Ekadashi (Sanskrit एकादशी - eleven) - the 11th lunar day after each full moon and new moon, in other words and lunar days. Ekadashi days are the most suitable for fasting, spiritual practices, prayers and cleansing. Ayurvedic medicine advises fasting on Ekadashi to cleanse yourself not only physically, but also spiritually, to get closer to God and gain knowledge. It is said that fasting on Ekadashi helps not only prevent, but also cure many diseases. According to followers of Hinduism, fasting on Ekadashi days can free a person from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) and elevate him spiritually. Ekadashi is the best of the best opportunity to gain the grace of God and rise spiritually.
History of Ekadasi
According to the scriptures, the supreme god Vishnu created the goddess of the lunar day Ekadashi. He endowed living beings with the opportunity to free themselves from sins and material existence, to achieve the spiritual world by honoring the goddess Ekadashi. The personified sin Papapurusha had nowhere to live, and he turned to Vishnu with a request to shelter him. Vishnu gave him the opportunity to hide in pulses on Ekadashi days. Since then, it is believed that those who worship Ekadashi are freed from all sins, and those who take pulses on Ekadashi days absorb sin. Fasting on the 11th lunar day after the new moon and full moon spiritually uplifts.
How to fast on Ekadashi days?
The best way to fast on Ekadashi days is to completely abstain from food and drink. Anyone who doubts his abilities is advised to eat food that does not contain grains and legumes, and preferably once between eleven and one in the afternoon. Such food can consist of any root vegetables (except beets), fruits, nuts, sugar, water, dairy products and all vegetables except mushrooms. If you are not fasting completely, try to eat and drink no more than once. One of the Hindu texts describes that the one who observes the fast completely receives the full reward, and the one who eats food without pulses receives only half.
What should you avoid on Ekadashi days?
To get maximum results from fasting on Ekadashi days, you should follow these recommendations:
- do not sleep during the day, and if you really want to, no more than 5 minutes
- do not associate with drunkards, weavers, washerwomen
- do not eat from bronze utensils
- do not touch a woman during her period
- do not eat betel nuts
- don't shave
- do not rub your skin with oil
If you eat food during Lent, then... recommendations will also make fasting more effective: in addition to grains and legumes, also try to avoid
- spinach
- eggplant
- asafoetida
- sea salt (other types of salt are allowed)
- eating in other people's houses, cafes and restaurants
Hindu scriptures say that everyone above 5 years of age should fast on Ekadashi days. Those who for some reason cannot comply with it are advised to find a spiritual person and donate something to him. You can also simply listen to the voice of a holy man, Vedic audio lectures, and learn about the meaning of Ekadashi.
How to break Ekadashi fast?
After the 11th lunar day has ended after the new moon or full moon, you need to break the fast after sunrise the next day. Otherwise, the fast is considered not observed. If you accidentally missed Ekadashi, you can follow it up. day - the day of Dvadasi and break the fast on the day of Trayodashi. In order to break the fast, it is enough to take any product that is prohibited on Ekadashi days, for example, eat a piece of bread.
Benefits of observing Ekadashi fast
The scriptures say that one who donates on the day of Ekadshai receives a reward of one hundred thousand times more than a normal donation. However, those who simply fast on Ekadashi days receive the same beneficial results. Fasting on Ekadashi gives the same result as visiting a holy place during a solar or lunar eclipse. In addition, those who observe the Ekadashi fast receive benefits one hundred times more than from performing Ashvamedha Yagya (horse sacrifice in the Vedic religion). Moreover, the one who has at least once perfectly observed the Ekadashi fast deserves the same as feeding a thousand beggars every day for 60 thousand years. A person who completely observes Ekadasi receives a benefit 10 times greater than the benefit of giving 1,000 cows to brahmanas who are well versed in the Vedas. The benefits of fasting on Ekadashi can be measured endlessly and simply cannot be measured or compared!
When people unexpectedly find out that a person they have known for a long time is observing fasting, but not Christian fasting, thousands of questions immediately arise: “What is this?”, “Ekadashi? Not eating or drinking? Why torture yourself like that?” Some look warily sideways, thinking that a friend has become a sectarian and has gone crazy; others specifically try to tempt them to go to a restaurant or a picnic with friends, being offended when they receive a refusal. Only a few, having found out what the essence of this tradition is, shake their heads in understanding and approval.
