The significance of the auspicious day of Ekadashi in Hinduism. Ekadashi refers to the eleventh day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krushna Paksha) lunar phases in the Hindu calendar month. It occurs twice within a lunar month, typically 24 times a year. Ekadashi holds significant religious and spiritual importance for millions of Hindus worldwide. Observing Ekadashi is believed to bring spiritual merit and cleanse one’s sins.

In Sanskrit, Ekadashi means eleven. According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the two lunar cycles of the moon, after a new and full moon. On this auspicious day, the devotees of the Hindu god of preservation, Vishnu, go on a fast, offer prayers and chant mantras of praises. It is celebrated as a propitious day in Jainism too.

Ekadashi in Hinduism

Mythologically, Ekadashi was a goddess created by lord Vishnu. In one of the yugas or eras of life, a demon named Murdanav was causing havoc on Earth. The demon possessed unbelievable strength and was not easy to defeat. It was Ekadashi who finally killed Murdanav, restoring peace on the planet. She emerged from the ten senses or indriya and the mind of the body, taking up the name Ekadashi. As Vishnu was impressed by her, he bestowed her with a boon. She said that on the favourable day of Ekadashi, people should work upon governing their eleven senses by not consuming grain and cereals like white, rice etc. Which is why fasting on this day is also seen as a form of penance. By doing so, people can wash themselves off of their sins and eventually attain Moksh.

A Hindu month observes Ekadashi in the two phases of Shukla paksha, the brightening or waxing of moon, and Krishna paksha, fading of moon. The human body is greatly influenced by the magnetic pull of the moon. Fasting on Ekadashi aids in regulation of bodily fluids and maintenance of the body for a  peaceful mind and healthy body. Ekadashi is also associated with controlling all the ten senses and mind of the body to free oneself from getting enslaved by anger, arrogance, lust and the likes. The aim is to disconnect from the materialistic needs and focus on one’s consciousness. A person that is well fed easily slides into a state of comfort but one which is not, his mind stays proactive.

Throughout the year, a total of 24 such days occur, symbolising the avatars or reincarnations of god Vishnu. Worshipping lord Vishnu on Ekadashi is deemed to be highly beneficial as the deity showers blessings of prosperity, harmony, bliss and success upon its devotees. Furthermore, these fasts lessen the influence of malefic Grahas too.

Here are 24 Ekadashis observed in a Hindu lunar calendar year, each with its own significance and associated rituals. Here are the names of all the Ekadashis along with brief explanations of their significance:

