The importance of Ekadasi

Ekadasi is a Sanskrit word meaning eleven. ‘Eka’ means “one” and ‘dasi’ is the feminine form of the word “dasa”, which means “ten”. It falls every month twice on the waxing and waning phase of the moon. Usually there days indicate the high and low tides of the sea. When the moon is closest to the earth is the time of first Ekadasi and the next occurs when the moon is farthest from the earth. There are twenty-four (24) Ekadasis in a year. It is an important fasting day which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Everyone knows about the greatest story of Ekadasi fasting. Once Satya-yuga (Lord Narayan) was engaged in battle with a demon called Mura. Lord was very tired and he decided to take rest. However, Mura wanted to kill the Lord while he was sleeping. Suddenly from the body of the Lord manifested a young girl, who slayed the demon, Mura. This girl was the Mahasakti. Than Narayan named her Ekadasi ( as she appeared on the eleventh day of the waning moon). He also granted her the boon that anyone who fasts on Ekadasi will become free from sin and attain.

The fast begins with the sunrise on the Ekadasi day and ends with the next day’s sunrise. There are few rules that should have to be followed on this day. Some of them follow strictly and some of them are flexible. One must strictly avoid eating all types of grains, all types of lentils, hing, sesame, beans, and spices on Ekadasi. Fasting means completely abstaining from both food and drink. As if it is difficult, one one may eat a single nongrain meal once in the afternoon or in the evening.

 According to rules, one who observes fasting on Ekadasi is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities, advances in spiritual life. These sacred fasting days greatly help any sincere soul achieve. Ekadasi gives one a real test of renunciation, which help one give up trying illusory gratification of the material world. Medical science recommend fasting to maintain and improve health. Modern media experts and ancient sages agree that fasting benefits. On the other hand, two such fasting days in a month will save tons of food. According to medical science Ekadasi minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Divine. Fasting basically helps to improve the working of digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urinary system. It makes the person strong mentally and physically that helps a person lead a healthy life.