What is Ekadashi?
Lunar day of asceticism, falling on the eleventh day from the new moon and full moon, on which a person adhering to this tradition consciously refuses food and devotes himself to spiritual practices: reading Vedic literature (for example, the Bhagavad Gita), meditation, singing kirtans in glory Krishna, charitable activities for the benefit of the Universe. At the same time, trying to work on my self-improvement, turning to the knowledge of great people. The days of Ekadashi in July are considered especially strong - after all, it was in this month, according to legend, that Krishna was born.
“Eka” translated from Sanskrit, the main spiritual language of all people professing Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma, means “eternal path.” “Dashi” is the feminine form of the number “ten”, that is, “Ekadashi” literally means eleven. Namely the 11th lunar day, of which there are two in a normal solar month. The lunar month is three days shorter than the solar one, so the days of Ekadashi are constantly shifting and are regularly calculated by Hindu astrologers.
Why observe Ekadashi?
The Vedas claim that these days are the most beloved days of God and those who devote them not to their material desires, but to increasing the level of spirituality in themselves, and therefore the entire Universe.
On Ekadashi days, all karmic “tails” (atonement for sins in Christianity) are burned much faster. They are ideal for raising the sattvic (good, pleasing to God) level of being and help a person find peace of mind, spiritual strength and wisdom of consciousness. When you comprehend the depth of the teaching, it becomes clear what the essence of Ekadashi is: the intention to become higher spiritually and worship God for this opportunity.
Post levels
You can adhere to Vedic fasting in different ways, depending on your inner strength, health and desire. The steps below are located from simple ways to more complex ones. Therefore, if a person has decided to observe Ekadashi, but does not really know what it is and how it should be, it is recommended to start small and gradually accustom oneself to more ascetic levels.
- Do not eat meat, fish and mushrooms, and also avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Leguminous products and anything containing them are prohibited.
- Do not consume a number of foods that these days are considered tamasic, that is, clouding the mind and consciousness.
- Eat one meal at a time. Usually this is dinner, which is called “nakta”, it occurs from 16.00 to sunset.
- Complete refusal of food, only water as needed (recommended once a day in the afternoon).
- Complete abstinence from food and drink for twenty-four hours: from dawn to dawn.
- Refusal to sleep - all-night vigil devoted to spiritual practices.
As you can see from the list, the conditions are quite harsh, especially towards the end, but it’s not for nothing that there are seven of them: like seven chakras in a person.
Gradually and consciously moving forward in pacifying his sensual desires, limiting himself immediately from coarse, frankly tamasic food (meat, alcohol), which is characteristic of the first lower chakra, a person will grow upward to the truly spiritual actions of the seventh chakra, showing his love for God with prayers, pujas and other Vedic traditions.
What food is prohibited on Ekadashi and why?
Meat and fish are understandable, but why are mushrooms and grains banned? After all, the majority of Hindus are vegetarians who do not kill animals to fill their stomachs, preferring to eat vegetables, grains and fruits. The Vedas claim that every animal has a soul, just like a person, therefore killing it and eating it is the same as becoming a cannibal, that is, eating one’s own kind.
Alcohol, nicotine, coffee, chocolate - these substances are prohibited because they affect a person’s consciousness: clouding it or, conversely, stimulating it too much, which means that the clarity and purity of the unconditioned perception of the world is lost.
Leguminous crops and everything made from them (bread, porridge, cookies, soy sausage and much more) are prohibited because it is on the 11th lunar day that earthly sins of all kinds go away in everything that is based on grain or legumes qualities and properties. By eating these foods, a person absorbs all the material dirt of the world, clogging his perception.
What else is not eaten on Ekadashi? In July, for example, do not consume cottage cheese, as it enhances kapha dosha, which, in turn, stimulates an increase in tamas (laziness). Never: mushrooms - as an inhabitant of the gloomy (intermediate) world, because a mushroom is not a plant, but not an animal either. It is forbidden to eat eggplant, spinach and sea salt. Also, beets, honey and cabbage of all varieties and types, and bell peppers are not eaten. Taking medications should also be avoided for this day.
What is allowed to eat these days?
