name of a Goddess who Lord Vishnu created. Ekadashi
fought and defeated a demon named Mura and spread peace everywhere. As a reward
of this act of Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu blessed her with a power saying in case a
person observes Ekadashi fast, it will make him free of all sorts of sins or
internal impurities. Since then, the world started observing Ekadashi fast and
Hindus accept it as the best way to reach Swarga.
Talking about the
benefits of Ekadashi fasting, the first benefit is the purification of our body
and soul due to the sacred and spiritual vidhi of this fast.
The biggest benefit of
this fast is the purification of our body, mind and soul. The ones who feel
anxiety or have certain life-related stress must fast on Ekadashi by following
proper puja Vidhi. This is a way to get closer to the Lord Vishnu and step
ahead to a better and purer lifestyle.
Click Here to Know When Purnima Vrat, Amavasya Vrat and Pradosh Vrat date?
In this time, where we
all are stuck with our worldly ambitions, Ekadashi fasting and Puja can be a
pure way towards spirituality and reverence. By worshipping Lord Vishnu, you
can give your regards to our creator and find his blessings for a more peaceful
and good life.
Source: https://sites.google.com/view/vinaybajrangis/blog/reasons-and-benefit-of-ekadashi-fast
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