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.
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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.
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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.
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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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