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Ekadasi
Ekadasi
By
His e-books Guide to 108 Divya Desams, Guide to 275 Siva Sthalams, Ganesha,
Muruga, Pilgrimage to Narasimhaswami shetrams, Tirupati Gangamma, Vision of
Sri Madhwacharya and Guru Raghavendra, The Path of Ramanuja, Guide to
Kancheepuram, Hanuman and Hinduism in a nutshell, Puri Jagannath Rathayatra,
have been well received in the religious circle. He was associated in the renovation
and production of two Documentary films on Nava Tirupathi Temples, and
Tirukkurungudi Temple in Tamilnadu.
Acknowledgement:
I wish to express my gratitude to the authors from whose works I gathered the
details for this book, and Courtesy, Google for some of the photographs.
The special feature of Ekadasi, as most people know it, is a fast, abstinence from
diet. This is how it is usually understood.
Ekadasi Supreme of all Fast. Ekadasi vrat is most beneficial of all vratas and
upvasa (fasting). It is believed to be equivalent to performing many Yagnas. It is so
commendable fast that anyone who hears or reads the story of Ekadasi is freed
from all kinds of sins.
There is a beautiful story about the origin of Ekadasi fasting. Once, in the Satya-
yuga (the golden age) Lord Narayana was engaged in a battle with a demon called
Mura. Feeling tired, the Lord decided to rest from the long battle. However, Mura
wanted to kill the Lord while he was sleeping. Suddenly from the body of the Lord
manifested a young girl, who slayed the demon Mura. This girl was the none other
than Mahasakti. Pleased, Narayana gave her the name Ekadasi (as she appeared on
the eleventh day of the waning moon). He also granted her the boon that anyone
who fasts on Ekadasi will become free from sin and attain His transcendental
abode. Lord Krishna in Bhagavath geetha says those who do Ekadasi fasting are
very dear and near to Him. Even if not fasting, just reading corresponding stories
of each Ekadasi will give salvation.
The significance of Ekadasi and Dvadasi vrathams are covered in Srimadh
Bhagavatham in Canto 9, chapters 4 and 5. These chapters of Srimadh
Bhagavatham are brilliantly summarized by Sri Naarayana Bhattadhiri in his
Naarayaneeyam (33rd dasakam).
UTPANA EKADASI
MOKHSADA EKADASI
The legend about Mokshada Ekadasi is narrated by Lord Krishna to the Pandavas
King Yudhistira in the Brahmanda Purana. According to Puranas, Lord Vishnu
opened the gate of Vaikuntam (his abode) for two demons in spite of them being
against the Lord. The demons asked for the boon that those listen to their story and
see the image of Lord coming out of the Dwar called Vaikunth Dwar (Doors of
Heaven) also reach Vaikunt as well. Temples all over the India makes a door kind
of structure for devotees to pass through on this day.
SAPHALA EKADASI
PUTRADA EKADASI
SAPHALA EKADASI
PUTRADA EKADASI
The history of Putrada Ekadasi is found in the Bhavisya Purana. Lord Krishna
narrates the history where King Suketuman asks Visvadevas how to remedy his
problems. Visvadevas replied that if he observed Putrada Ekadasi, his problems
will be solved.
SAT-TILA EKADASI
JAYA EKADASI
SAT-TILA EKADASI
JAYA EKADASI
The history of Bhaimi Ekadasi also known as Jaya Ekadasi is found in the
Bhavisya Purana where Lord Krishna tells Yudhisthira how Malyavan, the famous
celestial singer, was cursed by Indra to become a hobgoblin. While singing in the
assembly of Indra, Malyavan became lustfully attracted to Puspavati, which
disturbed the assembly. Thus being cursed by Indra, both Malyavan and Puspavati
fell from heaven and suffered on earth until they performed the Jaya Ekadasi fast.
This history indicates if Jaya Ekadasi is followed properly, one can become free
from all categories of curses.
VIJAYA EKADASI
AMALAKI EKADASI
VIJAYA EKADASI
The history of Vijaya Ekadasi is found in the Skanda Purana, where Lord Krishna
reveals how His fasting on Vijaya Ekadasi, in His incarnation as Lord Rama,
enabled Him to cross the Indian Ocean and defeat Ravana. This Ekadasi indicates
that no matter how big a danger one has ahead of him, it can be mitigated by
observance of the Vijaya Ekadasi fast.
