Ekadashi fasting, or Ekadashi Vrat, is a significant Hindu ritual. In Sanskrit, Ekadashi means ‘Eleven ’, and it corresponds to the 11th day of every fortnight. Every month, two Ekadashi Tithis fall on Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.
According to Hindu scriptures, Ekadashi fasting is observed for 48 hours, beginning on the eve of Ekadashi and continuing until the next day morning.
Significance of Ekadashi
“Hari Vasara” and “Hari din” are the other names of Ekadashi. The significance of Ekadashi fasting is mentioned in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. Both Vaishnavite and non-Vaishnavite observe Ekadashi fasting. Devotees who observe Ekadashi fasting 2027 refrain from eating spices, wheat and most vegetables. They begin preparing for the fast on Dashami (10th day) or the day before Ekadashi.
Ekadashi Vrat is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees offer prayers, chant mantras, offer Poojas, and praise the Lord’s name to invoke his blessings for well-being and prosperity. They narrate the Ekadashi Vrata Katha (Ekadashi story) and also give spiritual sermons after sunset on Ekadashi.
What is Ekadashi Pooja Vidhi?
On Ekadashi fasting, devotees must wake up early and vow to fast for the day during the morning prayer. They should include Holy Ganga water, Holy Basil, flowers and panchamrit while worshipping Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi fasting 2027 can be observed in two ways. Devotees who fast on Ekadashi can consume food after worshipping Lord Vishnu in the evening. However, Ekadashi Parana Vidhi is completed the next day, on Dwadashi.
What is Ekadashi Vrat Parana Vidhi?
The process of ending the Ekadashi fast 2027 is known as Ekadashi Vrat Parana. People perform it on Dwadashi after sunrise. Ekadashi Vrat Parana is specifically performed in the first quarter of the day, called Hari Vasara. People are advised to serve food to the poor or a Brahmin on Dwadashi Tithi.
What are the types of Ekadashi Vrat?
Devotees are advised to observe Ekadashi fasting on two consecutive days at times. Smarthas are advised to observe Ekadashi fasting with family on the first day only. Ekadashi fast (often observed as Vaishnava Ekadashi) is prescribed for ascetics, widows, and spiritual seekers pursuing Moksha.
What is Ekadashi Vrat Katha?
24 Ekadashi fasts are observed every year, 12 in Shukla Paksha and 12 in Krishna Paksha. Every fast has a different Ekadashi Vrat Katha. The most celebrated Ekadashis are Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Ashadi Ekadashi.
