Significance & Importance of Ekadashi – [#2674] – Puranjay Astro- Online Astrology Consultation

Ekadashi Significations

Welcome to Puranjay Astro,

Ekadashi holds significant spiritual importance in Hinduism, particularly in devotion to Lord Vishnu. As you rightly mentioned, it falls on the eleventh lunar day (tithi) of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon in each Vedic calendar month.

Observing Ekadashi typically involves fasting and engaging in spiritual activities such as worship, chanting, and reading scriptures. Devotees abstain from consuming grains and beans during this time, opting instead for a diet of fruits, milk products, and non-grain items.

Each Ekadashi is believed to offer unique spiritual benefits, and devotees often observe them with specific rituals and prayers according to their traditions. Some of the Ekadashi days are considered particularly auspicious and are associated with specific legends and rituals.

Throughout the year, there are usually 24 Ekadashi days, but in a leap year, there may be two additional Ekadashis. These days are considered highly propitious for spiritual practices, and many devotees eagerly await their arrival to engage in acts of devotion and piety.

Observing Ekadashi is not only a means of spiritual purification but also a way to cultivate discipline, self-control, and devotion in one’s life. It is believed that by observing Ekadashi Vrat (fast) sincerely, devotees can attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu and progress on the path of spiritual growth.

Click on the link below to know in detail about Ekadashi.

24 Types of Ekadashi in a Year

24 Different Types of Ekadashi in a Year

Ekadashi 2024 Dates

Date	Name of Ekadashi Vrat	Timings of Ekadashi Vrat 2024
January 7, 2024, Sunday	Saphala Ekadashi	Begins – 12:41 AM, Jan 07 Ends – 12:46 AM, Jan 08
January 21, 2024, Sunday	Pausha Putrada Ekadashi	Begins – 07:26 PM, Jan 20 Ends – 07:26 PM, Jan 21
February 6, 2024, Tuesday	Shattila Ekadashi	Begins – 05:24 PM, Feb 05 Ends – 04:07 PM, Feb 06
February 20, 2024, Tuesday	Jaya Ekadashi	Begins – 08:49 AM, Feb 19 Ends – 09:55 AM, Feb 20
March 7, 2024, Thursday	Vijaya Ekadashi	Begins – 06:30 AM, Mar 06 Ends – 04:13 AM, Mar 07
March 20, 2024, Wednesday	Amalaki Ekadashi	Begins – 12:21 AM, Mar 20 Ends – 02:22 AM, Mar 21
April 5, 2024, Friday	Papmochani Ekadashi	Begins – 04:14 PM, Apr 04 Ends – 01:28 PM, Apr 05
April 19, 2024, Friday	Kamada Ekadashi	Begins – 05:31 PM, Apr 18 Ends – 08:04 PM, Apr 19
May 4, 2024, Saturday	Varuthini Ekadashi	Begins – 11:24 PM, May 03 Ends – 08:38 PM, May 04
May 19, 2024, Sunday	Mohini Ekadashi	Begins – 11:22 AM, May 18 Ends – 01:50 PM, May 19
June 2, 2024, Sunday	Apara Ekadashi	Begins – 05:04 AM, Jun 02 Ends – 02:41 AM, Jun 03
June 18, 2024, Tuesday	Nirjala Ekadashi	Begins – 04:43 AM, Jun 17 Ends – 06:24 AM, Jun 18
July 2, 2024, Tuesday	Yogini Ekadashi	Begins – 10:26 AM, Jul 01 Ends – 08:42 AM, Jul 02
July 17, 2024, Wednesday	Devshayani Ekadashi	Begins – 08:33 PM, Jul 16 Ends – 09:02 PM, Jul 17
July 31, 2024, Wednesday	Kamika Ekadashi	Begins – 04:44 PM, Jul 30 Ends – 03:55 PM, Jul 31
August 16, 2024, Friday	Shravana Putrada Ekadashi	Begins – 10:26 AM, Aug 15 Ends – 09:39 AM, Aug 16
August 29, 2024, Thursday	Ananda Aja Ekadashi	Begins – 01:19 AM, Aug 29 Ends – 01:37 AM, Aug 30
September 14, 2024, Saturday	Parvarttini Ekadashi	Begins – 10:30 PM, Sep 13 Ends – 08:41 PM, Sep 14
September 28, 2024, Saturday	Indira Ekadashi	Begins – 01:20 PM, Sep 27 Ends – 02:49 PM, Sep 28
October 13, 2024, Sunday	Papankusha Ekadashi	Begins – 09:08 AM, Oct 13 Ends – 06:41 AM, Oct 14
October 28, 2024, Monday	Rama Ekadashi	Begins – 05:23 AM, Oct 27 Ends – 07:50 AM, Oct 28
November 12, 2024, Tuesday	Devutthana Ekadashi	Begins – 06:46 PM, Nov 11 Ends – 04:04 PM, Nov 12
November 26, 2024, Tuesday	Utpanna Ekadashi	Begins – 01:01 AM, Nov 26 Ends – 03:47 AM, Nov 27
December 11, 2024, Wednesday	Mokshada Ekadashi	Begins – 03:42 AM, Dec 11 Ends – 01:09 AM, Dec 12
December 26, 2024, Thursday	Saphala Ekadashi	Begins – 10:29 PM, Dec 25 Ends – 12:43 AM, Dec 27

Meaning of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is the 11th and 26th lunar day according to the Vedic or Hindu Calendar. These days are especially favorable for performing austerities and spiritual activities. According to Hindu texts, Ekadashi is very dear to Lord Vishnu, so it is considered a very auspicious day to fast on Ekadashi.

The root Sanskrit word Eka means One, and Dashi is the feminine form of the word “Dasha,” which means “ten.” The word “Ekadashi” literally means eleven, or in our case, the eleventh day of the rising and falling moon.

