Ekadashi is the eleventh day of each fortnight of the Hindu lunar month. It is considered especially dear to Lord Vishnu, and many devotees fast on this day. Here is a simple guide to its meaning and customs.
How often Ekadashi comes
Each lunar month has two fortnights: Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase, and Krishna Paksha, the waning phase. Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of each, so there are usually 24 Ekadashis in a year. In a year with an extra month, called Adhik Maas, there are 26.
Significance
According to the Puranas, Ekadashi fasting helps purify the mind and body and brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Each Ekadashi has its own name and story. Devotees spend the day in prayer, chanting Vishnu’s names, reading scriptures and visiting temples.
Common fasting rules
Customs vary by region and family, but common practices include:
- Avoiding grains and pulses, such as rice, wheat and lentils.
- Eating simple foods like fruits, milk, nuts, sabudana and root vegetables, if not keeping a full fast.
- Some devotees keep a nirjala fast without water, especially on Nirjala Ekadashi.
- Avoiding onion, garlic and non vegetarian food.
- Staying away from anger and negative thoughts.
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Parana: breaking the fast
The fast is broken the next day, on Dwadashi, during a time window called parana. Traditional calendars give the exact parana time. Breaking the fast within this window is considered important in tradition.
Major Ekadashis
- Nirjala Ekadashi: in Jyeshtha, observed with a fast without water.
- Devshayani Ekadashi: in Ashadha, when Lord Vishnu is believed to begin his four month rest, marking the start of Chaturmas. It is linked with the Pandharpur Wari in Maharashtra.
- Dev Uthani or Prabodhini Ekadashi: in Kartik, when Lord Vishnu awakens, followed by Tulsi Vivah.
- Mokshada Ekadashi: in Margashirsha, also marked as Gita Jayanti.
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi: celebrated with great devotion in south Indian Vishnu temples like Srirangam and Tirumala.
Dates
Ekadashi dates change every year according to the lunar calendar and can differ by a day based on location. Check a reliable Panchang or your local temple for exact dates and parana timings.
Health note
People with diabetes, heart disease, pregnant women, the elderly and those on regular medicines should consult a doctor before keeping strict fasts, especially without water. A partial fast with fruits and milk is an option followed by many.
Bottom line
Ekadashi is a day of devotion to Lord Vishnu that comes twice a month. Whether a strict fast or a simple one, it is kept with prayer, discipline and a clear mind.
Source / स्रोत: Ministry of Culture, Positional Astronomy Centre, India Meteorological Department, Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism
