వారపు వ్రతాలు

ఏకాదశి వ్రతం

1 hour Anyone can perform Morning
ఏకాదశి వ్రతం

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).

Overview

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

1
Sankalp (Intention)

Take the vow of fasting with clear intention.

2
Morning Puja

Perform morning worship after bath.

3
Maintain Fast

Follow the prescribed fasting rules throughout the day.

4
Evening Puja

Perform evening worship with full rituals.

5
Break Fast (Parana)

Break the fast after puja with prescribed food.

Primary Mantra

**Vishnu Mantra:** ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय **Vishnu Sahasranama:** Recite on Ekadashi **Ekadashi Prayer:** एकादशी व्रतं देव कृतं मया त्वत्प्रीतये। निर्विघ्नं कुरु देवेश मोक्षार्थं च सदा प्रभो॥

Do's and Don'ts

Do's
  • • Wake up early, take bath
  • • Visit Vishnu temple
  • • Read Vishnu Sahasranama
  • • Stay awake at night (jagaran)
  • • Maintain celibacy
Don'ts
  • • 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.

Practices may vary by region, family tradition, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified elders or priests for guidance specific to your situation.
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Materials Needed
Essential
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Rice (Akshat)
  • Kumkum (Sindoor)
  • Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
  • Diya (Oil Lamp)
  • Cotton Wicks
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