ఏకాదశి

Prabodini Ekadasi fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu is observed during the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of moon, in Kartik month (October – November). Prabodini Ekadasi 2009 date is October 29. Tulsi Vivah ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu also begins on the day. Kartik Shudda Ekadasi Pandarpur Yatra to Lord Vithal Temple in Maharashtra is also held on the day. The popular belief is that observing Prabodini Ekadasi will help in attaining Moksha and also in redemption of sins. The greatness of Prabodini Ekadasi was narrated to Sage Narada by Brahma. The divine conversation is found in the Skanda Purana. The Chaturmasa Vrata ends on Prabodini Ekadasi day. In some regions, especially in Gujarat, certain Hindu communities observe a strict fast on the day – Nirjala Fast – and they don’t even drink water while fasting. In most regions all the usual rules associated with Ekadasi fasting is observed on Prabodini Ekadasi day. Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. The traditional approach is to abstain from food completely on the day. But nowadays a complete fast is not possible for many people. Such people consume certain food items on the Ekadasi day and observe only a partial fast. It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains. Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice. The food that can be consumed on the Ekadasi day includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts. As the list of Ekadasi food expands there will be new issues cropping up like – Are you sure this can be consumed on Ekadasi. So the golden rule is avoid pulses and grains on Ekadasi. Drink lots of water and eat fresh and dried fruits. In Hinduism, Upvaas is meant to bring a person close to Brahman. So forget about the rules and regulations and what you are going to gain from the Ekadashi fast. Spend the day in purifying the mind and body.