Translated from Sanskrit, the word “Ekadashi” (stress is placed on both the last and the penultimate syllable) means “eleven”. In the Hindu calendar, this is the eleventh day of the waxing and waning moon of each month. These are the best days for making vows, for worshipping Vishnu and Krishna, for abstinence and benefaction. Observing Ekadashi is especially important because on these days food is filled with bad karma, and by abstaining from it, a person reduces their karmic burden.
History
According to legend, a goddess appeared in the form of a girl clothed in light during the height of a thousand-year war between Lord Shri Hari and the demon king Mura. Shri Hari was utterly exhausted and took refuge in the Badrikashram cave to regain his strength. An enraged Ekadashi emerged from his body, like lightning, challenged the monster, destroyed its weapons, chariot, and finally, severed the head of the beast itself. This happened on the 11th day of the waning moon. In gratitude, she was granted by the gods the power to deliver from the heaviest sins all who fast on this day.
Ekadashi: What it is and why
- Refusal of meat, fish, mushrooms, alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
- Elimination of legumes and grains.
- Elimination of tamasic products that affect the perception of reality.
- A single meal - dinner (nakta) from 4 PM to sunset for those who find it difficult to completely abstain from food and water.
- Complete refusal of food, only water once a day.
- Complete dry fasting from sunrise to sunrise.
- Spiritual practices instead of nighttime sleep.
Ekadashi should not be observed if diagnosed with:
- underweight;
- tuberculosis;
- malignant neoplasms;
- cardiovascular disorders.
From a physiological point of view, the benefits of observing Ekadashi are as follows: a vacuum is created in the digestive tract under the influence of hunger, counteracting lunar attraction, and upon breaking the fast the following day, there is a powerful removal of toxins from the body.
Under the influence of the Moon, it is on this day that cells experience overload. Refusal of food and water allows the organs, primarily the digestive tract, to rest and get rid of excess and harmful substances.
How to observe Ekadashi correctly
It is ideal to enter the fast smoothly, having first read prayers. The day before the start of the fast, it is better to abstain from sex and gambling.
The following is not allowed:
- eating in other people’s houses – at guests’ houses, cafes, restaurants;
- touching a woman who is menstruating;
- shaving;
- sleeping during the day;
- rubbing the body with oil, applying oil to the hair;
- communicating with people of a rude materialistic consciousness, those who drink.
Encouraged:
- solitude, abstinence from external contacts and active social life;
- reading sacred books;
- offerings to the gods: flowers, fruits, jewels.
What to eat: a list of products
With complete observance of Ekadashi, the following foods are prohibited:
- legumes;
- meat;
- fish;
- eggplants;
- cabbage;
- eggs;
- spinach;
- garlic;
- tomatoes and tomato sauces;
- onions;
- mushrooms;
- asafoetida;
- sea salt;
- vegetable oil (except olive oil);
- honey.
What you can eat during Ekadashi:
- fruits;
- dried fruits;
- vegetables and root vegetables (except beets);
- dairy products;
- nuts (except betel);
- water.
The greatest benefit from Ekadashi fasting is to do good. The constant practice of Ekadashi helps to get rid of rebirths.
When to start the fast?
Fasting days are calculated according to lunar days. For independent calculation, it is necessary to take into account several parameters, such as: your region, whether there is a transition to winter and summer time, the speed of rotation of the moon and much more, all this is described in detail in our article Ekadashi calendar
Timur
Yes, also what does 'don't sleep during the day' mean? What is meant by day? Is it a specific time or any time when the Sun is visible? 8, 9, 10 and so on. From what time is it considered that you're sleeping during the day? Marina 21.04.2020 at 12:21 According to Ayurveda, daytime sleep is not recommended. If you wake up early in the morning, for example at 5-6-7, even sleeping at 9 AM would be considered daytime sleep for you. So, daytime sleep is any sleep after waking up from night sleep.
Marina
According to Ayurveda, daytime sleep is not recommended. If you wake up early in the morning, for example at 5-6-7, even sleeping at 9 AM would be considered daytime sleep for you. So, daytime sleep is any sleep after waking up from night sleep.
Timur
I understand that the 7 stages of Ekadashi are 7 levels of observing this fast... That is, those who can, move to a new higher level. Like, those who can already not eat or drink anything all day - they do so. Those who can only eat a little at certain times, drink, will do so, and so on. Those who find it very difficult to fast only avoid forbidden foods. Is everything correct, who knows for sure? Please correct if something's not accurate. I've been interested in Vedic culture for a long time, but have never observed Ekadashi yet. Planning to start on the next suitable day. ^^ I think starting with a single serving of dried fruits and water would be quite possible right away. And from there, it's not far to a full 24-hour fast. A few questions remain. Regarding breaking the fast, is it mandatory to break it with food? Must you eat something grain-based? Can you manage with just a glass of water or would that be insufficient for properly breaking the fast? Also, can people with mental disorders observe Ekadashi? Marina 21.04.2020 at 12:20 The levels of Ekadashi are not a guide to action. Each person must realistically assess their physical and mental capabilities before imposing the strictest restrictions on themselves, such as depriving themselves of food and water, sleep (these stages are for those who have been practicing for a long time, and for whom Ekadashi is not just a detox, as some perceive it, but observance of fasting with religious undertones). Choose the option that you can handle at the present moment; for beginners, it's enough to abstain from grains and legumes on the specified day. You need to break the Ekadashi fast correctly - by consuming a little porridge, bread (without overeating), but a glass of water won't be enough; you must eat something grain or legume-based. Let's clarify again that observing Ekadashi implies not just physical but spiritual purification, please reread the article. Observance of this day for people with mental disorders should be coordinated with a doctor, like any other practices that somehow affect consciousness.
Marina
The levels of Ekadashi are not a guide to action. Each person must realistically assess their physical and mental capabilities before imposing the strictest restrictions on themselves, such as depriving themselves of food and water, sleep (these stages are for those who have been practicing for a long time, and for whom Ekadashi is not just a detox, as some perceive it, but observance of fasting with religious undertones). Choose the option that you can handle at the present moment; for beginners, it's enough to abstain from grains and legumes on the specified day. You need to break the Ekadashi fast correctly - by consuming a little porridge, bread (without overeating), but a glass of water won't be enough; you must eat something grain or legume-based. Let's clarify again that observing Ekadashi implies not just physical but spiritual purification, please reread the article. Observance of this day for people with mental disorders should be coordinated with a doctor, like any other practices that somehow affect consciousness.
Galina Vladimirovna
I noticed that all fasts are very merciful. Sick people don't have to observe the fast. Muslims also have such rules. But for a healthy person, such fasts are very beneficial. The body renews itself, cleanses, and so does the soul. And the history of this fast's origin really impressed me!
Oleg Zubov
With such a large list of allowed products, you can create such diverse menus each day that you won't even feel constantly hungry. The main thing is to use only natural products, then there will be tremendous health benefits.