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Ekadashi- A Spiritual Practice Where Importance is Given to Divinity in the Time of Materialism
Everyone is always fascinated to know about Ekadashi, its significance, and the history behind it. Everyone is keen to know about it, which also includes certain facts prevailing. There is a saying as per Sadhguru which states, every human physiology goes with one cycle called ‘Mandala.’
It comes after every 40-48 days. So, in these three day, which depend upon person to person with proper spacing wherein your body won’t require food, that is your body doesn’t demand you for food. So, it's always suggested to listen to your body at that time. That’s what Ekadashi Arise is.
What is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight. In Sanskrit, 'Eka' means eleven, and 'Dashi' means the eleventh day. It is considered auspicious by many Hindus as it is believed that during this period, the Gods and Goddesses are in a state of bliss.
This implies that this festival can be observed two times in a single calendar month. Ekadashi holds a special significance, as on this day Hindus observe fasts to please their favourite deities.
Hindu months of Shukla Paksha (bright half) and Krishna Paksha (dark half), so there are two Ekadashi every month, one in each half. The Krishna Paksha version is known as Jaya Ekadashi and the Shukla Paksha version is known as Vijaya Ekadashi.
Usually, Hindus do not eat grains on Ekadashi but the menu depends from region to region and sect to sect. Some only drink milk, some include fruits and some even abstain from drinking water. In Hinduism, fasting on Ekadashi is considered to be of great religious importance.
Fasting on Ekadashi helps in purification. It also gives a boost to one’s spiritual progress, while helping mankind attain liberation from the cycle of births and deaths. According to Hindu Scriptures, the eleventh day of any given fortnight is considered auspicious for spiritual devotion.
The eleventh day of the Indian calendar month Kartik is known as Dev Shayana Ekadashi and is especially significant for Vaishnavites who believe that fasting on this day liberates them from the cycle of births and deaths.
History Behind Ekadashi
In the period of Satyug, there was a demon named Murdanav. He used to scare all the people and even all the devas, and they left their heaven and gave it over to Lord Vishnu. So, Lord Vishnu came with his vehicle called ‘Garuda.’
He fought for 1000year with all his strength, but later he decided to change his strategy. He went into a huge cave and took a nap. Where the Murdanav came to find Lord Vishnu. There he found Lord Vishnu and removed his sword to kill him, but as soon as he removed one beautiful lady came out of Vishnu’s body.
Looking at the beautiful lady, Murdanav directly asked her to marry him. She had one condition with it, she said i'll marry you if you defeat me in the fight. Murdanav agreed to it and that’s how the beautiful lady killed him and everyone was free from the demon.
After listening to the noise Lord Vishnu woke up, he saw a lady came within him as the name of Ekadashi. So, it was the eleventh day. So the lady told Lord Vishnu that she came from his Ekadash Indriya (the eleventh sense of Lord Vishnu’s body). So that’s how Ekadashi started prevailing wherein people follow Ekadashi Vrat by fasting.
Importance of Ekadashi
● When someone observed their own system, three days every 48 days where you don’t have to eat popped up. This became crucial for the system and that is why people fixed these three days as Ekadashi.
● In the year there are twelve Ekadashi. Every 48 days there is a third Ekadashi. These 48 days have three phases. These are called “Chatur Trayi '' or four conditions.
● The first 16-day period after any Ekadashi is called Ashaucha, or impurity. In this period of time the system starts digesting what it has eaten already and clears out its impurities; hence it is called ashaucha.
● For those who have no awareness or cannot see their inner system the three-day cycle is the process of digestion. The body’s system digests all that it has taken in over the last four days and then releases it. Depending upon what capacity one has of seeing one’s inner system, they will be able to understand their inner process.
● At the time of Ekadashi, Food such as beans and rice are not eaten, spices can be used while cooking but mustard seeds should be avoided.
● Foods such as Fruits, Milk, Nuts can be eaten at the time of Fasting.
● The Fasting of Ekadashi has more positive effects on body and brain which helps to give you effectiveness towards your regular life.