Most often, something fresh is eaten on Ekadashi: fruits, vegetables outside the prohibited list, as well as milk and dairy products, nuts. Ideally, one meal, which should not focus on satisfying taste needs, but simply relieve the feeling of hunger. Most often, people who fast eat several fruits and a handful of nuts - this is enough for the body to maintain vital functions.
How to observe Ekadashi correctly?
From the beginning of the eleventh lunar day until the beginning of the twelfth, you must limit yourself in food, bad thoughts, not use foul language and not visit unworthy places. It is also recommended to avoid sleep (at least during the day), drunk people and, if possible, not to touch a woman during menstruation. For especially zealous followers, there are instructions not to shave or use cosmetics, it is not advisable to take nakta from bronze utensils or in other people's houses, and also to make donations to spiritual people.
During these 24 hours, it is advisable to study holy scriptures, meditate to know your true nature, chant mantras or listen to lectures from highly spiritual people.
As usual, it is difficult for a person to completely give up food and drink for a day, so you need to start small and just not eat junk food right away, then try to spend these days on a raw food diet, then not eat for half a day (only dinner). Subsequently, it will be easy to move forward: the power that originated in small things will grow and help a person in difficulties.
When the day ends and a new day begins, within two hours you need to break the fast, namely, eat some grain or legume food: porridge or flatbread. It is advisable not to “attack” food right away, making up for the past day - be aware.
For what reason can one break the fast?
Children under eight years of age do not need to observe Ekadashi at all - it is believed that until this age a child is not consciously responsible for his actions, which means he is very rarely subject to the effects of Karma. Pregnant women with poor health are allowed more meals from permitted foods, but she must decide for herself whether to eat or not. Elderly people, weakened after a serious illness or surgery, can also fast partially or make a generous donation to benevolent people. It is interesting that Ekadashi is an event that your Guru (spiritual teacher) can prohibit for some reasons known only to him and order you to eat forbidden food.
Also, if for some reason Ekadashi was missed, then it is allowed to fast the next day after it (according to all the rules and regulations). Such a day is called “dvadashi” - the twelfth lunar day.
How and where to find out the Ekadashi calendar?
All fasting days are calculated in advance by Vedic astrologers and posted in communities at temples, since lunar hours and days depend on time zones and shift depending on the region of residence. Also, the Ekadashi calendar can be found on specialized websites dedicated to Vedic culture, in particular from the Krishna Community, which belongs to the Vaishnava tradition - one of the most devoted followers of the Ekadashi fast.
What is Vaishnavism? Simply put, they are called Hare Krishnas: cheerful, smiling people in white and orange robes, singing the great “Maha Mantra” with dancing and clapping, infecting with their optimism. They are the ones who carry Krishna’s teachings around the world: serving people for the good of the world.
The most powerful day of Ekadashi
Pandava Nirjala is the day of the Pandavas, the most powerful day of the year. If you fast dry (that is, without food and water) and strictly follow all the rules of this fast (if you do not sleep and chant mantras in honor of Krishna), then you can burn the fruits of your former unworthy actions:
- lying to others;
- envy of the spiritual teacher and ignoring his instructions;
- missed ordinary days of Ekadashi;
- consumption of alcohol and drugs.
For some, such restrictions and actions may seem strange and even dangerous, but in fact, not eating or sleeping for a day - is this difficult for the human body, which is capable of more serious and critical things? The essence of this post is not that the person has given up food and thinks about it all day long, but, on the contrary, does something that makes him forget about worldly pleasures.
Knowing what it is - Ekadashi - and why people observe it, it is now clear: how could there be anything stronger than love for God, expressed in such an accessible form?
This is a special day in Hindu traditions. Day of purification, repentance, spiritual advancement. It has great significance in the Vaishnava tradition.
Twice during the lunar month, calculated according to Vedic traditions, many people around the world observe Ekadashi. During these days, it is better to adhere to a strict fast, or even abstain from food and water, since according to the ancient Vedic scriptures, all the bad karma and our sins fill the food, especially grains and legumes. By eating food these days, we increase our reserves of negative fate. On the other hand, if we fast on this day, then we burn our bad karma and increase our good fortune. Purely physiologically this is expressed in the fact that when fasting in Ekadashi The cells of our body are healed, toxins are removed, a gentle cleansing of the body occurs, which increases energy, vigor and beauty.