AMALAKI EKADASI
KAMADA EKADASI
Falls during Chaitra (MarchApril)
PAPAMOCHANI EKADASI
KAMADA EKADASI
The history of Kamada Ekadasi originates from the Varaha Purana, where Vasistha
Muni narrates the history of a celestial singer named Lalita. He describes that
Lalita was cursed by King Pundarika to become a cannibal and suffer on earth. But
through the advice his wife received from the Sage Sringi, he acquired the merits
of Kamada Ekadasi and thus received liberation. This Ekadasi indicates that merits
earned for following Ekadasi can be transferred to a loved one. Observing a vrat on
this day is highly significant as a sincere devotee can get rid of all his sins
committed so far. A fast on this day will assist in getting rid of all sins and guilt
that are a result of lust.
VARUTHINI EKADASI
MOHINI EKADASI
Falls during Vaisakha (AprilMay)
VARUTHINI EKADASI
This history is taken from the Bhavisya Uttara Purana where Lord Krishna tells
Yudhisthira how one should be cautious of whom he gives charity. Only a
traditionally born pure Brahmana is Scriptually allowed to accept charity. If
someone gives charity indiscriminately, the result is unrewarding.
MOHINI EKADASI
The history of Mohini Ekadasi is found in the Kurma Purana where Lord Krishna
speaks about the conversation which took place between Lord Rama and Vasistha
Muni. Vasistha Muni stated to Lord Rama how the sinful Dhrstabuddhi received
liberation by observing this Ekadasi, which eliminates all sins and helps in leading
a happy and prosperous life. Also, a person undergoing sadness is effectively able
to overcome this sickness
APARA EKADASI
NIRJALA EKADASI
Falls during Jyeshta (MayJune)
APARA EKADASI
The narration of this Ekadasi is explained in the Brahmanda Purana where Lord
Krishna speaks to King Yudhisthira the result one obtains by performing this
Ekadasi. This vrat would help in eliminating their sins and henceforth, would
finally assist them in attaining Moksha, or salvation.
NIRJALA EKADASI
PADMA EKADASI
Falls during Ashada (JuneJuly)
YOGINI EKADASI
The history of Yogini Ekadasi is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, where Lord
Krishna tells Yudhisthira how Hemamali, a servant of Kuvera, became free from
the curse of Kuvera. It is the most significant Ekadashi fast in order to get rid of
various ailments and diseases.
PADMA EKADASI
This chapter is quoted from the Bhavisya Uttara Purana where Lord Brahma
explains to Narada how King Mandhata relieved his kingdom from trouble by
fasting on Padma also known as Harishayani Ekadasi. It signifies that troubles can
be mitigated by properly fasting on Padma Ekadasi.
KAMIKA EKADASI
PUTRADA EKADASI
KAMIKA EKADASI
This chapter is quoted from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord Brahma
explains to Narada the importance of performing devotional service and
worshipping Tulasi while performing the Kamika Ekadasi fast. The result of
performing this Ekadasi is unlimited.
This chapter is found in the Bhavisya Uttara Purana where Lord Krishna tells
Yudhisthira how Lomasa Rishi told King Mahijit to fast on Putrada Ekadasi to
mitigate the curse that had been put on him by a thirsty cow. This vrat is
considered highly significant and auspicious for performing good deeds and
seeking blessings of the Lord.
PATRADA EKADASI:
There is a popular belief that married couples without children will be blessed with
children if they observe Putrada Ekadasi.
AJA EKADASI
PARIVARTINI EKADASI
AJA EKADASI
The narration of this Ekadasi is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where
Gautama Muni tells King Harischandra to fast on Aja Ekadasi in order to solve his
problems. Sometimes envious people create problems for others on the devotional
path, as was the case of King Harischandra, but by properly fasting on this
Ekadasi; such situations can be peacefully eradicated.
PARIVARTINI EKADASI
This Ekadasi chapter is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord Krishna
tells Yudhisthira how Lord Vishnu rests on the serpent Sesha, in the Milk Ocean,
and while asleep on this day that He turns over from sleeping on one side to His
other. There is a history in this chapter referencing Lord Vamanadeva punishing
King Bali Maharaja.
