Ekadashi

Ekadashi (Sanskrit: एकादशी, romanized: Ēkādaśī, lit. 'The eleventh day') is the eleventh lunar day (tithi) of the waxing (Shukla Pakṣa) and waning (Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa) lunar cycles in a Vedic calendar month. Ekadashi is popularly observed within Vaishnavism and Shaivism, two major paths within Sanatan Dharma. Followers offer their worship to the gods Vishnu and Shiva by fasting or just symbolically; the idea was always to receive self-discipline and the benefits of fasting and it was connected to the way of life via Sanatam Dharma practices.

In Hinduism, the primary purpose of fasting on Ekadashi is to gain control over the mind and bodily senses, and channel it towards spiritual progression. In addition, there are several health benefits linked

There are different ways to observe the Ekadashi fasting in this method, ranging from complete abstention from food and water to partial fasting or consuming only specific types of food. Devotee can chose the fasting approach that aligns with his/her health, lifestyle, and spiritual goals.

  1. Nirjala: Devotees observe complete fasting without even water on Ekadashi day.
  2. Jalahar: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, devotees consume only water.
  3. Ksheerbhoji: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, devotees consume milk and milk products.
  4. Phalahari: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, the devotees consume only fruits.
  5. Naktabhoji: In this type of Ekadashi fasting, the devotees have single meal. Generally, in the later part of the day with dishes made of Sabudana, Singhada, Shakarkand(Yam),Potatoes and Groundnuts. However, the meal should not have any grains like rice, wheat, millets or cereals like dals and beans.

The timing of each ekadashi is according to the position of the moon.

There are usually 24 Ekadashi's in a calendar year. Occasionally, there are two extra Ekadashi's that happen in a Hindu leap year. Each Ekadashi day is purported to have particular benefits that are attained by the performance of specific activities.

Bhagavata Purana (skandha IX, adhyaay 4) notes the observation of Ekadashi by Ambarisha, a devotee of Vishnu.

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