In Sanskrit, the word ‘Ekadashi’ refers to the number 11.
This is why the 11th day of every month in the Hindu calendar is
referred to as Ekadashi. Because the Hindu months are split into Shukla Paksha
and Krishna Paksha, meaning the bright fortnight and dark fortnight
respectively, Ekadashi falls twice in every Hindu month. This makes one Hindu
year having 24 Ekadashis in all. These Ekadashis are of utmost importance for
the Hindus, especially those who believe in and worship Lord Vishnu. They
consider this day as auspicious and observe fast.
Why do people observe
fast on Ekadashi?
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu had created a demon
known as ‘Paap Purush’ when the world was being manifested, to personify all
types of sins. He was created to punish all those who would avert from the path
of virtue and justice to the path of evil and sin. Lord Vishnu also created the
Yamlok where all those who sinned
would spend their after-life in, and apologize. Along with this, the Lord also
created Ekadashi as a path to salvation. He announced that those who would
perform the Ekadashi fast would be cleansed of their sins and attain moksha.
What is the
scientific benefit of the Ekadashi fast?
For those who are always looking for scientific reasons to
do everything, here is some good news. The Ekadashi fast also has scientific
benefits for the body. It is believed that the nutrition from our food takes
about 3 to 4 days to be absorbed by the body completely. Taking into account
the gravitational force of the moon and the constant change in its orbital
path, it has been proved that by eating light on Ekadashi, its effect lasts
till new moon or full moon day, when the pressure due to orbital changes of the
moon is at its peak. Therefore, fasting on Ekadashi also safeguards our body.
How to perform the
Ekadashi fast?
Just like in any other fast, food, grains, and cereals are
avoided in the Ekadashi fast too. However, while some people consume food only
once a day, there are others who avoid food altogether. Few devotees also
observe Nirjala Fast that includes
avoiding food and water completely. Devotees wholeheartedly pray to Lord Vishnu
on this day to seek blessings and get rid of past sins.
If you are one who cannot observe fast, but are still
seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu to help get rid of sins, you can perform
the Satyanarayan Puja on any or every Purnima with the help of MakeMyPuja
Pujaris to pay gratitude to the Lord for giving you all the happiness and
success that you have accomplished till date.
Website: https://www.makemypuja.com/
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