● Fasting of Ekadashi is considered to be as many as crores of baths done in Ganga, crores of cow donation. These two donations are considered because both give the pleasing sense of God.
● Ekadashi Fasting is considered as the ‘Maha Vrat.’
● Fasting also helps in detoxifying our body and improving our body circulation, respiration and digestion.
● Some of the devotees also opt for the complete strict fasting that is without food and water.
● The Importance of Ekadashi is linked to bodily functions and improvements in health.
● It cleanses the blood and improves the functioning of the kidneys and liver.
● Observing Ekadashi fasting is also very beneficial for people who have a problem with overeating. Since the entire process of fasting helps to cleanse the body and remove all toxins, it is also extremely beneficial for people suffering from various types of skin diseases, liver problems and kidney problems.
Types of Ekadashi
There are a total 24 types of Ekadashi. Let's learn about them one by one.
Putrada Ekadashi - Putrada Ekadashi - For the blessing of a boy
It takes place on the 11th day of January Month. Here the fasting is done by doing Lord Vishnu Pooja for blessing with the children.
Hinduism places great importance on fasting on Ekadashi. Paush Putrada Ekadashi falls on Shukla Paksha during Paush month. Ritually, Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Lord Vishnu is believed to fulfill all the wishes of those who observe the Putrada Ekadashi fast. It is considered the best fast for people who wish to have children.
Satilla Ekadashi - For freedom from sins and acquiring heavenly abode.
Satilla Ekadashi is rooted with the word “Til” known as sesame seeds. It involves receiving and giving sesame seeds.So, Satilla Ekadashi is all about donation.
Shatila Ekadashi fast is observed to gain blessings from Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the world. The mythological scriptures state that Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Magha month is known as Shatila or Papaharini, which destroys all sins.
If one gives a daughter, does thousands of years of penance, and gives gold, the more fruit one receives by performing Shatila Ekadashi. If one observes this fast, he or she receives all the happiness this world has to offer, and finally, he or she gains salvation.
Jaya Ekadashi - For gaining merit of donating ten times more than offering a thousand cows to a Brahman.
Jaya Ekadashi falls on Shukla Paksha of Magha month. According to Hinduism, Jaya Ekadashi has a special meaning. Yudhishthira, son of Pandava King Krishna, is believed to have fasted for Jaya Ekadashi after Krishna emphasized its importance to him.
Vijaya Ekadashi - For victory and success in all spheres of life.
There is a full day fast in Vijaya Ekadashi and the devotees worship Lord Vishnu. Here they cannot eat onion and garlic, which is called Tamasic food.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Falgun month is called Vijaya Ekadashi. This date is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the world. It is a religious belief that the person observing Vijaya Ekadashi fast must listen to the fast story related to it, only then the person gets its real fruit.
Amalaki Ekadashi - For gaining merit of donating ten times more than offering a thousand cows to a Brahman.
Amalaki means amla which is a combination of Ayurvedic and Hinduism. As it is said, Amla was very close to Lord Vishnu. Here you can make, variety of products related to amla.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi of Falgun Shukla Paksha is known as Amalaki Ekadashi Rangbhari and Amla Ekadashi. On this day there is a law to worship Amla along with the worship of Lord Vishnu. It is a religious belief that a person who observes Amalaki Ekadashi fast according to the law attains salvation.
Papmochani Ekadashi - For the freedom from sins and wrongful acts.
It is celebrated in the month of Chaitra. This Ekadashi falls after the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of Chaitra month and before the Shukla Paksha (brightening phase) of Vaishakh.
Papmochani Ekadashi, however, is the most unique. The fast of Papmochani, which removes all sins, is observed on the Ekadashi of Chaitra Krishna Paksha. There is a law to worship Lord Vishnu on all Ekadashis. By his grace, all sins and sorrows are cut away and happiness and prosperity are attained.
Kamada Ekadashi - for the fulfillment of desires.
It occurs at the start of Hindu new year. The ekadashi helps to protect all the devotees from curses.
Kamada Ekadashi is the first Ekadashi followed by devotees in the Hindu New Year. On the day of Kamada Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is worshiped by law. With the effect of fasting on Kamada Ekadashi, all sins are destroyed and one gets freedom from the Ghost yoni.
Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month is called Kamada Ekadashi. Kamada Ekadashi is the first Ekadashi of the Hindu New Year. On the day of Kamada Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is worshiped. With the effect of fasting on Kamada Ekadashi, all sins are destroyed and one gets freedom from the ghost yoni.
Varuthni Ekadashi - For overall happiness .
The Varuthini fast is considered as being in penance for 10 years. Varuthini Ekadashi refers to a specific Ekadasi that occurs during the Tamil Month of "Marghazhi" (November - December). Varuthini Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the waning moon period in this month.
Lord Shri Krishna had told Yudhishthira the importance of Varuthini Ekadashi fast, according to him, whoever observes Varuthini Ekadashi fast according to law, all his sins are erased and in the end he attains heaven.
Varuthini Ekadashi is said to be the Ekadashi date falling in Krishna Paksha in Vaishakh month. This Ekadashi fast is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnua. Whoever observes Varuthini Ekadashi fast according to law, all his sins are erased and in the end he attains heaven.
Gauna Mohini Ekadashi - For relief from all kinds of sufferings.
Here devotees need to follow a strict fast in order to praise Lord Vishnu. Fast should only be broken the next morning by fruits or milk.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month is called Mohini Ekadashi. According to religious belief, this Mohini Ekadashi is the best fast to remove all kinds of sorrows, remove all sins. Due to the effect of this fast, humans go to Vishnuloka after getting rid of the entanglement and the evil group. But on this day some special tasks should not be done even by forgetting.
Apara Ekadashi - For achieving name and fame.
During Apara Ekadashi it is necessary to give bhog and tulsi leave. Early in the morning after taking a bath, each one should fast for the day. During Apara Ekadashi not only bhog but also tulsi leave is prohibited. So everyone must fast on this day and eat only fruit juice or milk.
Apara Ekadashi means immense virtue. According to Padma Purana, there is a law to worship Lord Vishnu in his Vamana form on this day. It is believed that by observing the fast of Apara Ekadashi, Lord Shri Hari Vishnu bestows immense virtue by removing all the sorrows and troubles from the life of a human being. This Ekadashi bestows many virtues and destroys the great evils. Due to the effect of fasting on Ekadashi, all sins like killing Brahma, ghosts, blaming others, adultery, giving false testimony, telling lies, reading or making false scriptures, becoming a false astrologer and becoming a false doctor etc. Apara Ekadashi is also termed Jalkrida Ekadashi, Achala Ekadashi and Bhadrakali Ekadashi.
Nirjali Ekadashi - For control over senses and relief from all sufferings.
The Nirjala Ekadashi, also called Nirjalabhakti Dvadashi is observed in the month of Magshir. In this fast, food can be taken but not water. This fast is believed to have been started by Sri Krishna when he was in Vrindavana.
Ekadashi fasting is considered paramount. It is said that a person who observes this fast of Nirjala Ekadashi, leads to salvation. Some of these Ekadashis have special significance.
This Ekadashi comes every year in the Shukla Paksha of Jyestha month. The fast of Nirjala Ekadashi is done abstaining from water as well. From the starting vow of the fast to breaking the fast, not even a drop of water can be consumed on this day.In the remaining Ekadashis of the year, the fast is not forbidden to drink water, but the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi is done without drinking water.
Nirjala Ekadashi fasting method :
● Wake up early and take a bath.
● Meditate and worship.
● Lord Vishnu.
● Practice chanting and do Japa.
First offer bhog to the Lord, donate it to Brahmin, and then break the Nirjala fast by consuming water.
It is said that if the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi is done with a sincere heart, then Shri Hari takes away all the troubles of life and life becomes happy.
