What is Ekadashi Vrat?
Ekadashi Fasting Rules: Within the Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi fasting—observed on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle—is honored as a deeply spiritual and highly purifying practice. Known as the crown jewel of all auspicious rituals, Ekadashi is a powerful path to attain moksha (liberation). According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi occurs twice every month—once during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) and once during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha).
Those who observe Ekadashi with full devotion and according to scriptural guidelines are believed to be freed from all sins and ultimately attain Vaikuntha, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu. This faith is rooted in the understanding that Goddess Ekadashi emerged directly from Lord Vishnu’s divine essence, making the observance especially sacred. It is said that on this day, all negative energies, sins, and impurities seek refuge in grains and cereals, especially the five types of staple grains known as Pancha Rabi Shasya (five grains commonly consumed).
Therefore, consuming rice, wheat, or other grains on Ekadashi is discouraged, as it is believed these foods may carry negative spiritual energies that hinder one’s path to self-realization and divine grace.
Observing Ekadashi with sincerity, devotion, and discipline not only purifies the mind and body but also deepens one’s spiritual connection with Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi offers a sacred moment to detach from worldly concerns and focus the mind through devotion, mantra recitation, and spiritual reflection.
Let us now explore the detailed rules and rituals associated with observing Ekadashi Vrat in the most spiritually enriching way.
Accurate Timing for Observing Ekadashi Vrat (Fasting)
In the Madhya-lila section of the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu explains to Sanatan Goswami the immense spiritual importance of observing Ekadashi:
“Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Vamana Dwadashi,
Rama Navami, and Nrisimha Chaturdashi —
On these days, one must renounce material knowledge and engage fully in devotion.
Failing to do so results in spiritual loss, while proper observance brings great bhakti.”
(Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya-lila 24.341–342)
Determining the Right Date for Ekadashi Fasting
In the observance of Ekadashi Vrat, the purity of the tithi (lunar date) is of utmost importance. According to scriptures:
- Ekadashi should not be observed if the Dashami tithi (10th lunar day) continues into the Arunodaya period, which begins around 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise.
- However, if Dwadashi tithi (12th lunar day) begins during the latter part of Ekadashi, the fast is still considered valid and acceptable as per shastra.
To understand the rules and guidelines of Ekadashi Vrat in more detail, one should study Chapters 12 and 13 of the Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa. Following these scriptural instructions ensures one’s devotional path remains firm and spiritually rewarding.
Preparation for Ekadashi Vrat: What to Do on Dashami (The Day Before)
Observing the Ekadashi fast with full devotion and according to scriptural guidelines is essential to attain its spiritual benefits. To ensure the sanctity and success of the Ekadashi Vrat, one must follow certain important practices on the day before — known as Dashami Tithi.
1. Consume Only Pure Vegetarian Food
On Dashami, one should eat only once (ekabhukt) and strictly follow a pure vegetarian diet — ideally from sunrise to sunset. Avoid any kind of non-vegetarian or tamasic food (like onion, garlic, stale food, etc.). It’s best to complete your meal before sunset or, at the latest, by midnight. This ensures that no undigested food remains in the body, which could compromise the sanctity of the fast on Ekadashi.
2. Oral Hygiene Before Sleeping
Before going to bed on Dashami, it is very important to brush your teeth and thoroughly clean your mouth. Make sure there are no food particles left inside the mouth. This small act of cleanliness helps maintain inner purity during the fast and supports the spiritual goal of Ekadashi.
3. Clean Utensils and Maintain Cleanliness
All cooking and eating utensils used on Dashami should be properly washed and cleaned. Nothing used on Dashami should be left unwashed for Ekadashi. Maintaining cleanliness is not just about physical hygiene but also symbolizes mental and spiritual purity — both of which are crucial for a fruitful vrat.
4. Observe Celibacy and Restraint
According to scriptures, one must abstain from marital intimacy and sexual activity on the night of Dashami. Indulgence in such activities is believed to disrupt both mental and physical purity, thus affecting the sacredness of the Ekadashi fast. The core intention of the vrat is to practice sense control and achieve inner discipline. Therefore, observing celibacy from the previous day itself is highly recommended.
Important Precautions to Observe on Ekadashi
Observing the Ekadashi fast (vrat) is considered highly auspicious in Sanatan Dharma. However, to maintain the sanctity and spiritual effectiveness of the vrat, certain precautions should be followed diligently. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind on Ekadashi:
1. Avoid Any Form of Bleeding
Take extra care when preparing fruits or vegetables on Ekadashi to avoid any injuries that might cause bleeding. It is important to prevent bleeding on this day, as even a small cut is thought to lessen the sacredness and effectiveness of the fast. If bleeding happens, the fast may not be regarded as fully observed.
