Who should observe Ekadashi fast, rules and benefits of observing this fast

Ekadashi Tithi has special importance in Hindu society. Ekadashi fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this day, Lord Narayana is duly worshipped. Ekadashi fast is observed twice in every month, one in Shukla Paksha and one in Krishna Paksha. According to beliefs, whoever keeps Ekadashi fast and worships Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, his life becomes prosperous and happy. Also, happiness and good fortune remains in the house. Anyone can keep Ekadashi fast. Whether it is a small child or an adult or an elderly person, anyone who is a member of the family can keep Ekadashi fast. But there are some rules to keep this fast which should be followed.

Rules of Ekadashi fasting

Ekadashi fast is very difficult. To do this, you have to fast from the first sunset to the second sunset. Anyone can keep the Ekadashi fast as per their wish. A person has to observe Ekadashi fast a day before Ekadashi.

• Any member of the family can observe the Ekadashi fast.
• The person who is fasting on Ekadashi cannot consume food items like meat, fish, onion and lentils a day before.
• Complete celibacy should be observed at night and one should stay away from sensual pleasures.
• On the day of Ekadashi, devotees should wake up before sunrise and start their daily routine.
• Do not brush your teeth on Ekadashi. Chew lemon, jamun and mango leaves and clean your teeth with your fingers. But remember, plucking leaves from trees is also prohibited on this day. Consume the fallen leaves.
• If this is not possible, then rinse with water. After that take a bath, but using soap is also prohibited.
• After completing the bath, you have to go to the temple and recite the Gita. If you want, you can also listen to the recitation of the Gita by any Pandit.
• After listening to the recitation, chant the mantra Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay Namah with a true heart and remember and pray to Lord Vishnu.
• One should not sweep the floor on Ekadashi day as there is a fear of ants dying.
• Hair should also not be cut on this day.
• One should not speak much on this day. Speaking too much causes words that should not be spoken to come out of the mouth.
• On the day of Ekadashi, the fasting person should not consume carrots, turnips, cabbage and spinach etc.
• Banana, mango, grapes, almonds and pistachios etc. should be consumed.
• Every item should be consumed after offering it to God and leaving it in the Tulsi plant.
• Donation should be given to the Brahmin on Ekadashi.

Benefits of Ekadashi fasting

Ekadashi Vrat is the most important festival among Hindus, which comes twice every month. It comes on the eleventh day of both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha of the moon. It is considered an auspicious day to keep a fast. It gives many benefits spiritually and physically.

• Fasting helps eliminate toxins and impurities from the body, promoting overall health and fitness.
• The food consumed during Ekadashi is considered easy on the digestive system, giving it relief from heavy food.
• Fasting can help strengthen the immune system. Due to which the body is better able to fight diseases.
• Decreasing mental distraction during fasting can lead to improved focus and concentration.
• Fasting helps promote inner peace by clearing the mind, leading to greater clarity of thoughts.
• Ekadashi fast is considered a time for introspection and connecting with the divine power.
• By observing the Ekadashi fast, one’s desires are fulfilled like begetting a child, getting wealth and prosperity and attaining salvation etc.
• Fasting can help reduce calorie intake, which may aid weight loss.

How to observe Ekadashi fast

To observe Ekadashi fast, one should not consume grains, fruits, pulses, salt and spices. Some people should not consume things like onion, garlic and eggs. The fast ends from sunrise to sunset. On both Dashami and Ekadashi, people should follow complete celibacy by staying away from pleasures and luxuries, like getting up early in the morning and taking a bath. After that, light a lamp in the temple of the house.

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Anoint Lord Vishnu with Gangajal, then offer flowers and Tulsi. Perform the Aarti of the Lord and then offer Bhog. Worship Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Vishnu on this day.

Ingredients for Ekadashi Fast

On the day of Ekadashi, an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu is needed. Flowers, garland, coconut, betel nut, pomegranate, amla, plum, other seasonal fruits, incense, ghee, raw milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar are needed to make Panchamrit, rice, basil, cow dung, banana tree, sweets are also needed.

Udyapana of Ekadashi fast

Brahmins must be fed on the day of Ekadashi fast and on the Udyaapan. Be it a small or big puja, all the fasting people must perform it with devotion. The Udyaapan of Ekadashi fast must be done under the guidance of an Acharya or a Pandit. For the Udyaapan, 12 Brahmins should be invited along with their wives for all the Ekadashis of the 12 months. For the Udyaapan puja, keep a copper pot filled with rice. By making an Ashtadall lotus, Shodashopachar puja of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi is done. After the puja, havan is performed. Thereafter, after feeding all the Brahmins with fruit, clothes and donations are given.

Questions related to Ekadashi fasting

Should women observe Ekadashi fast?

Nirjala Ekadashi fast should not be observed by older women and those suffering from serious illness.

What should one eat to break the Ekadashi fast?

After breaking the Ekadashi fast, you must eat rice. Keep in mind that the fast should not be broken by eating food. After that you can eat dry fruits, fruits etc.

Can an unmarried girl observe Ekadashi?

From the age of eight to the end of life every human being, irrespective of caste, sex, class, married or unmarried etc., must observe Ekadasi and other Hari Vasara fasts.

What is prohibited on Ekadashi?

On this day, one should not consume prohibited items like meat, onion, lentils etc. Complete celibacy should be observed at night and one should stay away from sensual pleasures.