Followers of Hinduism believe that performing spiritual austerities on days Ekadashi help the soul achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Besides, Ekadashi promotes cleansing on the physical, mental and spiritual plane. It is said that fasting Ekadashi prevents and cures many diseases. Ayurvedic medicine advises fasting to maintain and improve health. Subject to Ekadashi You should take your individual characteristics into account. If your main dosha is kapha, you can do a dry fast, if you have vata, then you need to drink water with lemon, the water can be sweetened; those who have pita should not do a dry fast, you need to drink milk or juice, milk can be diluted with water - 40 % milk and 60% water, add a little sugar and you can drink this during fasting.
Depending on your health status, high labor costs and other factors, you can create a diet for yourself, taking into account the foods allowed to be consumed that day.
On this day you should avoid drinking
Meat and any meat products.
Fish and seafood.
Any type of legume: peas, chickpeas, beans, beans and any products made from beans or grains (papadams, tofu, coffee drinks).
Grains and products made from them: oats, semolina, pasta, rice, corn, millet, wheat, as well as any flour made from grains and legumes (rice, chickpeas, lentils), as well as products made from these extracts or mixed with them.
Baking soda, baking powder, many soft drinks, some types of cottage cheese, some types of yogurt, caramel, candy, etc.
Eggplants, beets, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cauliflower and white cabbage, broccoli, corn, coconut, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, mushrooms.
Indian vegetables such as karela (bitter lemon), loki, parmal (potol), toroi, kunli, bandi, deta (drumsticks), banana flowers; as well as the leaves and stems of all these vegetables.
Oils: corn, mustard, sesame and sunflower, as well as foods fried in such oil, such as potato chips.
Any leaves: spinach, lettuce, cabbage, curry, neem, parsley, etc.
Spices: sesame, cumin, asafoetida, shamballa, mustard, tamarind, fennel, kalinji, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, etc.
Products suitable for consumption in Ekadashi
Water and freshly squeezed juices.
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dried fruits.
Nuts (except peanuts) and nut butters.
Dairy products.
Potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini, cucumbers, radishes, green papaya, lemons, avocados, olives.
Any sugar.
Buckwheat (but it must be carefully sorted from grains).
Oils: olive and ghee.
Spices: turmeric, black pepper, ginger and salt, but only from new, clean bags.
Rules for fasting on Ekadashi
In the morning at Ekadashi You should take a shower, and try to keep your mind and body clean and calm throughout your fast. It is very important to understand that fasting is not just a refusal of food or certain foods. If on this day you allow deviations from moral and ethical principles or give vent to irritation and anger, you are not actually fasting, but simply not eating. You need to get ready to observe the fast and come to an agreement with yourself in advance. Avoid daytime naps, rubbing with oil, and shaving.
If you eat food, then Ekadashi It is advisable to eat no more than once, in the afternoon.
If Ekadashi was not observed by chance, you can hold it the next day - Dvadashi and break the fast on the third day - Trayodashi. If in the lunar calendar Ekadashi coincides with dashami - the tenth lunar day, then there is no need to limit yourself to fasting, but if it coincides with dvadashi - the twelfth day of the moon, then such Ekadashi called "pure Ekadashi" or mahadvadasi and is recommended to be strictly followed. Mahadvadashi is usually also called Ekadashami.
Breaking the fast must be done the next morning, 2-3 hours after sunrise. It is advisable that the first meal consist of fresh fruits (or juices). It must be remembered that during fasting the stomach does not work, so consuming heavy food at the end can upset the health of the entire body. Be attentive to yourself.
Preparation for fasting on Ekadashi
For those who for the first time decided to go on a dry fast during Ekadashi, it is better to prepare in advance. You need to adjust accordingly. Tune your mind and body. On the eve of fasting, it is advisable not to overeat or consume animal food; you can eat vegetables, fruits, and cereals in moderation. You can carry out cleansing procedures in the form of enemas or in any other way known to you. The way out of hunger should also be gentle on the body, drink juices, eat vegetables, fruits, maybe light porridge, but also in small quantities.
History of Ekadashi
Story Ekadashi goes back into the deep past. According to the Padma Purana, in order to help living beings free themselves from bad karma, Vishnu manifested himself as the goddess of the lunar day Ekadashi. By worshiping this goddess, living beings were able to quickly reach the spiritual world of Vaikuntha. The personified sin Papapurusha had nowhere to live and he complained to Vishnu. To save him, Vishnu provided him with the opportunity to hide from the influence Ekadashi in grains and legumes. It is believed that since then the one who honors Ekadashi, is freed from all sins, but the one who eats legumes on this day takes sin into himself.
