Ekadashi
What is Ekadashi?
As per the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. It occurs twice a month: once on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) and once on the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon). Observing a fast on this day is believed to bring happiness, peace, and spiritual growth, as it helps devotees connect with Lord Vishnu.
Importance of Ekadashi
Ekadashi holds immense spiritual and cultural significance in Hinduism. It is considered the most auspicious day to worship Lord Vishnu, with fasting believed to purify the body and mind. By observing the Ekadashi fast with full devotion, a person can eliminate sins and attain peace, happiness, and spiritual progress.
There are 26 Ekadashis in a year, including two additional ones during the Adhik Maas (extra month). The significance of Ekadashi fasting includes achieving liberation (Moksha), spiritual elevation, and a favorable afterlife in Vishnu Lok, as believed in Hindu texts.
Types of Ekadashi Fasts
- Utpana Ekadashi
- Mokshada / Vaikuntha / Mukkoti / Gita Ekadashi
- Saphala Ekadashi
- Putrada Ekadashi
- Shattila Ekadashi
- Jaya / Bhishma Ekadashi
- Vijaya Ekadashi
- Amalaki Ekadashi
- Papmochani Ekadashi
- Kamada Ekadashi
- Varuthini Ekadashi
- Mohini Ekadashi
- Apara Ekadashi
- Nirjala Ekadashi
- Yogini Ekadashi
- Deva-Sayana / Padma Ekadashi
- Kamika Ekadashi
- Putrada / Pavitropana Ekadashi
- Aja / Annada Ekadashi
- Parvartini / Parsva / Vamana Ekadashi
- Indira Ekadashi
- Papankusha Ekadashi
- Rama Ekadashi
- Haribhodini / Utthana Ekadashi
- Adika Masa – Padmini Ekadashi
- Adhika Masa – Parama Ekadashi
Ekadashi Vrat Katha
One of the most popular tales associated with Ekadashi is the story of Jaya Ekadashi. According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu relieved Pushpavati and Malyavan from a curse placed by Lord Indra. These two beings were cursed to live as humans on Earth, but after fasting on Ekadashi, they regained their original powers. This story signifies the power of devotion and fasting on Ekadashi for spiritual relief and blessings.
Method / Vidhi of Ekadashi Fast Puja
- Preparation: On the day of Ekadashi, wear clean clothes and begin your day by remembering Lord Vishnu.
- Setup: Take flowers, rice, and water in your hands while pledging to complete the fast.
- Worship: Spread a yellow cloth on a clean stool, place the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu, and perform Abhishekam (ritual washing) with Gangajal.
- Offerings: Offer garlands of yellow flowers, a tilak of turmeric or yellow sandalwood, and light a lamp and incense.
- Prayers: Offer Tulsi leaves, bananas, Panchmeva (five types of nuts), betel nuts, etc., and recite the Ekadashi fasting story, Vishnu Sahastranama, and Narayan Stotra.
- Mantras: Chant Lord Vishnu's mantras with a Tulsi mala.
- Prasad: Offer bananas, jaggery, gram dal, or seasonal fruits to Lord Vishnu.
- Aarti: Perform Aarti with pure ghee or camphor.
- Distribution of Prasad: End by distributing the Prasad while praying for the fulfillment of your desires.
