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20/11/11

Ekadashi Vrat

Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana.


When to start Ekadasi Fasting? 

Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December. Utpanna Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of the moon in the month of November – December. Utpanna Ekadasi 2011 date is November 21. The significance of Utpanna was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana. For those devotees who like to begin the monthly Ekadasi fasting, Utpanna Ekadasi is the Ekadashi that they should start with.
People can escape from the bad effects of all the sins accumulated during the previous births and this birth. Thus Utpanna Ekadasi helps in attaining Moksha. 
Fresh beginners who want to undertake Ekadasi fasting start it with Utpanna Ekadasi. They can continue it forever or for a year. How long it is continued depends on the devotee.
All the normal rules associated with Ekadasi are observed during Utpanna Ekadashi.


Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method
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.)
·                     Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.
more details on how to fast here
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.

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18 comments:

  1. today is utpanna ekadashi..so anyone who wants to do the vrat can start it from 2day..if this is missed we have to wait till the next yr...

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  2. Great deal of info about ekadashi. Loved it.Thanks for supporting me by checking out my blog pavani.

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  3. wow..great information about ekadashi..we follow lord swaminarayan and we also supposed to do ekadashi fast too..I am thinking about starting..


    hope you will get chance to visit me back....:)

    Nayana@cherishdreamlive

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  4. Great post Pavani, very informative. My mom observes this.

    Gayatri

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  5. nice post and thanks for giving the link to the blog. will check it out

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  6. @gay3-thanku n nice dp
    @anju-ty do check it out..its gr8..

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  7. I didn't know there was so much of a history:)

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  8. Thats a nice detailed info, my mom always keeps the vrat.. so was aware of it but never that much :D

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  9. ty emm n divya..even i didnt knew it earlier...tg i found that blog link and glad that u visited me..

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  10. thanks for sharing, I learned quite a few new things!!

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  11. I've always found Hinduism fascinating. :) My dad was raised Hindu, but more in a secular way. His family didn't observe many of the holidays...

    I'm definitely going to check out that website!

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  12. informative post.....though am not religious..it was nice to read about this vrat

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.com/

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. thanks for sharing valuable info abt our culture n traditions..:)
    Tasty Appetite

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thank u