Meaning:
Ekadashi
in Sanskrit means eleven. ‘Eka’ means “one” and ‘dasi’ means “ten”. we have 10 senses , which
includes 5 gyan indriya and 5 karma indriya and the 11th one is Mind , this way
we have eleven senses ,Ekadasi has given a highest importance in
comparison of other fasting , because other fasting is been observe by
controlling any one of eleven senses but
in ekadashi , we need to control all of the eleven senses
including Mind and focusing them to worshiping Lord Narayan , so as per the
scripture the benefit and importance of fasting on ekadashi is unmatchable .
Scriptural Background :
During the era of Sat
Yuga , Murdhanav, the son of Nadijang,
was a demon of immense strength. Through undertaking penance Murdhanav pleased
Bhramaji such that he was granted a very much desired blessing from Bhramaji
that prevented other Devs from being able to destroy him . Devs were unable to withstand the battles and
seek the shelter of Lord Narayan.
The Lord also demonstrated
His divine leela, sports, and showed that He too was unable to endure the
strength and power of the demons. After the battle, as if He had become totally
exhausted, Lord Narayan went to the forest of BadriKashram and entered the cave
called Sheevati . Murdhanav had followed the Lord, and entered the cave. At
this by lord's own wish, from His 'eleven sense' a fast and
fierce light emerged. From this lustre, a woman with divine weapons was born.
At this time the demon Murdhanav became immensely attracted to the beautiful
woman and said "Oh you of outstanding beauty, I'm also
unparalleled in looks age and power. I wish to marry you!" The Devi in
reply to this said, "I have a vow. He who defeats me in a fight becomes my
husband. To have me, you need to conquer me in a duel . The angry Devi killed
Mudhanav by decapitating him with a sword.
Lord Narayan granted a name Ekadashi to this
divine energy as she appeared from the
11 senses of the lord himself . Lord
Narayan became very pleased with Ekadashi and said, 'Oh destroyer of sins, by
your birth today in all three worlds there is great happiness, so ask for a
wish from me.' Seeing the Lord extremely delighted, Ekadashi said to the Lord, "If you are truly pleased with me, then
I pray for all humans whom observe my vow, that all their wishes, in this world
and the world above this one, are fulfilled. And he who fasts on my special day
will become free of all sins and will attain
Moksha (ultimate salvation), and throughout their life in this world,
will remain happy. Those who because of illness are unable to fast, observe the
vow by doing Farahar, will also achieve the above. And oh my Lord, in all three
worlds, all four yugas, all twelve months of the years may my vows will be
spread".
this prayer, pleased the Lord and He replied,
"Devi, I shall grant you this very precious wish. From this day forward
(from Magsar [month] shudh ekadashi) he who with my worship obeys your vow,
shall also have their wishes fulfilled. If the observer of the vow is seeking
salvation, then he shall achieve this. If he is seeking pleasures on this world
and above this world, also achieve.
Method of Fasting :
Ekadashi fasting is unmatchable but very easy to execute ,
1.
For many people Fasting on ekadashi is like a Changing
Diet :) , but that's not the way of fasting , Fasting for Ekadashi starts from
the Sunrise on the day of Ekadashi till the Sunrise on the next day (Dwadashi),
as we mention this is the day you restrict your senses from the gratification ,
try to control them by detachment of martial object and engage them completely
in practicing the devotional service , as it mention in shreemad bhagvatam , we
can pick any one of nine devotional service (as per our liking ) and try to
worship lord vishnu . try to hear ,
chant his name and fame as much as you can , there are many different ways you
can engage all of your senses on today's day .
2.
Many devotee observe the fasting as Nirjala (without
Water) , if you cannot observe Nirjala that's
completely fine , you can do it as we mention in step 3, but try to observe Bhima Ekadashi or Pandav Ekadashi as Nirajala , this will comes once in a year , According
to the Markandeya Purana and the Vishnu Purana, the day of Ekadashi is itself a form of Vishnu. The vrata observed on this day is said to wash away all
sin. One who completes the vrata of Nirjala Ekadashi is mentioned to gain the
favour of Vishnu, who grants him happiness, prosperity and forgiveness for
sins. The devotee is described to receive the merit
gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year.
3. one must strictly avoid eating Grains and Rice on Ekadashi. you can Eat once in a Day , we have mention some of the recipe web link
for delicious cooking but again its not about changing the diet , its more
about focusing on worshiping lord hari by controlling your 11 senses .
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