2. Refrain from Using Cosmetics or Toiletries
On this sacred day, it’s recommended not to apply any kind of beauty products or grooming items. This includes:
- Hair and body oil
- Perfume or fragrance
- Soap or shampoo
On Ekadashi, maintaining the natural state of the body by avoiding oils, perfumes, and other grooming products is a way to honor the purity of the day.
3. No Shaving or Grooming Activities
Avoid all grooming tasks such as:
- Cutting hair, nails, beard, or mustache
According to traditional beliefs, these activities are considered impure and should be avoided on this day.
4. Maintain Self-Control and Restraint
To preserve the purity of the vrat, one should avoid:
- Lying, anger, jealousy, or gossip
- Harsh speech and negative thoughts
- Any kind of immoral or indulgent activity
Marital intimacy should also be avoided on this day.
By sincerely following these guidelines, your Ekadashi vrat will become more sacred and spiritually rewarding.
Importance of Ekadashi Fasting
Ekadashi Tithi is considered an extremely sacred and auspicious day in Hinduism, also known as “Haribasar.” It is a special day dedicated to fasting, worshipping Lord Vishnu, and purifying the soul. According to scriptures, if Ekadashi falls immediately after Dashami (the tenth day), it is advised to skip Ekadashi fasting. Also, if Maha Dwadashi (the twelfth day) coincides, then fasting should be observed on Dwadashi instead of Ekadashi.
The primary purpose of observing the Ekadashi fast is to discipline the body and mind, and to progress on the path of spiritual purification. By controlling the five sensory organs, five organs of action, and the mind on this day, devotees observe Ekadashi with devotion and sincerity to receive special blessings from Lord Vishnu. This practice helps in cleansing one’s sins, promoting spiritual growth, and removing obstacles from life.
The main rituals of Ekadashi fasting include maintaining a nirjala (waterless) fast, engaging in devotional singing and bhajans, staying awake throughout the night (Jagaran), and breaking the fast on the following day (Dwadashi) at the appropriate time.
Types of Fasting on Ekadashi
On Ekadashi, fasting is an important spiritual practice. People follow various types of fasting depending on their capacity and tradition. The most common fasting methods can be grouped into four categories: complete abstinence, milk-based fasting, fruit-only fasting, and a flexible fasting option.
- Complete Abstinence (Nirahar):
The vrat is practiced in two forms: one allows water intake (Sajala), while the other, Nirjala, involves complete abstinence from water. The waterless fast is regarded as the most powerful and spiritually beneficial. Those observing Sajala fasting can drink light fluids like herbal sherbets, warm water, or water mixed with lemon juice. - Milk-Based Fast (Dugdhahar):
In this fast, a person may consume milk, usually once or twice during the day, without any cream or additives. Traditionally, pure cow’s milk is considered the healthiest and most nourishing option for sustaining the body during fasting. - Fruit-Only Fast (Phalahar):
This fasting style permits eating fruits and drinking fresh fruit juices. While grapes, raisins, and papaya are recommended for Ekadashi fasting, some fruits like apples preserved with chemicals are better avoided to maintain purity. - Flexible Fast (Anukalp):
For individuals who find strict fasting difficult, this option allows limited consumption of water, milk, fruits, or traditional Panchagavya products. Cooked vegetables (except those prohibited on Ekadashi) can also be eaten after first offering them to the deity as prasadam.
According to Hindu scriptures, consuming water, fruits, milk, clarified butter (ghee), or prescribed medicines during Ekadashi does not invalidate the fast. However, these allowances are meant to support those who may be physically weak or unable to fast completely.
How to Observe Ekadashi Fast and Its Key Rituals
On Ekadashi, rise early before sunrise. After bathing and putting on clean clothes, stand before the altar of your chosen deity at home and chant the Sankalp Mantra to take the Ekadashi vow.
Purity of body and mind holds great significance during Ekadashi observance. On Ekadashi, many observe a nirahar fast, which means complete abstinence from food for the entire day. If you are unable to do a full fast, you should at least avoid consuming the “Five Forbidden Foods” (Pancha-Ravishya). On Ekadashi, it is also permissible to consume fruits and roots. There are four types of Ekadashi fasts, and you may choose to observe any one of them according to your ability.