Generally speaking, everyone who cares about their health should observe Ekadashi. Like everything connected with the Vedas, this fast did not arise out of nowhere and, in addition to religious motives, is explained from the point of view of health.
The Vaishnava calendar is built taking into account not only the solar, but also the lunar cycle, and Ekadashi is observed 2 times a month, on the 11th day after the new moon and the 11th day after the full moon (26th lunar day). The ancient sages noticed that these days the earth becomes “wet,” that is, lunar gravity lifts water from the depths closer to the surface. A similar process occurs in our body, which contributes to much better cleansing than on other days. In addition, these days are considered energetically strong and you will easily endure hunger and be perfectly cleansed. The main principle of Ekadashi - refusal of grains and legumes - is due to the fact that these products bind water in the body. Everyone knows that foods rich in fiber swell the stomach. So, these days, eating grains and legumes is simply harmful to digestion.
I will quote the rules and regulations of the Vaishnavas:
"If you can't fast in Ekadashi completely and without water, then The garden on this day should be quite simple, preferably once a day, in order to spend as much time chanting and listening as possible.
According to the strict standards of the Goudiya Vedanta Samiti (Srila Bhaktipragyan Keshava
Goswami Maharaja) in Ekadashi should not be eaten:
Eggplants, tomatoes, honey, cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers;
Legumes: peas, chickpeas, beans, beans and any products made
from beans or grains (papadams, tofu, coffee drinks);
Indian vegetables like karela (bitter lemon), loki, parmal (potol), toroi,
kunli, bendy, deta (“drumsticks”), banana flowers; as well as leaves and stems
all these vegetables;
Any leaves: spinach, lettuce, cabbage, curry, neem, parsley, etc.;
grain and products made from it: millet, oats, wheat, semolina, pasta, rice, corn,
as well as any flour made from grains and legumes (rice, chickpeas, lentils, etc.);
Extracts from corn or other grains, as well as products prepared from
these extracts or mixed with them: baking soda, baking powder,
many soft drinks, some types of cottage cheese, some types of yogurt,
caramel, sweets, etc.;
Oil squeezed from grain: corn, mustard, sesame, etc., as well as
foods fried in such oil, such as potato chips. Some
classified as prohibited Ekadashi oils and sunflower.
IN Ekadashi You can use the following spices: turmeric, black pepper,
ginger and salt, but only from new, clean bags.
And the following spices cannot be used: sesame, cumin, asafoetida, shamballa,
mustard, tamarind, fennel, kalinji, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, etc.
Foods you can eat Always, even in Ekadashi and in chaturmasyu:
Any fruit (fresh or dried), any nuts (also peanuts) and nut butter;
Potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini, cucumbers, radishes, green papa, lemons,
avocado, olives, coconut, any sugar;
Buckwheat (but it must be carefully sorted from grains);
Any dairy products, with the exception of milk and yogurt in appropriate
months chaturmasya."
The Vaishnava calendar can be found on the Internet. For example, there is
an add-on to Google, installed on a personal page, reminding you that
When is the next post date?
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HOW TO OBSERVE EKADASHI.
Generally speaking, fasting means complete abstinence from food and drink, although you can drink acamana water and caranamrita (three drops only). Anyone who finds this impossible should eat only grain-free food once in the afternoon. This food, called nakta, i.e. dinner, should consist of root vegetables (except beets), fruits, water, dairy products, nuts, sugar and vegetables (except mushrooms). On Ekadashi, you should try not to drink or eat more than once. As Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in the first chapter of this book, one who fasts completely on Ekadashi will get all the reward, and one who eats only pact - half. Of course, for every devotee in the Krishna Consciousness movement, preaching is the most important duty, and if complete fasting on Ekadasi interferes with this duty, it does not need to be observed. But if a devotee can follow the rules of a full fast and continue to perform his duties, he should do so at all costs. In any case, one should strictly avoid eating grains on Ekadashi. You should also avoid: sleeping during the day; rub with oil; chew betel nuts; touching a menstruating woman, chandalas, drunkards, weavers or washerwomen; to shave; eat from bronze utensils. The eater should, in addition to grains and legumes, avoid the following: spinach, honey, eggplant, eating in other people's houses, asafoetida and sea salt (other types of salt, such as table salt, are acceptable). Only those who are sick can take homeopathic medicines on this holy day. Although now the Vedic calendar begins with the month chaitra(March-April), in ancient times the new year began with the month Marga-Shirsha, i.e. November-December. This is a very favorable month. As Lord Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita: “Among the months I am November and December.” Those who begin to fast on Ekadashi usually start from this month. There are two Ekadashis in each month: one in the dark half of the month and one in the light half. They have the same power of spiritual advancement.
