Ekadashi Festival

Ekadashi Meaning in Hinduism

The power and importance of Ekadashi lie in the meaning of the word “Ekadashi” itself. It is derived from a Sanskrit word that means “Eleven”. Thus, the term ekadashi in English means the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. This festival is known to hold a lot of importance and significance in Hindu culture and is considered very auspicious for spiritual practices.

The Two Forms Of Ekadashi

There are known to be two types of Ekadashi, these include the following:

• Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon)
• Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon)

Each Ekadashi has a different significance and is associated with various Hindu deities. For example, the importance of ekadashi first of the Hindu year, is celebrated as the "Mukkoti Ekadashi" and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Similarly, the second type of this occasion of the Hindu month is known as "Papmochani Ekadashi" and is associated with Lord Shiva.

When is Ekdashi Observed?

The festival of Ekadashi is observed on the 11th lunar day of the lunar cycle according to the Hindu calendar month. It means there are two (2) Ekadashi in a month. It is observed as a day of fasting, meditation, and prayer. On this day, devotees abstain from food and water for the entire day and engage in various spiritual activities. The fast is seen as a way of purifying the body and mind and attaining spiritual growth. Alongside this, the Ekadasi fast is also known to help an individual attain mental peace and balance.

Why is Ekadashi celebrated?

Ekadashi is known to be celebrated by individuals who want to get blessings from Lord Vishnu. Also, Lord Vishnu once narrated the significance of Ekadashi and the rituals of fasting to Yudhishthira. Hindus believe that observing the fast and performing spiritual activities can attain blessings. It calms down the ten senses or Indriyas (eye, ears, nose, skin, tongue, feet, mouth, hands, reproductive organs and excretory organs) and eleventh, the mind.

Moreover, this day is considered very pure and sacred for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that the importance of Ekadashi is doubled when individuals take it seriously, observe fast, and meditate. It is a day to wash all the past karmas and attain moksha.

Why should I0 fast on Ekadashi Vratham?

The Ekadashi Vratham fast, or “Upavasa,” is considered auspicious because it is a way to cleanse one spiritually. The importance of Ekadashi fast includes a strict fast that must be kept wholeheartedly to fulfil all one's wishes and bring peace, harmony, and prosperity.

Moreover, on this day, devotees visit Hindu temples, perform puja (worship), and offer prayers to their chosen deity. Some also choose to meditate, recite hymns, and chant mantras. The fast is broken the next day, known as Dwadashi, with a special meal that is usually made from rice, fruit, and milk.

Benefits of Ekadashi and Fasting

If you are also wondering about the power of Ekadashi or ekadashi fast benefits or ekadashi vrat benefits. The answer you have been looking for is mentioned below. The ekadashi benefits are as follows:

Spiritual gains: Observing a fast and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu on this day is considered very sacred because it helps increase one's wealth and fortune.

Get rid of any malefic planetary influence: If you have a malefic influence of planets in your birth chart, fasting and observing prayers strictly on Ekadashi can be very auspicious and help you eliminate negative effects.

Strengthening a weak planet: If you feel that a weak planet in your natal chart has been blocking your path in life, then Ekadashi can be the best time to get rid of it.

Mental peace and balance: On the day of Ekadashi, fasting and meditating allow Lord Vishnu to bless one with a calm and stable mind, allowing them to be at peace.