INDIRA EKADASI
PAPANKUSA EKADASI
.INDIRA EKADASI
This chapter is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Narada Muni tells
King Indrasena to perform Indira Ekadasi so that his suffering father can be
released from hell. Fasting on Ekadasi does not only benefit the performer, it also
helps one's relatives who may be suffering in hell. It is believed that observing this
Ekadasi will help in removing the sins committed by oneself and ones forefathers
PAPANKUSA EKADASI
This chapter is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord Krishna speaks
the very important points about how to observe Ekadasi and what merit one obtains
by doing so. One will be able to fulfill his dreams and observing it is equal to
performing numerous yajnas and making several offerings
RAMA EKADASI
HARIBODHINI EKADASI
RAMA EKADASI
The history of this Ekadasi is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana where Lord
Krishna tells King Yudhisthira about the history of Chandrabhaga and her
deceased husband Shobhana. How Chandrabhaga could transfer the merits of her
Ekadasi fast to her husband is stated in this chapter. Sins and evil deeds can be
washed away by observing a vrat on this day.
HARIBODHINI EKADASI
This chapter is narrated by Lord Brahma to his son Narada in the Skanda Purana,
where Lord Brahma tells how Lord Visnu and other demigods get up on this day.
Kartika month ends on this day. The Hindu devotees believe that Lord Vishnu
woke up from his Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) on this day
PARAMA EKADASI
PADMINI EKADASI
In this chapter Lord Krishna describes the rules and regulations, as well as the
benefits regarding the Ekadasi to Yudhisthira. Lord Krishna also narrates about the
history of Kartaviryarjuna's mother Padmini, which Pulastya muni recites to
Narada. This Ekadasi appears on the extra month of every leap year and hence very
special. Whoever observes this Ekadasi will have all his desires fulfilled and surely
attain to the spiritual abode of Krishna.
PARAMA EKADASI
Like Padmini Ekadasi this Ekadasi also appears on the extra month of every leap
year. Fasting on this Ekadasi bestows the great benediction of an enjoyable life and
ultimate liberation from birth and death, nullifies all kinds of sins and removes all
miseries caused by poverty. The history of a brahmana Sumedha and his wife
Pavitra is narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira.
Vaikunta Ekadasi is one the important and auspicious days to the Hindus. It is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It occurs in the Hindu calander month of Margazi
(December and January). Also called the 'Mukkoti Ekadasi', Mokshada Ekadasi
when observed, it bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The
significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi is mentioned in the 'Padma Purana'.
Fasting on Ekadasi is considered holier than any other religious observation. And
according to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadasi is equivalent to fasting
on the remaining 23 Ekadasis of the year
Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntam (his abode) for two demons in spite of their
being against Him. They demons asked for the boon that whoever listens to their
story and sees the image of Vishnu coming out of the door, called Vaikunt Dwar,
will reach Vaikunt as well. Temples all over India make a door kind of structure
for devotees to walk through on this day.
On the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, Lord Krishna taught Bhagavad gita. The eighteen
chapters of Bhagavad gita present the moksha shastra - secrets of Liberation.
Through the path of Gnana, Bhakti and Karma, one reaches liberation. Bhagavad
gita is the key to open the locks of the gates of Vaikunta. Study of Bhagavad gita,
teaching of Bhagavad gita, practicing Bhagavad gita opens the Gate of Vaikunta.
It is believed that on the day of the Vaikunta ekadasi, Devatas and Asuras churned
the milky ocean. As per Hindu belief Milky ocean represents the satvik mind.
Devatas and Asuras represent the positive and negative thoughts.
It can be compared that churning produced the halahala poison, of deep routed
samskaras and vasanas in us. Many powers of the mind - siddhis manifest
represented by jewels coming out of Milky ocean, Dhanvantari the Divine doctor
appearing (representing the healing abilities of sadhak), and Mahalaxmi
(representing Divine qualities - shat sampatti) appearing. Finally, amrita - nectar
appears. Nectar of wisdom, Nectar of enlightenment and Nectar of liberation. This
is the day Lord Shiva drank poison and hence Ekadasi is also called Nanjunda
ekadasi. Shiva represents - adi Guru. Who drinks the poison of the samskara and
vasanas of human life.
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi and the splendour of the observance of that
special Ekadasi can be witnessed by devotees at Srirangam Temple.