To begin fasting, a devotee must first make a firm decision to strictly adhere to this vow. He must then find a learned, twice-born devotee of the Supreme Lord, and learn directly from him the sacred process of fasting on Ekadashi. One who is completely unable to fast due to serious illness or old age should find a highly advanced soul and donate something to him on Ekadashi. However, for Vaisnavas, the injunction to donate on Ekadashi means that on this day they should make special efforts to spread Krsna consciousness, the greatest treasure. This is true donation. An important practice is to listen and read about each Ekadashi. Lord Sri Krishna Himself highly recommended this practice as an aid in achieving the results of fasting. If Ekadashi is accidentally missed, you can observe it on the next day, Dvadasi, and break the fast on Trayodasi, the third day. As stated in the Vedic scriptures: “If a sincere aspiring to reach the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead has forgotten about Ekadasi, he can observe it on Dvadashi, because Ekadasi is extended to the next day.”
During the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight, one should meditate on the 12 holy names of Lord Vishnu, chanting the mantra he is keshavaya namah and other mantras regularly chanted by devotees of the Lord when applied to the body tilakis, sacred clay. During the Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of the month, the devotee should meditate on the 16 holy names of the fourfold expansion of the Supreme Lord and their subsequent plenary parts. The devotee should chant Om Sankarsanaya Namah, Om Govindaya Namah, etc. [cm. Caitanya-caritamrta, madhya-lila, 20.195-97].
During each Ekadashi one should constantly meditate on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, giving due respect to the plenary expansions. One can also meditate on the recognized appearances of the Lord in the form Murthy, of which there are eight varieties. In Srimad Bhagavatam Lord Krishna says to Uddhava: “There are eight varieties of the murti of the Lord: stone, wood, metal, clay, painting, sand, mental and precious stones.” If astronomically Ekadashi coincides with the dates, the tenth day of the moon, there is no need to limit yourself to fasting, but if it coincides with Dvadashi, the twelfth day, then this is called pure Ekadashi, or Mahadvadasi, and must be observed. In Vedic civilization, Mechadvadasas are usually also called Ekadasas.
After strictly observing Ekadasi according to the rules and regulations, one must break the fast within 2.5 hours after sunrise on Dvadashi. According to the scriptures, everyone above five years of age should fast on Ekadashi. Also, every Acharya advises all the four social and spiritual orders of life to observe Ekadashi sincerely and strictly in order to attain the supreme abode of Sri Krishna. However, there is advice for married women: “When her husband is alive, a wife must ask his permission to fast. Neglecting this, she cuts life fly and sends him to hell." Therefore, a married woman must obtain permission from her mukha to fast on Ekadashi.
On Ekadashi in the morning, the devotee should appear before the Murti of the Supreme Personality of Godhead - Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Rama - and chant prayers Purusha-sukta, beginning with words sahasra-sirsa purusah. Next, the devotee should offer his humble obeisances to the Lord and meditate on His lotus feet, chanting om damodaraya namah; at His feet, chanting om madhavaya namah; on His private parts - om kamapataye namah; on the hips - om vamanaya namah; on the navel - om padmanabhaya namah; on the stomach - om vishwamurtaye namah; on the heart - om gyanagamiya namah; on His throat - om srikanthaya namah; in His arms - om sahasrabahave namah; on lotus eyes - om paramayogine namah: on the forehead - om urugayai namah; on the nose - om narakeshavaraya namah; on His hair - om sarvakamadaya namah; and on His head, chanting Om sahasrashirshaya namah.
