Ekadashi
Ekadashi is a Sanskrit word, which means 'the eleventh'. It refers to the eleventh day of a fortnight belonging to a lunar month. There are two fortnights in a lunar month-the bright and the dark. Therefore, Ekadashi occurs twice a month. The special feature of Ekadashi, and one which is more commonly known, is a day for fasting. In fact, the fast is only a practical expression and a symbol of something else that we are expected to do, which is of special significance to our personality. The ten senses and (eleventh) mind must be controlled in the meditation and Bhakti of God. This is the true fast. Starve the senses as they lead the mind stray.
By fasting, the body becomes weak. This weakens the senses too. So on Ekadashi, one must not let anger; lust and enjoyment come in the way of this fast. Those who observe the Ekadashi fast should avoid sexual act altogether. Devotees fast on this day, do Japa, Hari kirtan and meditation. Water is allowed except on Nirjala Ekadashi. Shikshapatri allows the exemption from fasting to certain categories of people like those younger than 12 years old, very elderly and those suffering from illness. There is no exemption from not doing fast just because you do not like to suffer hunger. Exempted classes of people may take some fruits, nuts and milk, and even that in moderation. One is not supposed to eat various items made from potatoes like chips or crisps all day. Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions and controls the senses. It is a great penance and purifies the mind and the heart.
Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. Fasting makes a person strong, both mentally and spiritually. In this Kali Yuga, even if one Ekadashi is observed with dispassion, faith and devotion, and if the mind is wholly fixed on God, one is freed from the rounds of birth and death. Because of the difference in lunar and solar calendar, following should be taken into consideration when doing Ekadashi Vrat. If the tenth day and Ekadashi falls on the same day, the following method is used to decide when to fast: If Ekadashi has started 1 Hr 40 min before the sunrise, then the fast should be observed on this day. But if the Ekadashi starts after 10.40PM, then the fast must be observed on the next day. If Ekadashi and the twelve day fall on the same day, then the fast must be observed on the fIrst day.
Related Links:
Diwali
Guru Purnima
Holi
Janmastmi
Swaminarayan Ramnavmi
Shivratri
Tulsi Vivah
Vijya Dashmi
Vasant Panchmi
