Ekadashi literally means the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu Calendar. It falls twice a month – once in the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase and once during the Krishna Paksha or the waning phase of the Moon.
Considered as the one of the most pious days of the lunar fortnight, it is observed with utmost devotion in different cultures. The most important practices are the following:
Fasting
Like any other fast the Ekadashi Vrat also cleanses and detoxifies the body and mind. It has many advantages in terms of health. A lighter body leads to a lighter mind which ultimately leads to a lighter soul. Since the main objective of human birth is salvation or Mukti; a light soul attains this objective with relative ease.
It is known to be a powerful day to cleanse the sins of the devotees.
What to eat:
One can have fruits, milk, dairy products and nuts during the fast. Wheat, flour, rice etc. are avoided. Some interesting options to have are milk shakes, fox nuts (Makhana), Aloo chat, Paneer, a bowl of fruits etc. However some people also observe the fast by having one meal during the day.
What to avoid:
Another important ritual that is associated with Ekadashi is that rice is not consumed during Ekadasi. This is because Maharishi Medha who sacrificed his life was reborn in the form of rice.
Additionally, rice also increases the water retention in the body which in turn leads to mood swings and emotional unrest. Therefore avoiding rice helps in emotional strength and overcoming indecisiveness and restlessness.
Worshipping
Lord Vishnu is worshiped on this day. The legend is that once there was a demon known as Mundanav who had a boon that no man could defeat him in a fight. He began to challenge Lord Vishnu for a fight, when Lord Vishnu created Ekadashi to fight with the demon. As fate would have it, she defeated Mundanav. Lord Vishnu in turn gave her a boon that whosoever would observe Ekadashi fasts would get liberated and attain spiritual development.
Another belief is that Lord Vishnu who rests on the cosmic serpent known as Shesha Naga, rises from his cosmic slumber on the day of Ekadashi.
Meditation, Prayer, Chanting Mantras of lord Vishnu helps in enhancing the results of Ekadashi Tithi and the fast. Further visiting the temple, nurturing self discipline and self control helps in broadening the outlook and elevates the thought process of the devotee.