If you have never fasted on Ekadashi, but wish to keep a vrat on this auspicious day, then here’s what you need to know. Read on to check out the Ekadashi fasting vrat vidhi and dos and don’ts.
Devotees of Lord Vishnu keep a day-long fast (vrat) on Ekadashi Tithi (the eleventh day of the Lunar fortnight). Two moon cycles make a month in the Hindu Lunar calendar, which either starts after Purnima (Full Moon Day) or Amavasya (New Moon Day). Therefore, there are two Ekadashis in a month. By fasting on Ekadashi Tithi, devotees pray to Lord Vishnu to attain Moksha and seek refuge in Vaikuntha, his celestial abode.
If you have never fasted on Ekadashi, but wish to keep a vrat on this auspicious day, then here’s what you need to know. Read on to check out the Ekadashi fasting vrat vidhi and dos and don’ts.
Ekadashi Vrat dos and don’ts
- Keep a vrat only after consulting your doctor as fasting for long hours may adversely affect your health in case you have any medical condition or are under medication.
2. Wake up early.
3. Take a bath and wear fresh/clean clothes.
4. Maintain celibacy.
5. Do not consume onion, garlic, meat, rice, wheat, lentils and legumes in any form.
6. Do not smoke and drink.
7. Eat only vrat recipes or fruits and milk.
8. Donate food or essentials to the needy.
9. Stay calm, be polite and try to tame your mind from wavering. It is all about controlling the mind and body. In short, Ekadashi vrat is about self-discipline.
Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi
- Those staying close to sacred rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna, Cauvery etc.) may take a dip in the holy waters. While the rest can rise early and take a bath.
2. After taking a bath, wear fresh and clean clothes.
3. Light an oil lamp in the temple area of your house and do dhyana (meditation).
4. Then invoke Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings.
5. Then do Sankalpa (pledge) to observe the Ekadashi vrat sincerely and whole-heartedly. Offer water, flowers, dhoop, deep and Naivedhya to Lord Vishnu. You may prepare kheer or halwa or any other sweet preparation. You can even offer fruits.
6. Read the Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Each Ekadashi Vrat has a separate story associated with it.
7. Keep chanting ‘OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’.
8. You may also read the Vishnu Sahasranam or do the Naam Jaapa.
9. Reach out to those in need by either helping them with cash or kind.
10. In the evening, light an oil lamp, incense and pray to Lord Vishnu. Offer flowers (if you have) water and bhog (any sweet preparation) or fruits.
11. Conclude the puja by performing the aarti.
12. Next morning, break the fast when Dwadashi Tithi prevails after taking a bath and praying to Lord Vishnu.
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