Importance of fasts:
Fastings are important in every country. Every religion suggests for fasting because its law is for the purification of the soul and mind. Fasting increases the power of knowledge and gives strength to good thoughts. In fasting, there is a law of renunciation of diet and sattvic food, therefore it is the best means of attaining health and long life.
Those who fast regularly get good health and long life, besides happiness in this world and a place in the feet of God in the next world. It is written in Narad Purana describing the glory of fasting:
There is no other teacher like mother,
There is no god like Lord Vishnu,
There is no penance like fasting.
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| (Narad Purana) |
Fasting of Ekadashi:
Ekadashi has been called paramount in fasting. Ekadashi is considered a day to cleanse, repair and rejuvenate the body and is usually observed by partial or complete fasting. Fasting should be started with devotion. Don't do fasting under someone's pressure.
Ekadashis of Chaitra, Vaishakh, Magha, and Margashirsha are considered auspicious times to start Ekadashi fast. A person who is at least eight years old should observe the fast so that he can understand the true value of the fast. This fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
When does Ekadashi come:
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| (Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha) |
The eleventh date of the Hindu calendar is called Ekadashi. Ekadashi comes twice every month.
1. Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha
2. Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha
Ekadashi after the full moon is called Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha and Ekadashi after the new moon is called Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha.
How many times does Ekadashi fast come in a year?
There are 2 Ekadashi in every month. If there is adhik ya malamaas, there are 2 more Ekadashis of that month. Thus a total of 26 Ekadashis happened. All these Ekadashis are going to give results according to their names.
Differences of Ekadashi fast:
There are two types of Ekadashi fast-
1. Daily (Nitya)
2. Kaamya
If the fast of Ekadashi is observed without any desire, then it is called 'Nitya'.
If fasting on Ekadashi is done for any kind of desire like getting wealth, progeny or getting rid of diseases, defects, tribulations, etc., then it is called 'Kaamya'.
Method of Ekadashi fast:
The ritual of fasting starts from Dashami and ends in three days i.e. on Dwadashi. In the second Prahar of Dwadashi, fasting is recited, that is, a deserving Brahmin should be fed and eaten or should be sent directly to the temple. If you forget to fast on Ekadashi, then observe fast on Dwadashi and do Parayan on Trayodashi day.
Take a vow of Ekadashi fast after taking bath and daily rituals and worship Shri Hari according to the rules of fasting with devotion. Do not sleep during the day. Get the fasting done by a qualified Acharya. Do charity, Dakshina, cow donation, etc.