According to religious belief, it is said that a person who observes this fast with a sincere heart, gets the virtue that is available in all Ekadashi fasts. He becomes free from all kinds of troubles. Along with fasting, charity work is also done on this day. The person who donates receives merit. Donating Kalash is considered very auspicious. This gives a person a happy life and longevity.
According to the legend,once during the Mahabharata period, Pandu's son Bhima asked Maharishi Ved Vyas Ji - "Oh most respected monk! All my family members observe Ekadashi fast and ask me to do the fast too. But I cannot remain hungry, so please tell me how can I get the results of Ekadashi without fasting?
At the request of Bhima, Ved Vyas Ji said - son! You must fast without water on Ekadashi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha. On this day both food and water have to be given up. A person who stays from sunrise on Ekadashi date to sunrise of Dwadashi without drinking water and observes Nirjala fast with true devotion, he gets the fruits of all Ekadashis that come in a year by observing this one Ekadashi fast. Then Bhima observed the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi following the orders of Vyas Ji.
Yogini Ekadashi - For performing pious deeds.
Here in yogini ekadashi you need to have food without salt. THey can break their fast after donating food or clothes to Brahman or needy people the next morning.
According to the Hindi calendar, Ekadashi is observed on both sides of Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha every month. In this way, there are two Ekadashi dates in a month and 24 Ekadashi in a year. In the scriptures, the fast of Ekadashi Tithi is said to be the best among all the fasts. According to religious belief, a person who observes fast on every Ekadashi with devotion, all the troubles of his life are removed. The sinful deeds of a person are destroyed and salvation is attained after this world. The fast of each Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but each Ekadashi has its significance. Yogini Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashadha. This Ekadashi falls between two important Ekadashi fasts, after Nirjala, and before Devshayani Ekadashi.
The greatness of Yogini Ekadashi is considered to be in all three worlds. By observing this fast, a person gets happiness, prosperity, and good health.
Padma/ Devashyani Ekadashi - For Moksha (Salvation and liberation).
The ekadashi is done at the beginning of Chaturmas which is the 4th month in Hindu Calendar.
This Ekadashi is also called Jayanti Ekadashi. By performing this yajna, one gets the fruit of Vajapeya Yagya. There is no better way than this to destroy the sins of sinners. The person who worships Me (the form of Vamana) on this Ekadashi day, all three worlds are worshiped.
Hearing the words of God, Yudhishthira said that Lord! I am in doubt that how do you sleep and take your side and how did King Bali tie the Bali and what other pastimes did you do by keeping the form of Vamana? What is the method of fasting Chaturmas and what is the duty of a human being when you sleep?
Those who worship the Lord Kamalnayan with a lotus, they go near the Lord. One who fasted and worshiped on Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi, worshiped the three worlds including Brahma, Vishnu. Therefore, one must observe the fast of Harivasar ie Ekadashi. On this day God takes his turn, hence it is also called Parivartini Ekadashi.
Kamika Ekadashi - For freedom from sins committed.
Here, the ekadashi is done in chaturmas when Lord Vishnu is sleeping. The name Kamika Ekadashi is because it comes in kam (black) maas. During this period, the devotee should keep fast and should visit Kshira Sagar Tirtha and take a holy bath there by chanting mantras.
The Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Sawan month is called Kamika Ekadashi. This date is dedicated to Lord Shri Hari i.e. Vishnu. On the day of Kamika Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu, who holds a conch shell, a chakra mace, should be worshiped with devotion by the names of Sridhar, Hari, Vishnu, Madhava, and Madhusudan. Lord Krishna has said that on the day of Kamika Ekadashi, the person who lights a lamp of ghee or sesame oil in front of the Lord, his virtues are not even counted by Chitragupta.
Aja Ekadashi - For gaining spiritual knowledge and higher consciousness.
Here in order to eliminate our sins and ignorance, Aja Ekadashi is celebrated. Aja means unborn, Ekadashi is the eleventh day (twelfth full moon night) of each month in the traditional Indian calendar.
The Ekadashi date of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha is called Aja Ekadashi. A person who *observes Aja Ekadashi fast on this day with true faith and rules gets the same result as Ashvamedha Yagya. According to religious belief, the Ekadashi date is very dear to Lord Vishnu. That is why he is worshiped on this day.
