Ekadashi is mentioned
in a number of Puranas. It is associated with Lord Vishnu and ‘Haribhakti
Vilas’ talks in detail about its importance. Today, in Hindu religion Ekadasi
has come to mean a day to fast. It falls on the 11th day of every lunar
fortnight and thus there are two Ekadashi in a month. It is also known as
‘Harivasara’ and ‘Hari din.’ Several Puranas including Padma Purana and Skanda
Purana detail about the significance of Ekadeshi.
How to fast on
Ekadashi?
How to observe
‘Ekadashi’ is clearly mentioned in ‘Harivasara.’ In modern day, many people
will find it difficult to observe it in its entire strictness. But there are a
large number of people who observe it. And there are numerous observations on
what food one can have? There are also regional variations to the way in which
the Ekadasi is observed.
The preparation
starts on Dasami day – a day before Ekadashi. The person observing Ekadashi
should wake up early in the morning on Dasami day and should take bath and
perform other daily routines. The person should mentally prepare for the
Ekadashi. He/She should only have one meal on the Dasami day and should avoid
salt. Alcohol, non-vegetarian food and sex should be avoided. Some Puranas say
‘dal’ and ‘honey’ should be avoided on Dasami day.
The next day, that is
the Ekadashi day, is meant for total fasting. Praying to Vishnu is the order of
the day. Some people avoid sleep during Ekadashi night and they hear religious
discourses and perform ‘Arati.’ But many people today will not be able to stay
awake the entire night due to work pressure etc.
The next day on
Dwadasi – that is the day after Ekadeshi – the same routine done on Dasami is
followed. Overeating should be avoided on Dwadasi day. Puranas state that one
should not take pride in observing Ekadashi. The food on Dwadasi should be
cooked in one’s house.
It is good to go on
fast once in a while as it recuperates the body. Ekadashi observance cleans our
body and the digestive organs get much needed rest.
Those people
suffering from ailments and on medications should take the advice of a doctor
before fasting. Never torture your body in the name of religion. There is
nothing wrong in having fruits or milk. And you can bring a certain amount of
flexibility in the way it is observed.