Ekadasi is the most sought after festival of temple town Guruvayur and devotees
from all around throng the famed Sree Krishna temple to participate in the much
popular festival. The Ekadasi festival coincides with the Mandala season and also
at a time when temples in Kerala begin to reverberate with the festival tunes. And
each year thousands of devotees from across the State congregate at the Guruvayur
Sree Krishna Temple to take part in the Ekadasi celebrations.
Its believed that it was during the Suklapaksha Ekadasi day of the Malayalam
month of Vrischikam that Lord Vishnu was reincarnated as Ekadasi Tithi in the
form of a Devi. This day is also observed as Holy Gita Day as it was on this
auspicious day that Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of Gita to Arjuna.
Yet another legend says that Adi Sanakaracharya was flying over the Sree Krishna
temple on this particular day. Since he did not bother to attend the Ekadasi
Ezhunellippu that was going on in the temple premises, all of a sudden he lost his
supernatural powers and fell flat in front of Lord Guruvayoorappan. There are still
indications of Sankaras body found on the ground in the temple.
Nirjala Ekadasi also known as Pandav Bhim Ekadasi is also an important and
significant Ekadasis, and devotees do not even drink water on the day.
Legend has it that Bhima, the second of Pandava brothers, wanted to observe
Ekadasi still ate food, since fasting was not possible. Sage Vyasa advised Bhim to
observe Nirjala Ekadasi fasting which falls during the waxing phase (Shukla
Paksha) in Jyeshta month as it has the benefits of observing all the 24 Ekadasis.
Thus Bhim was able to get the benefits of all Ekadasis by observing Nirjala
Ekadasi, without even drinking water.
Nirjala Ekadasi is one of the strictest fast in Hindu religion and among all
Ekadasis. Nirjala means without water. Staunch Vishnu devotees who undertake
this fast does not drink water while fasting on the day. No food is also consumed
on the day.
It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadasi is equal to going on pilgrimage. It is
believed that after death people who have observed Nirjala Ekadasi are received by
messengers from Vaikunta, abode of Vishnu, and not by Yama, the god of death.
Kaisika Ekadasi: Belief is that those who undertake fast, and listen to Kaisika
Puranam, on Kaisika Ekadasi will attain Vaikunta Moksham.
Kaisika Puranam revolves round Nampaduvan, belonging to the Baanar family, his
unflinching faith in Lord Nambi and how he was instrumental in liberating a
Rakshasa from a curse.
Caught by the demon, Nampaduvan pleads with him to allow him to go to the
temple and observe the Ekadasi ritual that of singing the Lord's praise.
It is the eighteenth promise that finally moves the demon. It goes thus: Swarva
Swamiyum Moksha Pradhaana Sriman Narayananaiyum Devathai Galaiyum
Samamaaga Bhaavikiravan Yaavaroruvan, Avanai Poley Nithya Samsaari Aaven.
(If I do not return, I would have committed the biggest sin that exists that of
comparing and equating Lord Narayana with others. And I will become a sinner
who will never get liberation from this cycle of births.)
This extraordinary promise moves the Rakshasa and he lets Nampaduvan go,
The story of Padmini Ekadasi is related of Ravan, the king of Lanka. Once, Ravan
went for Digvijay (getting victories in all directions). In this journey of victory, he
got defeated by Kartavirya Sahastrarjun. On getting defeated, he had to stay in
prison of that king for many years. Finally he got free by the grace of Agastya
Rishi. God Narad was very happy by the imprisonment of Ravan and he asked
Rishi the reason behind Ravans defeat.
Then, Rishi said that Kartavirya Arjun can be defeated only by Lord Vishnu,
Because, his mother Padmini and father Kartavirya performed strong meditation in
a wish for a child. And, as told by Mahasati Anusuiya, both of them observed the
fast of Padmini Ekadashi. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before
them and, blessed them with a heroic son.
Papankusha Ekadasi is the Ekadashi which falls on shukla paksha of Ashwin
month. Because of the power of eradication the sins, it is called Papankunsha
Ekadasi. This auspicious ekadashi is also known as Ashwina-shukla
Ekadasi. Fasting and observing silence vow on this day eliminate all sins.
The Story is about a hunter named Krodhana who lived in the city of Vindhyachal.