Vamana, Parivartini or Parsva Ekadashi - For overall purification of body, mind, and soul.
Here all devotees please Lord Laxmi. Here, you cannot consume food after sunset on Dashmi.
Today is the Ekadashi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha. In the scriptures, this Ekadashi is known as Padma Ekadashi. It is believed that Lord Vishnu changes his side on this day while sleeping in Chaturmas, hence this day is also called Varivarti Ekadashi. The importance of this Ekadashi has been told in the scriptures. After snatching heaven by the Asuras, the gods worshiped Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Mata on Padma Ekadashi to regain heaven. By this Ekadashi, the deity could again gain authority over heaven.
The Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshiped on the day of Padma Ekadashi. Lord Shri Krishna has said that a person who worships his Vamana avatar on Padma Ekadashi gets the fruits of worshiping Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva together. Such a person attains fame and respect in the earth world and after death, attaining a place in heaven, shines like the moon. On the day of Padma Ekadashi, all the wishes of the devotee who worship Lord Vamana with a lotus are fulfilled.
Regarding Padma Ekadashi, the scriptures say that donating rice, curd, and silver on this day is very fruitful. Those who are unable to observe Padma Ekadashi due to any reason should recite the story of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu on the day of Padma Ekadashi. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and Ramayana is also very fruitful on this day.
Shravana Putrada / Pavitropana Ekadashi - For being blessed with a child.
There are a total of 24 Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year. Shravan brings with it Ekadashi, a festival that has great significance. This fast is dedicated to Lord Hari Vishnu. The Ekadashi that falls on the Shukla Paksha of the month of Shravan is called Shravan Putrada Ekadashi. By observing this fast with a sincere heart, children get happiness, those who have any kind of child-related problem must keep this fast. There are two Putrada Ekadashi celebrations per year, the second of which falls in Paush month.
Indira Ekadashi - For liberating ancestors from the hell of Yamraj.
Here, Indira Ekadashi gives salutations to forefathers. But you might be thinking which Indira Ekadashi it is as one more similar name- 'Bhavishyattu' comes to your mind?
As per the Hindu calendar, the Indira Ekadashi fast occurs on the Krishna Paksha date of Ashwin. The scriptures indicate that the Ekadashi of Pitru Paksha brings salvation to our ancestors.
It is said that if one observes the fast for his ancestors with true devotion, his ancestors are saved. This Ekadashi fast must be observed by family members of an ancestor who received Yamraj punishment due to his sinful behavior.
Padmini Ekadashi - For a joyous life and ultimate salvation and liberation.
It helps to purify your soul , mind and body. It is the 11th day of the Moon Phase. It is considered holy and auspicious by Hindus.
The Ekadashi that falls once in three years in Purushottam month is called Padmini Ekadashi. The month of Purushottam is considered to be the month of Lord Vishnu's worship. Ekadashi, which occurs once every three years, gains even more significance.
It is believed that the devotees who observe Padmini Ekadashi get the same result as those who observe the Ekadashi fasts throughout the year, as well as attaining Vishnu Lok.
You should take bath in Brahmamuhurta in the morning and offer Arghya to the Sun God. Put on clean yellow clothes and worship Lord Vishnu. Take a vow of fast and establish a picture of God in the place of worship. Incense lamps should be lit and Lord Vishnu should be worshipped. Rather than sleep at night, chant bhajans. Break the fast with full rituals on the day of Dwadashi.
Lord Vishnu is fond of Padmini Ekadashi. Those who observe Padmini Ekadashi fast with a sincere heart reach Vishnu Lok, as the Puranas state. One receives the same result from observing this fast as they do from doing any penance, sacrifice, or fasting. Lord Krishna first made Arjuna aware of its greatness by telling him the story of fasting on Purushottami Ekadashi.
Parama Ekadashi - helps wash away all sins and leads to the heavenly abode.