Ekadashi Resolve Mantra (Sankalp):
Ekadashyang niraharah sthitvaa oham aparehhani
Bhakshami Pundarikaksha sharanam me bhavaachyut.
Main Activities and Night Vigil on Ekadashi
One of the most important parts of observing Ekadashi fast is to remain deeply focused on Lord Vishnu with devotion throughout the day. Offer prayers, sing bhajans, and perform kirtan dedicated to Lord Vishnu with full devotion.
On this special day, it is recommended to keep silence as much as possible and avoid unnecessary conversation with family and others. Spend your time reading the Bhagavad Gita, chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra, studying the significance of Ekadashi, and reciting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. Offer incense (dhup), lamps (deep), flowers (phool), fruits (phal), and other offerings (naivedya) to Lord Vishnu at the appropriate times. Maintaining silence and constant devotion leads to great spiritual benefits.
Additionally, staying awake at night (jagaran) to remember and chant the names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious. For those who cannot stay awake all night, it is recommended to spend as much time as possible in devotional singing and prayer.
Once the Ekadashi fast is completed, remember to break the fast on the next day, known as Dwadashi Tithi, with proper rituals (Ekadashi Parana).
When these sacred rituals are performed with true devotion, the divine blessings and mercy of Lord Vishnu naturally flow into one’s life
Ekadashi Parana Mantras & Ritual Guidelines
Parana (breaking the fast) is a crucial step in completing the Ekadashi Vrat (fast). According to scriptures, the fast should be broken during the Dvadasi Tithi (12th lunar day) after sunrise and within the prescribed time.
- If you observed a Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat (waterless fast), you should break your fast during the Parana time with Charanamrit (holy water offered at the feet of Lord Vishnu).
- If you observed a Phalahar or Anukalp Ekadashi (fruit or light diet fast), break it with Anna Prasad (sanctified food) during the proper Parana time on Dvadasi.
The Ekadashi fast is regarded as truly fulfilled only when Parana is observed at the appropriate time.
If Mahadvadashi coincides, the Ekadashi fast should be observed and broken on that specific day instead.
Mantras to be Recited During Parana (Breaking the Fast)
1. Ekadashi Parana Mantra
Sanskrit:
“Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh! Mama Ekadashyām Upavāsam Paripūrṇam Bhavatu Iti.”
Meaning:
“O Lord Vishnu, the all-pervading one! I have observed the Ekadashi fast. Now, I am breaking the fast. Kindly bless me with the fulfillment of this vow.”
2. Scriptural Mantra for Parana
Sanskrit:
“Punyāham Pārayāmi Vratā Siddhih Bhavatu Iti.”
Meaning:
“I am completing this auspicious vow. May the Lord grant me success in this observance.”
3. Mantra of Offering to Lord Vishnu During Parana
Sanskrit:
“Om Namo Nārāyaṇāya Namah.”
Meaning:
“I bow down to Lord Narayana with reverence.”
4. Mantra Before Eating (Offering Gratitude to Goddess Annapurna)
Sanskrit:
“Annapūrṇe Sadā Pūrṇe Shaṅkara-Prāṇa-Vallabhe,
Jñāna-Vairāgya-Siddhyartham Bhikṣām Dehi Ca Pārvatī.”
Meaning:
“O Goddess Annapurna, the eternal embodiment of nourishment and the beloved of Lord Shiva, please bless me with this sacred offering, so that I may attain wisdom and detachment.”
5. Mantra of Gratitude & Apology After Parana
Sanskrit:
“Kṣāntam Mayā Kṛta Yadakṣaṇatāyā,
Govinda Govinda Hare Mādhava.”
Meaning:
“If I have made any mistakes unknowingly, O Lord Govinda, O Madhava, please forgive me with your compassion.”
The Significance of Charity and Piety on Ekadashi
Charity on Ekadashi:
In Hinduism, Ekadashi is regarded as a sacred occasion, marked not only by fasting and spiritual practices but also by the opportunity to engage in charitable deeds. According to the scriptures, donating food, clothes, or money to the poor, Brahmins, or those in need on the day after Ekadashi (post-Parana) brings immense spiritual merit.
Charity performed on this sacred occasion yields multiplied rewards and ensures blessings not just in this life, but also in future births. It is said to cleanse the soul and attract divine grace. Therefore, after observing the Ekadashi fast, it is highly recommended to give according to one’s capacity. Such selfless giving is a profound way to purify the heart and connect more deeply with the divine.