He was engaged in all the wicked deeds like theft, killing animals, torturing others
etc. He continued this malicious act till the end of his death. At the final
moments, Lord Yama sent his representatives down to the Earth with the command
of bringing him to hell. Krodhana was miserable with the fear of death; he
approached Sage Angira one of the Saptharishis. The Sage advised Krodhana to
observe fast on the day of Papankusha Ekadashi which would fall on the very next
day and worship Lord Vishnu. Krodhana faithfully observed Papankusha
Ekadashi and the austerities advised by Sage Angira. Finally, he attained Salvation
at the Feet of Lord Sriman Narayana.
Satisfied with King Balis devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him that he will live
constantly with King Bali.
Bhishma Ekadasi is observed in the Magha Masa which will come during the
January and February.
Bheeshma Ekadasi is an auspicious occasion, the birth day of Sri Vishnu Sahasra
Nama Sthothram. This sthothram was revealed to Pandavas by Bheeshmacharya
when he was on the bed of arrows, after the Mahabharatha war. Lord Krishna
revealed Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Though Arjuna was able to converse with Lord
Krishna and clear many of his doubts, he couldn't absorb it completely as-it-is from
the view point of the Lord.
Fortunately, Sanjaya who is televiewing and explaining the happenings of the
war to the blind King Dhrutharashtra was able to view this upadesam also
through whom Bhagavad Gita came into this world. Ekadasi day (11th day of the
full/new moon phase) is considered to be very holy day on which devotees take
minimum food and spend most of their time contemplating on the Lord. It is the
day on which the Saththvik nature in man blossoms more easily and opens up the
way for one's enlightenment. How fortunate we are if we are with our Acharya
taking upadesam from Him about the best of the secrets a man needs to know in
his life!!
In the Kurukshethra war, between Pandavas and Kauravas, Krishna was the
sarathi (charioteer) for Arjuna. After the day's battle, when they returned to
the camp, Arjuna asked Krishna to get down and open the gate. This request
baffled Krishna as He did not get the respect of a Guru who taught him Bhagavad
Gita. Hence He concluded that, all His teaching was a waste. Then Krishna
decided to choose an acharya who can teach dharma to Pandavas. According to
Bhagavad Gitas Chapter 4 sloka 34, Thath viddhi pranipathena pariprasnena
sevaya Upadekshyanthi the jnanam jnaninah thathva-darsinaha The path of
spiritual realization is difficult. Krishna therefore advises Pandavas to
approach an enlightened master for the realization of dharma. The above sloka
dictates the principle behavior of a student, to his teacher, before anything
could be learnt from the master. The student should surrender and this should
be shown by a few activities which are dictated in the sloka. Prostrating
before Guru, without any inhibition or ego Pranipatha. When the students are being
taught, the disciple should be able to understand the essence of all those
teachings. Thus, if the student gets a doubt, he should wait for the proper
time and present them before his Guru in a prescribed way Pariprasnena. Gurus
may not clarify the doubts at once, at times they wait few months or even years
to test the disciples commitment and curiosity, and it may take a long time to
get the answers. Till then the student should serve the master in a pleasing
way which is called the "seva". Atlast the teacher who is a seer of the truth
will reveal the ultimate secrets. Krishna realizes that the most eligible
person to talk about the ultimate truth would be Bheeshma, who at that time was
lying on the bed of arrows in the battlefield, ready to leave his mortal body.
Krishna took Pandavas to Bheeshma and requested pithamaha (grandsire) to teach
the Pandavas about the Ultimate Truth and Dharma. Krishna promised pithamaha
that He would restore his memory that was buried deep due to the pains in his
body.
As it was imparted from a great acharya chosen by the Lord Himself, Sri Vishnu
Sahasra Nama is considered the essence of Gita and all the Vedas.