Parama Ekadashi is one of the most holy and beneficial Ekadashis. The fast of Parama Ekadashi helps a person destroy all the sins and gets into an atmosphere of godly realms.
Lord Vishnu's blessings are sought by fasting on this day. As per religious belief, observing the Ekadashi fast brings blessings from Lord Vishnu, and along with it rare achievements. This is regarded as the most important Ekadashi day in the scriptures. On the day of Ekadashi, some tasks should not be done even by forgetting. Doing such things leads to more troubles and difficulties in life.
Papankusha Ekadashi - For fulfillment of desired and Moksha.
Papankusha Ekadashi is observed for the welfare of accomplishing all the dreams. Here you need to start the fast from the day of Dashmi.
Ashwin Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is known as Papankusha Ekadashi in the Hindu calendar. This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha. According to tradition, fasting on this Ekadashi yields the same results as austerity. Shri Krishna says that Ekadashi protects against sin, that is, from sinful deeds. A person who observes this Ekadashi fast finds meaning and salvation. This fast has the effect of destroying any sins accumulated by a person. During this day, worship should be performed with reverence and devotion, and donations and Dakshina should be given to Brahmins. Fruit is the only food eaten on this day. As a result, the body and mind are healthy.
Rama Ekadashi - For elevation to higher consciousness.
Rama Ekadashi is a day when devotees of Lord Vishnu observe fast. It falls on the 11th day in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Vaishakha month in the Hindu calendar.Here devotees also pray for health and wealth of the family.
In Kartik month, Rama Ekadashi fast is observed. There is a special significance to Rama Ekadashi among the 24 Ekadashis in a year. After four months Lord Vishnu wakes up from his Yoga Nidra. Padma Purana says that fasting on Rama Ekadashi brings the blessings of Vishnu along with Lakshmi.
Every year, this fast is observed on the Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. A person's sins are destroyed when he or she observes this fast. It is also mentioned in the Padma Purana. Fasting on Rama Ekadashi is said to lead to salvation. By observing this fast, along with Lord Vishnu, one also receives the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, so one does not suffer from poverty or hunger.
Significance of Rama Ekadashi
Rama Ekadashi is believed to be named after Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Also referred to as Rama. Those who fast on this holy day are believed to be blessed by Lord Vishnu and to attain all happiness and salvation in the end, being freed from all sins.
Ekadashi fasting instructions
As part of the Ekadashi fast, our sages should remember God and control their five senses, five sense organs, and one mind. After taking a bath and meditating, the person who observes this fast should especially worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Tulsi in the morning.
Devathuna Ekadashi - For purification of the body and mind.
It is the last of the four Ekadashis that are followed during the Caturmas. It is believed that on this day Lord Vishnu wakes up from four months of rest. From this Ekadashi onwards, devotees are free to carry on with their auspicious activities that are prohibited in this period.
Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi is celebrated as Devuthani Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi), according to Hindu theology, Lord Vishnu sleeps for four months to awakens on this day of the year during Kartik Shukla Ekadashi.
Prabodini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadasi is observed on the eleventh day of the month of Kartik during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon. An Ekadashi is one of 24 in a year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Malamaas, however, increases this number to 26. A major Ekadashi is the Dev Uthani Ekadashi every year.
People throng temples and do parikramas chanting and bhajans.
Utapanna Ekadashi - For the merit of offering a thousand cows to a Brahman.
It occurs during the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Kartik. The word 'Utpanna' is used for getting something or receiving something. According to religious beliefs, people who fast on Utapanna Ekadashi find all kinds of comforts and receive the shelter of Lord Vishnu after death.
A significant part of Hinduism is fasting on Utpanna Ekadashi. Hindu calendars refer to Margashirsha Krishna Paksha as Utpanna Ekadashi. Fasting the Utpanna Ekadashi fast benefits the person with Lord Vishnu's blessings, according to Hindu tradition.
