Things to Avoid on Ekadashi
Known as the Preserver and the Guardian, Bhagwan Vishnu or Narayan is one of the three most powerful deities in Hindu dharma. Ekadashi – an occasion to worship him is one of the most important occasions in the Hindu calendar.
The Story Behind the Occurrence of Ekadashi
Once upon a time, Mura, the Asura ruled over Devlok (Swargalok) after Devtas ran off to save themselves from the havoc created by Mura. Tired of Mura, all devas went to Shri Vishnu for shelter and help. Shri Vishnu after learning from Devtas that they had to leave Swargalok to save themselves from Mura’s devastating activities agreed to help Devtas. He then fought with Mura for 1000 celestial years. Realising, it was not easy to defeat Mura, Shri Vishnu went to Badrikashram and entered into a cave to take a rest. Mura found him sleeping and thought it was the best time to kill Shri Vishnu. But the moment he tried to attack Shri Vishnu, suddenly a young girl appeared from the body of Bhagwan Vishnu and killed Mura. She was Mahasakti.
Bhagwan Vishnu named her Ekadashi since she appeared on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waning moon. Impressed, Shri Vishnu gave her the boon that whoever will fast on Ekadashi will get rid of all his sin and birth cycles.
Ekadasi in the Hindu Calendar
According to the Hindu calendar, there are two Ekadashis that fall each month: Shukla Paksha, (moon-brightening fortnight), and Krishna Paksha (dark lunar fortnight).
Ekadashi vrat is one of the most pious fasts followed by Hindu devotees. As per the Vedic calendar, in a year there are twenty-four Ekadashi days, and in leap years, 2 additional days are observed.
Things to avoid on Ekadashi:
- Foods that are not to be consumed during fasting: grain of any type, Yoghurt, salt. Avoid using hing in food items, which contain grains. It is said in Brihan Naradiya Purana – that “every sort of the sin, even including the hideous sin of Brahman killing, resides in food grains on the day of Hari. On eating grains on that auspicious day, sins enter into your body”.
- Rice and onions are strictly prohibited, other family members who are not doing the fast shouldn’t consume them either.
- Alcohol, mushrooms and non-vegetarian foods are strictly prohibited as they are tamasic in nature and increase negative thoughts in the mind.
- Vegetables not allowed: tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, chickpeas, beans of all types.
- Since cereals are not permitted, Sabudana khichdi can be consumed.
- Dal and honey should be avoided on Dashami.
- As per Hindu texts, Lord Narayan is offered Tulsi leaves on these days, so one must not pluck Tulsi leaves.
- Sleeping in the daytime is strictly prohibited
- Committing sins such as speaking lies, anger, criticism, or violence of any sort. It will destroy your good karma
- One must avoid shaving and nail cutting.
- One must control his passions and practice abstinence.
- Females should not wash their hair.
Besides, one needs to follow the following rules:
- Wake up early before sunrise and after taking a bath wear clean clothes
- Chant of Shri Vishnu – both during days and nights
- The food you can consume – fruits, milk, and veggies
- Next day, read Ekadashi katha and worship Narayan
- Do the pooja and recite “Om NamoBhagvate Vasudevaya” which is the mantra of Bhagwan Vishnu
- On Dwadashi (12th lunar day), the next day, before breaking fast, wait for Hari Vasara (1/4 duration of Ekadashi).
- Some devotees, on this day, perform complete fasting and refrain from consuming water, and it is known as Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.
Performing Ekadashi with pure mind and devotion can help the person achieve his deepest desires.
Prohibited Hindu Rites on Ekadashi
- Hindu rituals like Shraddha Puja and cremation are strictly forbidden on the auspicious days of Ekadashi.
- It is advised against scheduling weddings and havan rituals on Ekadashi.
- During Ekadashi, worshippers are not permitted to eat grains or cereals according to Hindu scriptures.
- Only non-grain foods may be provided to visitors if they are compelled to perform any prayer or ritual on Ekadashi.
Significance of Ekadashi
- It is the most auspicious day to get liberty from all your sins. Shri Vishnu absolves the sins of the devotees.
- It is said that performing this vrat is even more auspicious than visiting devasthans or doing yajnas. A single vrat is equal to feeding one thousand Brahmanas.
- On this day, our planet is in a certain state; therefore, by keeping our body light we can turn awareness inward.
- The water in bodies gets influenced by lunar phases, which can result in imbalances in the body. So, by fasting and cleansing oneself protects one from the effect of these phases on the body.
- Detoxifying the body and improving digestive, urinatory, and respiratory systems.
In the hustle of life, we sometimes lose our touch with the inner consciousness. And, what better day to reconnect with that than the day of the epitome of consciousness and cleanliness?
May this night become an exuberant awakening for you.
To know more about Vrat and Puja Vidhi on Ekadasi and other occasions, you can talk to our professional pandits and astrologers for guidance.