In this way, a sincere devotee should meditate on the beautiful spiritual form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and offer him his humble obeisances. The devotee should chant His holy names - Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare - while playing various musical instruments: one should also chant calmly on the beads, with complete reverence and love . If possible, the devotee should stay awake all night praising the Lord. A devotee who follows the orders of his spiritual master and observes Ekadashi (completely fasting and glorifying the Lord all day and all night with loving devotion) will certainly become completely absorbed in pure Krishna consciousness.
On Dvadasi, the devotee must first cleanse his body by taking bath and his heart by chanting maha-mantra. Then he should prepare sumptuous food for the pleasure of the Lord and offer it to Him with great devotion and sincere prayers. After distributing food to other devotees and brahmanas, he can break his fast and enjoy the feast.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book should complement Srila Prabhupada's books. It consists of translations of passages from various Puranas written by Srila Vyasadeva, the literary incarnation of the Lord. Srila Suta Goswami addresses 88,000 saints gathered in the Naimisaranya forest. Saunaka, the leader of all the saints, asks Suta Goswami how to become free from all reactions of sinful activities. One who is not freed from all sins cannot offer pure devotional service. As Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, “Yesam tvanta-gatam papam jananam punyakarmanam. bhajante mam drdha-vratah— having acted piously in previous lives and in one whose sinful activities have been completely eradicated, serves Me with determination.” In response to Saunaka, Suta Goswami narrates various historical events and conversations that took place in ancient times. Some may think that the strict rules for observing Ekadashi given in these narrations are a section of the scriptures dedicated to karma-kanda, but all these rules should help the devotee who strives to achieve the highest purification. If only these stories weren't pure. Lord Krishna, Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Lord Brahma, Narada Muni, Suta Goswami and Saunaka Rishi would not waste their precious time presenting the texts so exhaustively. Moreover, Sri Dvaipayana Vyasa, the literary incarnation of the Lord, would not describe these facts in the Puranas, which are intended for those in the mode of goodness. Therefore, the spiritually inclined person should take these instructions fully to heart. They are all meant to lift us up.
As Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, the entire process of Krsna consciousness is based on vairachya-vidya, “renunciation and knowledge.” Strict observance of Ekadasi is an authoritative, authentic process of renunciation that increases the purity of the devotee and his love for Krishna. As Srila Prabhupada writes in The Nectar of Devotion [page 63], the Brahma-vaivarta Purana states that one who fasts on Ekadasi day is free from the reactions of all sinful activities and is advanced in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase faith and love for Govinda, Krishna. The real meaning of fasting on Ekadashi is to minimize the demands of the Body and spend time in the service of the Lord by chanting and performing such services. It is best to remember the pastimes of Govinda and constantly listen to His holy name during fasting days.” Thus one should fast on Ekadashi with great devotion to Krishna and not for material reasons. As Narada Muni Vyasadeva says in the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, we should strive to obtain what is not achieved by wandering through the higher and lower planetary systems of this universe with countless births in many species of life. This goal is pure Krishna consciousness, which will take us back to the abode of Lord Krishna in the spiritual sky.
Therefore we request everyone to take advantage of the great benefit of the civilized human form of life by adopting the practice of pure devotional service to Krishna, achieve liberation from birth, old age, disease and death and return home, back to Godhead. Proper observance of Sri Ekadasi will greatly strengthen pure devotional service. Thus, everyone is invited to participate in the festival of fasting on Ekadashi.
APPEAL
Suta Gosvami said: “There are twelve months in a year and two Ekadashis in each month. Thus, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year and two more Ekadashis in a leap year. O great saints, please listen carefully as I announce the names to you
of these auspicious days: Utpanna, Mokshada, Saphala, Putrada, Sat-tila, Jaya, Vijaya, Amalaki, Papamochani, Kamada, Varuthini, Mohini, Apara, Nirjala, Yogini, Padma (Devashayani), Kamika, Putrada, Aja, Parivartini, Indira , Papankusha, Rama and Haribodhini (Devotthani). The two additional Ekadashis in a leap year are called Padmini and Parama. O saints, one who hears about these Ekadashis will learn how to observe them correctly. Each Ekadashi bestows special benefits on those who strictly observe them.
The one to whom physically it is impossible to fast on Ekadashi, can read about the greatness of these days and repeat the names of Ekadashi, then he will achieve the same goal as one who completely observes the vow of Ekadasi.”
The material is taken from the book “Ekadashi - Day of Lord Hari”.
How to observe Ekadashi.