Bheeshmacharya was lying on the bed of arrows after being put down by Arjuna
during the war. After the war, Pandavas approached Bheeshma to teach them the
higher principles of life and wisdom, from all his great experiences. Bheeshma
who is a great Man of Action and Sacrifice, mastered the whole Dharma Sastra
and practiced it strictly throughout his life. Even the Lord of Death feared to
approach Bheeshma without his permission. Dharmaraja asks him to tell them the
greatest of the secrets that made him so great and that he thinks is the best
that can liberate all beings from the cycle of births and deaths and lead them
to planes of highest Happiness, Bliss, The Lord. Then Bheeshmacharya having
obtained boon from Lord Krishna to be able to speak in clear voice and memorise
his past deeds reveals the essence of all that he learnt from a number of sages who
had the vision of Lord in different forms. Bheeshma observe a number of
austerities imposed by the sages, served them for long periods, satisfied them that
he deserves to be taught the secret they have obtained after strenuous efforts, and
finally obtained from them the secrets. Like a honey bee that collects the honey
drops from all the flowers, Bheeshmacharya collected all the manthras from
different sages and composed Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram which he used to
practice daily. When Dharmaraja asked him to reveal the greatest of secrets,
Bheeshma reveals this to Pandavas on Magha Suddha Ekadasi day in presence of
Lord Krishna, showing Him and telling them that He is Lord of all Lords and
praying Him with all 1000 names is all one can ever do to become more dear to
Him which itself leads to salvation.
Reciting it regularly or even listening to it is itself a great thing that
empowers one with the strength to overcome all the difficulties and get on to
the right path of Salvation.
Vasishtha Muni said in Brahmanda Puran "Listen as I describe the best of all fast
days, Amalakii Ekadashi. He who faithfully observes a fast on this Ekadasi obtains
enormous wealth, gets free of the effects of all kinds of sins, and attains liberation.
Fasting on this Ekadasi is more purifying than donating one thousand cows in
charity to a pure brahmana."
Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii
Ekadashi arrived, conjoined with Dvadasi. This particular fast would bestow
especially great benefit. Amalakii is offspring of Lord Brahma, who can destroy all
kinds of sinful reactions. Amalakii, is actually the form of Brahman, and was once
worshiped by Lord Ramachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates her is
therefore immediately freed of all his sins.
After having bath offered Amalakii tree a pot filled with water, as well as garland
and aromatic incense. Then worship Lord Parashurama with these prayers:"Oh
Lord Parashurama, Oh son of Renuka, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the
worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and accept our humble
obeisances.
If the Amarlaki tree isn't available then worship the sacred Tulasi tree. Also plant
the sacred Tulasi seeds, and offer lamps to her
From time immemorial, devotees have been observing fasts twice a month on the
Ekadasi days. This fasting is, in general, for everyone. Ekadasi ('Eka' is 1, 'Dasha'
is 10) is the 11th day in the lunar calendar, i.e. counting from the new moon day
and also from the full moon day.
The Ekadasi observance is an astrological phenomenon and it is observed due to
this relation we have with some of the planets in the system. The entire personality
of ours is tremendously influenced by the movement of planets. There is no use
imagining that the planets are above our heads. They are everywhere. There is a
relative movement of planets among which, the earth is one. The movement of one
thing in relation to another is a relative movement. There is no planet which is
static. Even the sun is not ultimately static. The whole solar system is moving and
rushing towards some huge star, which is eighty million times larger and brighter
than the sun, whose light has not yet reached us, as astronomers tell us. We have to
understand that there is relative motion amongst planets and we are relatively
influenced by the planets. Each planet tells upon our system and we cannot get rid
of the influence of theirs as long as we are in this planet, of which we are a part.
The gravitational pull of planets has an influence on us.
The sun is said to influence the centre of our personality; hence the sun is called
Atmakaraka. He is the soul-influencer of the human body. In the Rig-veda, the sun
is identified with the soul of the universe as well as the soul of the individual. The
different limbs of our body and different parts of our system are supposed to be
influenced by different planets. The sun is capable of influencing the entire being.
He is, thus, the Atmakaraka. Karaka is doer, manipulator, and director.
The moon is supposed to influence the mind. The mind is also made up of material
substance. The mind is not spiritual but material. Planets are not spiritual bodies,
and yet they influence the mind. The mind's presiding deity is moon. Ekadasi is
particularly relevant to this relation of moon and mind. The moon influences the
mind in its orbital relative movement with reference to other planets and us.