The significance of Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat
The fast of Utpanna Ekadashi is believed to give a person everything they seek during the pilgrimage and the abode of Lord Vishnu. The rewards of giving on the day of fast are increased by lakhs. In the case of someone who observes the waterless fast on Utpanna Ekadashi, he is reconciled with Lord Vishnu. Observing this fast will destroy a person's sins of all kinds. In the religious scriptures, observing this fast is worth more merit than observing the Ashwamedha Yagya, performing pilgrimage, bathing, and giving charity.
Mokshada Ekadashi - For liberation.
It is a special Ekadashi that is observed once in a year. It is celebrated on Kartika Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight). On one of the two days, devotees are allowed to consume Bel tree leaves and fruits. Similarly, on the second day only fruits are allowed.
A very auspicious time for fasting, bathing, charity, and cleansing are Ekadashi Tithi and Shukla Paksha of every month according to Sanatan Dharma. Fasting on Ekadashi offers immense blessings from Lord Vishnu, who sustains the universe. Mokshada Ekadashi destroys great evils. A wise and peace-giving fast that creates progeny is Ekadashi fasting. In honor of this day, it is customary to bathe in holy rivers and worship Lord Vishnu. During this fast, human sins are attenuated and the cycle of death and birth is broken.
All You Need to Know About Ekadashi Vrat
● People who are old and pregnant women should not opt for fasting.
● You can fast according to your health.
● In Nirjala Ekadashi which is without water, here you can intake milk and other fruits.
● Eating food grains, meat and fish is strictly not allowed.
● The fast should start in the morning and end in the evening except few of them have fasting ending the next morning.
● You should not indulge in activities such as violence, and lying.
Ekadashi Recipes :
Add a tulsi leaf if you want to offer it as bhog.
Ekadashi Sabudana Khichdi :
Ingredients :
● 1 cup Sago Rice/ Tapioca Pearls/ Sabudana
● Water to soak
● 2-3 potatoes – finely chopped
● 1 tsp - cumin seeds
● 1 tsp Jeera powder
● 1 tbsp sugar
● 1 tsp of pepper
● 3 tbsp - groundnut oil
● 2 whole green chillies
● 1 tsp ginger paste
● Few curry leaves
● 2 diced potatoes
● Fasting salt/ sendha salt to taste
● 1/3rd cup roasted and crushed peanut
● 1 tbsp lemon juice
● Coriander leaves to garnish
In a wide pan, Add the groundnut oil Add green chillies and curry leaves, then add jeera to splutter. Add potatoes, and cook till potatoes are 80 percent boiled. Add ginger paste, crushed peanuts, Jeera powder and pepper, fasting salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Off the gas and add the sago pearls and mix well. Once mixed well, switch on the flame and heat. Add coriander leaves to garnish.
Ekadashi Samai / Samo Khichdi :
Ingredients :
● Soaked Samo rice -1/2 cup (100 gms) soaked for half an hour.
● 2 (100 gms) - Potatoes
● 2 to 3 tbsp - Peanuts
● 3 to 4 tbsp - Ghee
● 2 to 3 tbsp (finely chopped) - Green Coriander leaves
● 1/2 tsp - Cumin seeds
● ½ tsp - roasted Cumin seeds powder
● 1 (finely chopped) Green chilies
● 6 to 8 1coarsely ground - Black pepper
● 1 tsp (or to taste - Sendha Salt
● 1 cup - Buttermilk (Chaas)
Take a pan, add ghee, to the pan, Add Jeera, while adding Jeera make sure gas is in slow. Add green chillies, and coarsely ground pepper. Add the samo rice and cook for a minute to roast this. Add fasting salt, now add 2 cups water and let it cook for 3to 4 minutes on a medium flame. Cut the potato into small pieces, add ghee to another non-stick pan, fry the potatoes in the ghee until soft. If the rice is ready, of the flame. Fry the peanuts in the ghee that is left over. Mix both potato and, peanuts and 1 cup of buttermilk to the khichdi. Mix well. Add coriander leaves to garnish. Add melted ghee on top. Serve with curd.