1. Pausha Putrada Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Pausha (December – January). It is believed to bless childless couples with progeny and is dedicated to seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
2. Shattila Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Magha (January – February), Shattila Ekadashi is observed by some communities in North India. It is considered auspicious for Vishnu worship.
3. Jaya Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Magha (January – February), Jaya Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to bring victory and success.
4. Vijaya Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Phalguna (February – March), Vijaya Ekadashi is observed for seeking victory and overcoming obstacles. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
5. Amalaki Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Phalguna (February – March) and is dedicated to worshipping the Amla tree (Indian Gooseberry). It is believed to bestow health and well-being.
6. Papmochani Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Chaitra (March – April), Papmochani Ekadashi is observed for seeking forgiveness and liberation from sins. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
7. Kamada Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Chaitra (March – April), Kamada Ekadashi is believed to fulfill desires and wishes. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
8. Varuthini Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Vaishakha (April – May) and is observed for seeking purification and atonement. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
9. Mohini Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Vaishakha (April – May), Mohini Ekadashi is believed to bring beauty and enchantment. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
10. Apara Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June), Apara Ekadashi is observed for seeking forgiveness and spiritual growth. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
11. Nirjala Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June) and is considered one of the most significant Ekadashis. Devotees observe a strict fast without consuming food or water, seeking spiritual purification and blessings from Lord Vishnu.
12. Yogini Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Ashadha (June – July), Yogini Ekadashi is observed for spiritual discipline and self-control. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
13. Devshayani Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Ashadha (June – July), Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period (the four auspicious months). It is observed for seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu and is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi.
14. Kamika Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Shravana (July – August) and is observed for seeking divine protection and blessings. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
15. Pavitra Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Shravana (July – August), Pavitra Ekadashi is observed for spiritual purification and cleansing of sins. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
16. Aja Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September), Aja Ekadashi is observed for seeking divine blessings and overcoming obstacles. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
17. Parsva Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September) and is observed for seeking spiritual merit and liberation. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
18. Indira Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Ashwin (September – October), Indira Ekadashi is observed for seeking prosperity and abundance. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
19. Papankusha Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Ashwin (September – October), Papankusha Ekadashi is observed for seeking liberation from sins and negative karma. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
20. Rama Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Kartika (October – November) and is observed for seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It is dedicated to Lord Rama.
21. Prabodhini Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Kartika (October – November), Prabodhini Ekadashi marks the end of the Chaturmas period and the beginning of wedding season in Hindu culture. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
22. Utpanna Ekadashi: Falling in the month of Margashirsha (November – December), Utpanna Ekadashi is observed for seeking prosperity and well-being. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
23. Mokshada Ekadashi: This Ekadashi falls in the month of Margashirsha (November – December) and is observed for seeking liberation and spiritual enlightenment. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
24. Saphala Ekadashi: Occurring in the month of Pausha (December – January), Saphala Ekadashi is observed for seeking success and fulfillment of desires. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Each Ekadashi holds its own significance and is observed with specific rituals and prayers by devotees seeking spiritual growth, blessings, and fulfillment of desires.

Ekadashi fasting

Ekadashi vrat or fasting on this important day helps the body purify and prepare itself to attain Moksh or liberation, which is the ultimate goal of Hinduism. Cleansing of one’s soul too is a goal of this fasting. Only certain foods and water is permitted during this fast. Several followers of the religion fully stay away from any solid foods too.

While fasting, individuals should not harbour negative feelings of anger, jealousy and avoid violence at all costs. This is the period to indulge in spiritual practices to become closer to the supreme forces and devote yourself in prayers.

Fasting on Ekadashi is a common practice among Hindus and followers of certain other Indian religions. It involves abstaining from food and sometimes water for the entire day, from sunrise to the following day’s sunrise, though variations in the fasting practice exist depending on individual beliefs and personal health considerations. Here’s a general overview of fasting on Ekadashi:

1. Complete Fasting: Some individuals observe a strict fast, abstaining from all food and water throughout the day and night of Ekadashi. This is considered a more rigorous form of fasting and is typically practiced by those who are physically able to do so without risking their health.
2. Partial Fasting: Many people choose to observe a partial fast on Ekadashi, where they abstain from consuming grains, beans, certain vegetables, and other foods considered rajasic or tamasic. Instead, they may consume fruits, nuts, dairy products, and non-grain-based items. Some may also consume water or milk during the fasting period.
3. Sattvic Diet: Those observing Ekadashi often adhere to a sattvic diet, which consists of foods that are considered pure, light, and conducive to spiritual practices. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products.
4. Spiritual Practices: Alongside fasting, individuals may engage in various spiritual practices on Ekadashi, such as chanting prayers, reading scriptures, performing rituals, attending temple services, and spending time in meditation or contemplation.
5. Breaking the Fast: The fast is typically broken on the following day, Dwadashi, after sunrise. Some people break their fast with a simple meal of fruits, nuts, and other sattvic foods, while others may have a more substantial meal later in the day.
6. Intentions and Devotion: Fasting on Ekadashi is often undertaken with specific intentions, such as seeking spiritual purification, expressing devotion to a deity, or seeking blessings for oneself or loved ones.

Overall, fasting on Ekadashi is seen as an opportunity for spiritual purification, self-discipline, and devotion within Hindu tradition. It is a time for individuals to reflect on their spiritual path and deepen their connection with the divine.