Ekadasi is the name of
the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her
divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will
be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.
Some people only take
a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.
Things needed for
Ekadasi Puja and Prayer
A picture or photo or
idol of Lord Vishnu
Fruits
Tulsi leaves (The
tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
Yellow bananas
And other normal puja
items
Observance
Wake up early in the
morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
Perform a simple puja
to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
Pray or meditate for
few minutes.
If there is a Vishnu
temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
Complete fast or
Upavas on the day is the main observance.
Ekadasi Fasting
Fasting is for 24
hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi
is rewarded with bliss.
If you have any
health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before
deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made
of rice.
Do not eat food made
from rice on Ekadashi.
Strictly avoid eating
rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil
on the day. (What food can be eaten on Ekadasi for those observing partial
fast?)
Those taking partial
fast can consume fruits and milk.
Afternoon
Take bath and offer
prayers to Lord Vishnu
Evening Prayers
Take a bath in the
evening.
Repeat the morning
puja to Vishnu
Visit Vishnu temple
and witness the evening puja and rituals.
Prayers for Ekadashi
Vishnu Ashotharam
Vishnu Sahasranamam
Simple Chanting of –
Om Namo Narayana
Or any prayers
dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna
No Sleep of Keeping Vigil at Night
Staunch devotees who
observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole
night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to
Lord Vishnu.
But those devotees
who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at
night and avoid keeping vigil at night
Next Day Morning
The fast is broken on
the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by
lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.