What is Ekadashi

"Ekadashi" is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Bhaumasura.

Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her with anyone who observes Ekadashi fast will be freed of their sins and shall attain Moksh.

Ekadashi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of fading and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadashi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna / Uttpatti Ekadashi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.

How to do Ekadashi was actually told to Arjun by Sri Krishna and is found in the Bhavishya Puran and is one of the major eighteen Hindu Puran. Written in Sanskrit, and it is endorsed by Rishi Vyas Ji, the compiler of the Hindu Vedas.

Items needed for Ekadashi Puja and Prayer:

• A picture or murti of Lord Vishnu
• 1 Yellow banana for prasad
• Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
• Little Chandan for tilak
• Few flowers
• ghee and divo

How to do your Ekadashi

• Wake up early in the morning, have a wash / shower
• Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a diva and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves
• Pray with your mind, body and soul strictly focussed on Lord Vishnu
• Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main most importance of this fast

Ekadashi Fasting : Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total self-discipline from food on Ekadashi is rewarded with a Lord Vishnu's Blessings.

Please Note * IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH MATTERS OR ARE TAKING MEDICATIONS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DECIDING ON FASTING.

Do not consume foods made from rice / rice flour and honey on Ekadashi.
Do not apply hair or body oil on the day

What food can be eaten on Ekadashi for those observing partial fast

Those taking partial fast can consume fruits, milk, potatoes, cassava, sweet potatoes, yogurt, Have wash / shower and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Follow the same principals for evening prayers.

Next day morning before finishing your Vrat / fasting. Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu. Prayers for Ekadashi, Reciting or listening to Vishnu Sthothram OR Vishnu Sahasranam.

Nirjala Bheem Ekadashi is on Thursday 16th June 2016

Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most popular and toughest Ekadashi Fasting days. Ekadashi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of a fortnight in a traditional Hindu calendar.

Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandav Bheem Ekadashi fast. The difference from other Ekadashis and Nirjala is that devotees do not drink water or eat anything on this day.

It has stated that, Bheem, the second of Pandava brothers, wanted to fast Ekadashi. However still wanted to eat food. But fasting and eating was not possible Bheem. Rushi Vyas Ji advised him to accept Nirjala Ekadashi fasting which falls during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) in month of Jyeshta (Jeth) as it has the benefits of fasting all the 24 Ekadashi's in the whole year.

Bheem decided to fast this Vrat and received the blessed benefits of all Ekadashi's by accepting and keeping fast on the day Nirjala Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the strictest fast in Hindu religion and among all Ekadashi's.

Nirjala means fasting " without water or food " The fast begins on Ekadashi sunrise and ends on next day (Dwadasi) sunrise.

By fasting Nirjala Ekadashi, it equals to going on pilgrimage. It is believed that after death people whom have kept Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat have received messengers from Vaikunt, home of Lord Sri Vishnu, and not by Lord Yama, the god of death.

Ekadashi Dates :-