Ekadashi Vrat

Significance Of Ekadashi

Ekadashi ('Hari Vasara' or 'Hari din') is considered significant according to the Hindu culture. The significance of this auspicious period is mentioned in the pious texts of Padma Purana as well as Skanda Purana. This tithi is celebrated by both the Vaishnav and non-Vaishnav communities. On this day, the devotees avoid eating cereals, vegetables, etc.

The tithi of Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu by performing prayers as well as chanting mantras and ask for the blessings to get overall prosperity. It is a ritual to bathe and get ready early in the Dashami morning. After sunset on Ekadashi, devotees chant Aartis and read Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

Ekadashi Mantra

While performing Ekadashi Puja, one should recite 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,'. It is the mantra of Lord Vishnu. On this auspicious day, it is also recommended to chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra 108 times. While doing their morning and evening prayers, devotees should also recite Ekadashi Mata Aarti.

How is Ekadashi Puja done?

Ekadashi Puja starts with getting up early and doing the early morning prayer which includes taking a pledge to fast on this auspicious day. On this day, one should worship Lord Vishnu and include Gangajal and Panchamrit and other pious ingredients like Holy Basil in the ritual. This fast can be done in two different ways- Nirahar and Falahar. While the devotees do not eat anything for the entire day in Nirahar, the devotee can eat the food allowed in the fast in Falahar. The food should be consumed after worshiping Lord Vishnu. But, the vidhi or process of Ekadashi Parana is finished on the Dwadashi tithi, the next day of the fast.

Ekadashi Vrat Parana Vidhi

The whole process of opening the fast of Ekadashi once it is completed is known as Ekadashi Vrat Parana. Vrat Parana is done after the sunrise on the Dwadashi, the day after Ekadashi. The devotees should keep in mind that this ritual is performed exclusively on the tithi of Dwadashi and in the day’s first quarter which is referred to as Hari Vasar.

On the occasion of Dwadashi tithi, it is believed that devotees should give food to the Brahmin or help the needy to bring prosperity.

What Can You Eat During Ekadashi Fast?

Few things to take care of if you're fasting on the day of Ekadashi are mentioned below:

• You are only allowed to consume a single meal in a day. Take care of not including salt in your meal.
• You can consume products made from milk, fresh and dry fruits, or vegetables while observing this fast.
• Because cereals are not permitted, Sabudana Khichdi with groundnuts or combined with potatoes can be consumed. On the day of Dashami, even dal and honey should also be avoided. Rice consumption is also strictly restricted.
• One should not consume non-vegetarian food as well as alcohol.
• On this day, some devotees observe complete fasting and do not even drink water. This type of fasting is called Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.
• On the day following Ekadashi, the ritual of Dashami Tithi is followed. It is recommended to bathe in the early morning and pray to Lord Vishnu by burning a Diya on this day. This fast should be opened by eating the food which was cooked on Dashami.