ഏകാദശി വ്രതം
Purpose
Ekadashi (11th day of lunar fortnight) is the most sacred day for Vishnu worship. Fasting on Ekadashi brings spiritual merit, purification, and liberation (moksha).
അവലോകനം
Ekadashi is considered the most powerful day for spiritual practice. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with a specific name and significance (Nirjala, Papankusha, Devuthani, etc.).
**Why No Grains:** It is believed that on Ekadashi, sins take refuge in grains. Avoiding grains helps spiritual purification. Scientific view: fasting helps digestive system rest.
**Parana (Breaking Fast):** Must be done on Dwadashi (12th day) within the prescribed time. Missing Parana time is considered inauspicious.
**Popular Ekadashis:** Nirjala Ekadashi (strictest), Devuthani Ekadashi (Tulsi Vivah), Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Sankalp (Intention)
Take the vow of fasting with clear intention.
Morning Puja
Perform morning worship after bath.
Maintain Fast
Follow the prescribed fasting rules throughout the day.
Evening Puja
Perform evening worship with full rituals.
Break Fast (Parana)
Break the fast after puja with prescribed food.
Primary Mantra
Do's and Don'ts
- • Wake up early, take bath
- • Visit Vishnu temple
- • Read Vishnu Sahasranama
- • Stay awake at night (jagaran)
- • Maintain celibacy
- • Don't eat grains (rice, wheat, etc.)
- • Avoid beans and lentils
- • Don't sleep during day
- • Avoid anger and negativity
- • Don't miss Parana time
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone can observe. Even partial fasting is beneficial. Children, elderly, and sick can do modified fasting.
Twice monthly - Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Ekadashi. 24 Ekadashis in a year.
Quick Actions
Materials Needed
Essential
- Fresh Flowers
- Rice (Akshat)
- Kumkum (Sindoor)
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
- Diya (Oil Lamp)
- Cotton Wicks
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