Ekadashi - Ash gourd Raita :
Ingredients :
● ½ cup grated and boiled – Ash gourd
● 1 tsp Jeera powder
● Fasting salt to taste
● 2 cups beaten curd
● Coriander leaves for garnish
Mix all the ingredients together. Raita is ready to serve.
Amaranth/ Rajgira Ki Puri :
Ingredients :
● 2 cups - Rajghira flour
● 1 medium sized boiled potato
● Fasting salt
● 1 tsp Black pepper
● 1 tsp Jeera
Add all the ingredients and kneed a stiff dough. Roll out using little Amaranth / Rajgira flour and oil. Fry on a fast flame.
Amaranth / Rajgira Thalipeeth :
Ingredients :
● 2 Tsps Jeera
● 2 green chilies medium sized
● Pepper
● ½ cup milk
● 2 tbsp curd
● 2-3 boiled potatoes.
● 2 cups Rajgira or Amaranth flour
● Cut coriander leaves
● 4 tbsp groundnut oil / ghee
● Fasting salt
Add all the ingredients together and kneed a soft dough. This will be like a wet dough. Make hands moist and pat on a hot pan with oil. Make sure to use groundnut oil even for roasting the thalipeeth.
Cook on slow so it cooks well from inside. Using a plate flip the thalipeeth.
Ekadashi Fruit curd :
Ingredients :
● 1 finely chopped apple
● 1 peeled - Pomegranate
● 2 chopped bananas
● ½ cup - Dates
● ½ cup - Cut deseeded green grapes
● 2 tbsps - Cashews
● 3 tbsps Kishmish or dry grapes
● 3 tbsps peanuts
● 3 cups - Sweetened beaten curd
● Jeera powder
Mix all the ingredients and serve.
Makhana Kheer :
Ingredients :
● 75 gms makhana / lotus seeds
● 1 ltr full fat milk
● pinch of saffron
● 1/4 tsp green cardamom powder
● 3 tbsp chopped nuts
● 100 gms sugar
● 3 tbsp desi ghee / clarified butter
In a pan add ghee, and roast Makhanas on a slow flame. Once it is golden brown, you can add boiled milk. Add this to the pan of the makhanas. Let it boil on medium flame for 5 to 6 minutes. Add few strands of kesar, add elaichi powder, and let cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Once it is thick, mix well. Press the makhanas so they break slightly so they do not break completely. Add the sugar, and mix well. This kheer does not take very long to make. Add chopped dry fruits for garnish on top.
Sabudana Kheer :
Ingredients :
● 1 cup (sago) - Sabudana
● ½ liter Milk
Method :
Wash the sabudana to make sure you remove all the starch. Soak this sabudana in the milk for minimum an hour.
For kheer
Ingredients :
● ½ cup Water
● 2 litres – full fat Milk
● 6-8 strands (soaked in milk) Saffron
● 1/4th cup - Almond chopped
● 1/4th cup (chopped)- Pistachio
● 1/4th cup (chopped) Cashew nuts
● ½ tsp Cardamom powder
● condensed milk (sweetened) 300 gm
Method :
Heat a sauce pan or a kadhai, add water and milk, bring to a boil.
Add the sabudana which was soaked in the milk and cook on low flame while stirring in intervals until the milk is reduced. Add the saffron, almond, pistachio, cashew nut and cardamom powder, You can also use half cup of sugar instead of condensed milk. Add either now.
Cook for 10 minutes. Serve hot or cold according to preference.
Garnish with few chopped nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
It helps to clean the toxicity of your body and improves your digestive system.It helps to eliminate chances of cancer. Your body starts feeling energetic.
Mango Kheer, Dudhi ka halwa, Khichdi, Mixed Fruits,Custard Apple Juice, Farali Chivda,Farali Biscuit.
Sajala Ekadashi - to pass the day with water and juice, Nirjala Ekadashi - to fast without water, Farali Ekadashi - to intake only fruits and milk.
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, radish, carrot, cucumber, pumpkin.
One should not sleep in the afternoon. Skp all your work for the say, Do not intake grains, Maintain Peace and meditate , Worship the Lord, Do more charity, Be regular with your duty.