How, is Ekadasi related to the movement of moon and mind? We have certain
centres called Chakras in the body. The Chakras are nothing but energy-centres
which whirl in some direction as water whirls in a river. Chakra is a wheel or
circular motion. They move in a spiral shape. They are not physical; but psycho-
physical and psychological. These Chakras are neither in the mind nor in the body;
they in the astral body. The moon's influence physically on the body has an
influence on the Chakras, which tells upon the mind ultimately. The mind moves
through these Chakras. The passage of the mind is through these Chakras, up and
down. When this operation takes place consciously, it is called Yoga. When done
unconsciously by the mind, it is just influence. When the moon waxes or wanes,
the mind is vehemently influenced. So people who are not normal in their minds
become very bad on the full-moon and new-moon days. You cannot see the moon's
influence on the earth because it is solid, but it can be seen on the ocean which is
liquid. The moon influences the whole earth, but its influence is visible on the
large body of waters in the sea. This happens due to the twofold pressure of the
relation of the earth and moon. The sun influences the moon and the moon
influences the earth. When the influence occurs automatically, we are instruments
in the hands of Nature. When it is done consciously, we are said to practice Yoga.
We can be involuntarily dragged from place to place, or we can walk voluntarily.
The difference is obvious. The moon's movement tells upon the movement of the
mind through the Chakras.
According to research, the air pressure in the earths atmosphere rapidly changes
on both the new moon (Amavasya) and the full moon (Poornima) days. This is
because of the orbital paths - combination of the sun, moon and the earth and their
varying distances at particular intervals (i.e. every 24 hours for one entire rotation
of the Earth). Accordingly the pressure in the atmosphere too changes drastically
and varies from day to day.
This can be observed by the change in the nature of the tidal waves on the new
moon and full moon days. On an Amavasya, the waves are very high and rough
due to the increase in atmospheric pressure in the oceans. But from the next day
onwards, the waves become calm - an indication that the pressure has also receded.
Particularly on the 11th day from new moon or full moon days, the pressure is very
light or nil.
Now, based on this fact, the significance of Ekadasi fasting can be explained in this
way:
In the Indian Vedic system, there are different methods to calculate a month. One
such is counting from the new moon day (Amavasya). From the new moon day till
the full moon day it is called as Shukla Paksha (waxing/growing moon). From the
full moon day till the next Amavasya, it is known as Krishna Paksha
(waning/shrinking moon).
Now, let us look at the other scientific facts concerning the 11th day from the full
moon and new Moon. In the celestial phenomena, the Earth as well as moon rise
and settle at the same time on Amavasya. From the next day up till Amavasya, the
moon moves about a distance of 12 degrees from the solar path. On the Ekadashi
day (11th day from full moon) the Moon stays at a distance of about 135 degrees in
the solar path this causes lesser gravitation force and thus resulting in lesser
atmospheric pressure. Therefore fasting on an Ekadasi day will not affect the body
system as also hunger is said to be minimum at this time.
Compared to any other day of the moon cycle, atmospheric pressure is lowest on
Ekadasi days. Thus, this is the best time to fast and cleanse our bodies. If we fast
on any other day, the high pressure / strain may damage our system. On this day,
the body never experiences the pain while we cleanse our systems, thus refreshing
the entire body mechanism - specifically the liver / stomach / bowel.
As the atmospheric pressure builds up faster and doubles on the 12th day from
Amavasya / Poornima days (called as Dwadashi), to avoid any complications in the
body, people fasting are advised to consume food as early in the morning, as
possible, the next day.
Health Benefits
Nowadays, people also fast for health reasons; fasting helps in the detoxification of
the body. Everyone wants to look good by staying fit in the current times. As such,
you may find many youngsters across India fasting. In the medical context, fasting
refers to the state achieved after digestion of a meal. A number of metabolic
adjustments occur during fasting and many medical diagnostic tests for blood
sugar, cholesterol levels are standardized to fasting conditions. Thus fasting has
medical reasons coated with religious significance in India.
Cleansing of the bowels - Those who observe Fasting on Ekadasi days stay in good
health, cleanse their bowel systems and are mostly free from frequent ailments.
Also, it is said that for those on the spiritual/religious path, observing a fast on
Ekadasi days, provides a mental peace, by way of self-realization. This sort of
penance is believed to aid them in their spiritual path, thus making them pure in
body and mind.
Enforcing a better way of life - Fasting improves blood flow or circulation and the
body's capacity to eliminate toxins, resulting in a better overall health. One feels
more energetic and alert and is more resistant to all forms of disease or illness. It
even slows down the aging process, which is a little more due to the accumulated
effects of our bad habits or wrong ways of living. A day of fasting teaches one,
self-control and discipline. It greatly helps to break those addictions that are
destroying us and helps us start to acquire new and positive habits.
Om Namo Narayana