What is Ekadashi Vrat? A Comprehensive Guide about Its Significance, Rituals, and Benefits
Fasting is considered auspicious, and one of the most significant fasts in Hinduism is Ekadashi Vrat. In Sanskrit, Ekadashi signifies the “Eleventh Day.” It is the sacred day of fasting, and the devotees observe this fast on the eleventh lunar day of both the Shukla Paksha and the Krishna Paksha. The devotees keep this fast in honor of Lord Vishnu. It is the best time to receive divine blessings, seek reflection, and positivity.
Now, if you need to know its significance, rituals, fasting benefits and rules, then please stay on the page.
Spiritual Importance of Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi Vrat offers spiritual, physical, and moral benefits. Keeping fast on this day brings purification of the soul and spirit and takes the devotees toward “Moksha,” or salvation. It is believed that it cleanses the negative karma and past sins. The spiritual practice of fasting on this auspicious day keeps people away from the negative planetary impacts and malefic energies.
The devotees can show their devotion to Lord Vishnu by worshiping him, and chanting his mantras like “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaye,” (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय) and reciting the Ekadashi Katha. This fast also promotes spiritual progress and enlightenment, and brings purification of the mind.
Ekadashi Fasting Rules
There are certain specific rules to be followed while keeping this fast. Let us discuss them here.
- It is a strict fast with no food, beans, cereals, or grains. However, the devotees can have milk, water, nuts, fruits, etc.
- The devotees should eat the Satvik food and must avoid the onion, garlic and non-veg food.
- It is highly required to maintain cleanliness, hence, take a bath early in the morning and wear neat and clean clothes.
- It is also essential to maintain the purity of mind and soul. The observers of this auspicious fast should not lie and speak ill of others.
- It is also good to engage in charity and help people who are in need by offering food, clothes, and other items.
- The whole day should be spent in reciting mantras and listening to bhajans. One should also read “Vishnu Sahastrnam.”
Ekadashi Fasting Rituals
There are various stages involved in keeping the Ekadashi Vrat. Now, let us discuss its rituals.
- Pre-Fasting Preparations: It is essential to avoid heavy and tamasic food one day before Ekadashi.
- Ekadashi Day: Wake up before sunrise, take a bath and wear neat and clean clothes. Worship Lord Vishnu and offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, and prayers to him. Observe the fast as per your capacity. In the evening, recite the Ekadashi Vrat Katha and visit the Lord Vishnu temple.
- Paran or Breaking the Fast: The fast must be broken on the following day on the Dwadashi Tithi. Offer food and other items to the people in need.
Health Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat
The Ekadashi fast has a spiritual importance, as we mentioned earlier. However, there are many associated health benefits of this fast. Let us talk about them below.
- It brings detoxification of the body and helps cleanse and purify the digestive system, as devotees avoid the heavy and tamasik food on this day.
- It helps boost immunity and improve digestion.
- It helps bring calmness and peace.
- It also leads to the development of healthy eating habits and promotes mindfulness in eating.
- The connection with the inner self and divinity can be established.
Types of Ekadashi
There are twenty-four Ekadashi in a normal, lunar year and twenty-six in the leap year. Each Ekadashi has its own katha and significance. Some of the major Ekadashi are the following:
- Nirjala Ekadashi: On this day, the observers keep fast without water.
- Vaikunta Ekadashi: Keeping fast on this day and worshiping Lord Vishnu opens the gate to Vaikunth, or the abode of Lord Vishnu.
- Dev Shayani Ekadashi: From this Ekadashi, the Chaturmas or the four holy months begin.
- Dev Uthani Ekadashi: This day marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu after the Chaturmas.
- Utpanna Ekadashi: It marks the beginning of the Ekadashi fast tradition and is when the Devi Ekadashi is said to have manifested.
Ekadashi Puja Remedies
Following specific remedies on the Ekadashi helps bring prosperity and abundance. Here are the top three Ekadashi Puja remedies.
- Light the lamp near the Tulsi plant in the evening.
- Offer yellow flowers to Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi. It helps remove obstacles and bring success.
- Offering a red Chunri or scarf to the Tulsi plant brings harmony and balance in relationships.
Observing Ekadashi is a powerful and effective practice for spiritual growth and overall well-being. It leads to improving focus and fosters discipline. To gain deep insights into the puja rituals, contact AstroKavach now!