“Of all plants, Tulasi is dearer to me, Kartika is dearer to me than all months, my beloved Dwarka is dearer to all places of pilgrimage, and Ekadashi is dearest to me”
Padma Purana
Ekadashi is a significant observance in Hindu culture, emphasizing devotion, spiritual reflection, and self-discipline. The practice of fasting on Ekadashi serves as a means to deepen one’s connection with the divine and strengthen a spiritual resolve.

The significance of Ekadashi extends beyond mere abstinence from food. Ekadashi is about cultivating a heightened awareness of one’s spiritual journey, fostering devotion, and engaging in acts of service and worship. The emphasis on chanting, reading devotional literature, and spending time in the company of fellow devotees underscores the communal aspect of spiritual practice.

Moreover, the correlation between Ekadashi and the human mind, as described in Hindu scriptures, highlights the belief in the auspiciousness of this day for enhancing mental clarity and focus. By observing Ekadashi, individuals seek to harness this heightened state of mind to deepen their spiritual practices and connect with the divine on a deeper level.

Overall, Ekadashi serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual pursuits, cultivate devotion, and nurture inner growth. It’s a time for self-reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual rejuvenation within the framework of Hindu tradition.

Importance of Ekadashi

Why is Ekadashi Important?

Ekadashi holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu culture, with devotees observing fasts and engaging in prayers and spiritual practices dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The narrative of Lord Krishna imparting the significance of Ekadashi to Yudhishthira underscores its importance in Hindu mythology and scripture. Devotees undertake the Ekadashi fast with the aspiration for both material prosperity and spiritual liberation (moksha). By abstaining from food and diverting their focus towards prayers and spiritual pursuits, adherents seek to purify their senses and minds, aligning themselves more closely with the divine.

Ekadashi is seen as a form of penance, a means through which devotees can demonstrate their devotion to God and seek divine blessings. It’s believed that observing Ekadashi fasts can mitigate malefic planetary influences, bring about happiness and peace of mind, foster devotion, and ultimately lead to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

Overall, Ekadashi serves as a powerful spiritual practice for Hindus, offering an opportunity for introspection, purification, and devotion as they strive towards both worldly prosperity and spiritual enlightenment.

History of Ekadashi

The History of Ekadashi

In the Satyuga era, the demon Murdanav threatened humans and Devas greatly, terrorizing them with his cruelty and power. Fearing for their safety, the Devas sought refuge in Lord Vishnu, appealing for his intervention and protection.

Responding to the prayers of the Devas, Lord Vishnu mounted his divine vehicle Garuda and engaged in a fierce battle against Murdanav. For a thousand years, the conflict raged on, with Murdanav unleashing his full might against the divine warrior.

Sensing the need for a change in strategy, Lord Vishnu decided to employ a cunning plan. Feigning exhaustion from the prolonged battle, he retreated to a cave in the Himalayas to rest. Little did Murdanav know that this was part of Lord Vishnu’s divine plan.

As Lord Vishnu rested within the cave, Murdanav stumbled upon him, seizing the opportunity to strike down his seemingly vulnerable foe. However, as Murdanav raised his sword to deliver the fatal blow, a radiant and formidable female figure emerged from Lord Vishnu’s form.

This divine lady, exuding beauty and wielding a sword with grace, challenged Murdanav to a battle. Intrigued and captivated by her presence, Murdanav proposed marriage, only to be met with the condition that he must first defeat her in combat.

Thus commenced a fierce duel between Murdanav and the divine maiden, who would later be named Ekadashi by Lord Vishnu. With her unparalleled strength and skill, Ekadashi emerged victorious, vanquishing the demon and restoring peace and harmony.

Impressed by Ekadashi’s valor and righteousness, Lord Vishnu granted her a boon. Ekadashi, in her wisdom, requested that a sacred observance be instituted wherein people would fast and abstain from grains on the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight. This observance would serve as a means for individuals to exercise self-discipline, control their senses, and draw closer to the divine.

Lord Vishnu, pleased by Ekadashi’s request, agreed to her boon, thereby establishing the Ekadashi Vrat as a sacred practice for devotees to follow. He promised that those who observed the Ekadashi fast with devotion and offered prayers would receive his blessings and protection.

This enchanting tale from the Padma Purana encapsulates the divine interplay between good and evil, the valor of the divine, and the significance of spiritual observances such as Ekadashi in Hindu tradition. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power of devotion, righteousness, and self-discipline in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and divine grace.

Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat

What are the Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat?

The following are the benefits of fasting on Ekadashi:

The Ekadashi fast prevents and cures illnesses and diseases. It has a detoxification effect on the body and cleanses the bowel system.
It helps attract the blessings of Lord Vishnu
It helps to get rid of your past sins
The Ekadashi fast paves the way for spiritual progress
It helps you attain perfection in life
Those who keep the Ekadashi Vrat get a religious bent of mind, wealth, and ultimate salvation.
The Ekadashi fast improves the digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, as well as urinary system.
The Ekadashi fast makes you strong both mentally and physically.

What should we not do on Ekadashi Vrat?

You should not intake salt, oil, grains, and rice
Do not consume any form of non-vegetarian items, such as egg, meat, etc.
Do not consume Masoor, Chana, Shahad (Honey), etc
Do not consume food items from other people
Do not indulge in playing cards
You should not indulge in the sexual act
One should not utter bad things about other people
You should not indulge in anger, hatred, and wrongdoings
You should not intake food in “kanse” utensils

What can you eat during the Ekadashi fast?

You can eat all the fruits such as: Bananas, Apples, Oranges, Mangoes, Cucumber, Radish, Pumpkin, Lemon, Coconut.